Electrode tab scrap collecting device and electrode tab scrap collecting method using same

Abstract

An electrode tab scrap collecting device related to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for collecting scraps generated in a process of manufacturing an electrode tab, the electrode tab scrap collecting device comprising: a negative pressure pump provided to generate negative pressure for suction; a separation unit including a connector connected to the negative pressure pump, an inlet provided to allow scraps to be introduced from the outside, and an outlet provided to discharge separated scraps; a suction pipe which is inserted into the connector and is provided to be connected to the negative pressure pump such that fluid can move therethrough; an inlet pipe in communication with the inlet; and a connection hose inserted into and connected to the inlet pipe and having a moving passage through which external scraps can move.

Description

Electrode tab scrap collection device, electrode tab scrap collection method using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode tab scrap collection device and an electrode tab scrap collection method using the same, and more specifically, to a device capable of efficiently collecting and discharging electrode tab scrap generated in the process of cutting electrode tabs.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0032206, filed March 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Recently, rechargeable secondary batteries have been widely used as a power source for wireless mobile devices. Furthermore, secondary batteries are also attracting attention as a potential energy source for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, which are being proposed as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline and diesel vehicles that use fossil fuels. Consequently, the applications that utilize secondary batteries are diversifying significantly due to their advantages, and it is expected that secondary batteries will be applied to a wider range of fields and products in the future.

[0004] A secondary battery of this type includes an electrode assembly in which electrodes and separators are alternately laminated, and a case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly has a structure in which a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of separators are alternately laminated.

[0005] In addition, the secondary battery includes an electrode manufacturing process for manufacturing electrodes, an electrode assembly assembly process for assembling an electrode assembly by laminating the manufactured electrodes and separators, and a process for manufacturing a secondary battery by accommodating the manufactured electrode assembly in a case.

[0006] Additionally, secondary batteries are composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte. The positive and negative electrodes are each connected to an external circuit through metal components called electrode tabs. The electrode tabs can be attached to the surface of the electrode using an adhesive or formed as an integral part of the electrode. The electrode tabs can be connected to electrode leads protruding from the outside of the secondary battery cell.

[0007] Additionally, the manufacturing process for electrode tabs is as follows. First, the electrode is punched and cut using a slitter to fit the cell specifications. Through this punching, electrode tabs can be formed at the edges of the electrode, or separate electrode tabs can be attached. Additionally, a separate cutter may be provided to shape the electrode tabs.

[0008] Furthermore, defective scrap generated during the punching process and scrap left after cutting can cause environmental pollution and safety hazards. Therefore, it is necessary to collect and dispose of scrap promptly and accurately.

[0009] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal appearance of a general scrap collection device (10).

[0010] Referring to Fig. 1, a conventional electrode tab scrap collection device (10) is composed of a combination of a cyclone (1) and a collection container (2). The cyclone (1) is provided so that scraps (20) are introduced from a scrap generation location (40) through an inlet pipe (6) by suction air from a negative pressure pump (7). The introduced scraps (20) are rotated together with the suction air so that the scraps (20) can be separated from the air flow by the difference between gravity and centrifugal force. The cyclone (1) can discharge the separated scraps (20) into a collection container (2) connected to the bottom through an outlet (9) as they fall by gravity. In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection device (10) is connected to a dust collector (30). Here, the dust collector (30) is a device for collecting dust in the suctioned air. Although these devices perform the function of collecting and discharging scraps (20), they have the following problems.

[0011] First, in the prior art, the hose (8) connected to the scrap generation location was connected so as to wrap around the outer surface of the inlet pipe (6). Because of this, a step was formed at the connection point between the hose (8) and the inlet pipe (6) according to the pipe thickness, which caused problems during the movement of scraps. That is, scraps were caught in this step structure and got caught between the hose (8) and the inlet pipe (6), or got caught inside the inlet pipe (6) and blocked the pipe. This blockage significantly reduced the efficiency of scrap collection because the worker had to manually remove the blocked scraps.

[0012] Second, a phenomenon occurred in which scraps (20) became stuck and blocked in the discharge passage between the cyclone (1) and the collection container (2). This was because the suction pipe (5) inserted into the cyclone (1) was adjacent to the discharge port (9) or had a structure in which the end of the suction pipe (5) was inserted into the discharge port (9). This structure made it easy for scraps (20) to become stuck between the discharge port (9) and the suction pipe (5), and the discharge port (9) frequently became blocked. This blockage of scraps (20) caused a problem in that scrap discharge into the collection container (2) was stopped.

[0013] To solve these problems of the prior art, it is necessary to develop a technology that can smoothly discharge electrode tab scrap by improving the tab scrap collection device.

[0014] The present invention aims to solve problems that occur in the process of discharging and collecting scraps generated during conventional electrode manufacturing.

[0015] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide an electrode tab scrap collection device and an electrode tab scrap collection method in which scraps can smoothly be introduced into a separation unit through an inlet pipe without forming a step structure that interferes with scraps at a connection portion between a connecting hose and an inlet pipe.

[0016] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrode tab scrap collection device, comprising: a negative pressure pump configured to generate negative pressure and suction, a connection port connected to the negative pressure pump, an inlet port configured to allow scraps to be introduced from the outside, and a separation unit configured to discharge separated scraps, a suction pipe inserted into the connection port and connected to the negative pressure pump so as to allow fluid to move, an inlet pipe communicated with the inlet port, and a connection hose inserted into and connected to the inside of the inlet pipe and having a passage through which external scraps can move.

[0017] In addition, the inner diameter of the inlet pipe may be equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the connecting hose. In this structure, the connecting hose may be inserted into the inside of the inlet pipe.

[0018] In addition, the inner diameter of the above-mentioned inlet pipe is provided to be larger than the length of the electrode tab scrap.

[0019] In addition, the connecting hose may be designed such that its inner diameter gradually decreases as it approaches the inlet pipe. For example, the end of the connecting hose may have a structure in which the inner diameter gradually decreases toward the distal end. The connecting hose may include a nozzle designed such that its inner diameter gradually decreases as it approaches the inlet pipe, and the nozzle may be provided at the end of the connecting hose connected to the inlet pipe.

[0020] Additionally, the electrode tab scrap collection device may include a fixing member configured to fix the connecting hose to the inlet pipe.

[0021] The above fixing member may be provided to pressurize and fix each outer surface of the end of the connecting hose and the end of the inlet pipe.

[0022] The above fixing member may include a first cover provided to cover the outer surface of one side of each of the connecting hose and the inlet pipe and having an inner surface corresponding to one side of each of the connecting hose and the inlet pipe, and a second cover provided to be coupled to the first cover and to cover the outer surface of the other side of each of the connecting hose and the inlet pipe and having an inner surface corresponding to the other side of each of the connecting hose and the inlet pipe.

[0023] Additionally, the suction tube may have an inlet through which air is sucked spaced apart from the outlet by a predetermined distance.

[0024] In addition, the separation unit may have a cylindrical body. In addition, the separation unit may be arranged so that scraps rotating by suction of the suction tube inside the cylindrical body collide with the inner surface of the cylindrical body, and the scraps are moved to the discharge port by gravity. The separation unit may suck in and discharge scraps in a cyclone manner.

[0025] Additionally, the cylindrical body of the above separation unit may have a shape in which the diameter decreases in the downward direction.

[0026] Additionally, the separating portion may be provided with a cap portion designed to cover the upper portion of the cylindrical body.

[0027] In addition, the connecting port may be formed in the center of the cap portion, the inlet port may be formed on the side of the cylindrical body, and the outlet port may be formed on the lower part of the cylindrical body.

[0028] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection device may include a cover part connected to the lower part of the separation part and connected to the discharge port, and a collection container that is provided to be coupled to or separated from the cover part.

[0029] Additionally, the electrode tab scrap collection device may include a mounting lever configured to couple or separate the collection bin from the cover portion.

[0030] In addition, the mounting lever may include a handle portion having a bar shape that extends long in both directions and a lever portion having a bar shape that extends long from each end of the handle portion toward the collection bin. The handle portion and the lever portion may be connected to have a “ㄷ” shape.

[0031] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection device may include a frame provided to fix the separator and a mounting guide member coupled to the frame and having a clasp groove.

[0032] Additionally, each side of the collection box may be provided with a hook projection that protrudes outward and is designed to be inserted into the hook groove.

[0033] In addition, the lever portion may be provided with a catch groove into which the catch projection is inserted. Specifically, the lever portion may have one end connected to the handle portion, and the other end may be provided with a catch groove into which the catch projection is inserted.

[0034] In addition, the handle portion may be arranged so that, when moved downward, the lever portion pushes up the hook projection inserted into the hook groove and inserts it into the hook groove.

[0035] The above-mentioned lever part may be provided with a guide protrusion having a shape protruding outward at the end.

[0036] The above-mentioned mounting guide member may have a support member having a horizontally extended shape so that the guide protrusion moves along the outer surface.

[0037] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for collecting electrode tab scrap generated in the process of manufacturing a secondary battery is provided using a scrap collection device including a negative pressure pump, a separator having an inlet formed therein, a suction pipe, a connecting hose, an inlet pipe connected to the inlet, and a collection container.

[0038] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection method may include a suction step of operating the negative pressure pump to suck air through the suction pipe connected to the negative pressure pump so that scraps are introduced into the separation unit from the outside, an inflow step of introducing the scraps into the separation unit through a connecting hose having a moving passage that can move from a place where the scraps are generated and an inlet pipe into which the end of the connecting hose is inserted, and a separation step of introducing internal air into the suction pipe by the air suction of the negative pressure pump and discharging the electrode tab scraps introduced from the outside into a collection container through an outlet of the separation unit.

[0039] The inner diameter of the above inlet pipe may be equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the above connecting hose.

[0040] The above inlet pipe may have an inner diameter greater than the length of the electrode tab scrap.

[0041] As described above, the electrode tab scrap collection device and collection method related to one embodiment of the present invention have the following effects.

[0042] By including an inlet pipe designed to allow the end of the connecting hose to be inserted into the pipe, the problems of the prior art can be solved. That is, the electrode tab scrap collection device of the present invention does not form a stepped structure that interferes with scraps at the connection portion between the connecting hose and the inlet pipe of the prior art, so that scraps can smoothly flow into the separation unit through the inlet pipe.

[0043] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal appearance of a typical scrap collection device.

[0044] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram conceptually illustrating the configurations of a scrap collection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3 is a front view schematically showing the appearance of a scrap collection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal appearance of a scrap collection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 is a side view schematically showing the appearance of a scrap collection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the connection relationship between the inlet pipe and the connecting hose.

[0049] Figure 7 is a bottom view schematically showing the appearance of a fixing member of a scrap collection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are partial schematic diagrams schematically showing some components of a scrap collection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing steps of a scrap collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Hereinafter, an electrode tab scrap collection device and an electrode tab scrap collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0053] In addition, regardless of the drawing symbol, identical or corresponding components are given identical or similar reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted, and for the convenience of explanation, the size and shape of each component depicted may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a scrap collection device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view schematically illustrating the appearance of a scrap collection device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the internal appearance of a scrap collection device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view schematically illustrating the appearance of a scrap collection device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the connection relationship between an inlet pipe (128) and a connection hose (160).

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, an electrode tab scrap collection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a device for collecting scraps generated in the process of manufacturing electrode tabs.

[0056] The electrode tab scrap collection device (100) of the present invention may include a negative pressure pump (110). Here, the negative pressure pump (110) may be configured to generate negative pressure and suction. Specifically, the negative pressure pump (110) may suction and discharge air through a suction opening (not shown) and a discharge opening (not shown) installed inside the pump body.

[0057] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) of the present invention may include a separation unit (120). The separation unit (120) may be provided with a connection port (122) connected to a negative pressure pump (110). In addition, the separation unit (120) may be provided with an inlet (124) provided to allow electrode tab scraps to be introduced from the outside. In addition, the separation unit (120) may be provided with an outlet (126) provided to discharge separated electrode tab scraps.

[0058] In addition, the method by which the scraps introduced into the separation unit (120) are separated is not limited to a specific method, and for example, a method in which scraps are separated by gravity, a separation method using the principle of rotating at different speeds by inertial force, a separation method using magnetic force, etc. can be used.

[0059] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) of the present invention may include a suction pipe (127). The suction pipe (127) may be provided so that fluid can move. The suction pipe (127) may be connected to a negative pressure pump (110) and provided to suck air from a suction port (127a). The suction pipe (127) may be inserted into a connection port (122).

[0060] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) of the present invention may include a connecting hose (160). The connecting hose (160) may be provided with a passage through which scraps can be moved from a scrap generation location to an inlet pipe (128). Here, the scrap generation location refers to a location where electrode tab scraps to be discarded or recycled are generated while shaping an electrode or electrode tab. At this time, the scraps can be moved from the location where the scraps are generated to the inlet pipe (128) by the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure pump (110). The connecting hose (160) may be formed of a durable and flexible material. For example, the connecting hose (160) may be formed of polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), rubber, or the like.

[0061] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) related to one embodiment of the present invention may include an inlet pipe (128). The inlet pipe (128) may be connected to the separator (120) so as to communicate with the inlet port (124). The connection hose (160) may be provided with a nozzle (162) at an end thereof to be inserted into the inside of the inlet pipe (128). The inlet pipe (128) allows scraps to be introduced from a scrap generation location through the connection hose (160). The size of the inner diameter (d1) of the inlet pipe (128) is equal to or larger than the inner diameter (d2) of the connection hose (160).

[0062] Accordingly, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) of the present invention includes an inlet pipe (128) that is connected to the inlet port (124) and is provided so that the end of the connection hose (160) is inserted into the pipe so that the scraps are introduced through the connection hose (160). In this structure, unlike the prior art, a step structure that causes interference with the scraps is not formed at the connection portion between the connection hose (160) and the inlet pipe (128), so that the scraps can smoothly be introduced into the separation unit (120) through the inlet pipe (128). Accordingly, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) of the present invention prevents the phenomenon of clogging occurring during movement to the inlet pipe (128), thereby preventing the process of collecting scraps from being interrupted. As a result, the efficiency of the process of collecting scraps is increased, and when the process of collecting scraps is interrupted due to clogging, the work of the worker to remove the stuck scraps is reduced, so that labor costs can be reduced.

[0063] Additionally, the inner diameter (d1) of the inlet pipe (128) may be larger than the length of the electrode tab scrap. This inlet pipe (128) may prevent the scrap from getting caught between the inner diameters of the pipe. For example, the inner diameter of the inlet pipe (128) may be larger than the length of the longest width portion of the electrode tab scrap.

[0064] In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle (162) of the connecting hose (160) may have a structure in which the inner diameter gradually decreases toward the distal end (162a). The structure in which the inner diameter decreases can minimize the phenomenon of scrap jamming or scrap clogging at the connection portion of the inlet pipe (128) and the connecting hose (160). The outer diameter of the nozzle (162) of the connecting hose (160) may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet pipe (128). That is, the present invention can minimize the phenomenon of scrap jamming or scrap clogging by not forming a step structure that may interfere with the scrap in the movement path of the connection portion of the inlet pipe (128) and the connecting hose (160).

[0065] Figure 7 is a bottom view schematically showing the appearance of a fixing member of a scrap collection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the electrode tab scrap collection device may include a fixing member (170) provided to fix the connecting hose (160) to the inlet pipe (128). The fixing member (170) may be provided to fix the end of the connecting hose (160) while being inserted into the inside of the inlet pipe (128).

[0067] Additionally, the fixing member (170) may be provided to pressurize and fix the outer surfaces of each of the end of the connecting hose (160) and the end of the inlet pipe (128). For example, the fixing member (170) may be a cylindrical bracket whose inner surface can surround the outer surfaces of the connecting hose (160) and the inlet pipe (128).

[0068] Specifically, the fixing member (170) may include a first cover (172) and a second cover (174). The first cover (172) may be provided to cover the outer surface of one side of each of the connecting hose (160) and the inlet pipe (128). As shown in FIG. 6, the first cover (172) may have an inner surface corresponding to one side of each of the connecting hose (160) and the inlet pipe (128). The second cover (174) may be provided to cover the outer surface of the other side of each of the connecting hose (160) and the inlet pipe (128). As shown in FIG. 6, the second cover (174) may have an inner surface corresponding to the other side of each of the connecting hose (160) and the inlet pipe (128). At this time, the first cover (172) and the second cover (174) may be bolted together in a combined state using a fastening bolt (178). For this purpose, a bolt hole (179) may be formed in each of the first cover (172) and the second cover (174).

[0069] In addition, the fixing member (170) may be provided with a pressure fixing portion (176) at the bottom. The pressure fixing portion (176) may be provided to pressure-fix the connection hose (160). For example, the pressure fixing portion (176) may have a ring shape. The pressure fixing portion (176) may be provided with pressure fixing protrusions (177) protruding toward the outer surface of the connection hose (160) on each side of the inner circumferential surface of the ring shape. That is, the pressure fixing portion (176) may firmly fix the connection hose (160) using the pressure fixing protrusions (177).

[0070] In addition, the suction port (127a) through which air is sucked in the suction pipe (127) located inside the separating section (120) may be spaced apart from the discharge port (126) by a predetermined distance. For example, the degree of separation between the suction port (127a) of the suction pipe (127) and the discharge port (126) may be spaced apart by a distance of about 50% to 80% of the total height of the internal space of the separating section (120).

[0071] Accordingly, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) of the present invention includes a suction pipe (127) which is connected to a negative pressure pump (110) and is provided to suck air from a distal end thereof, is inserted into a connection port (122), and has a distal end spaced apart from a discharge port (126) by a predetermined distance. In this structure, it is possible to prevent scraps from being caught between the suction pipe (127) and the discharge port (126) and thus blocking the discharge passage. Accordingly, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) of the present invention can smoothly move to a collection bin (150), and the scrap collection process is not interrupted, thereby increasing process efficiency, and when the collection process is interrupted, the work of a worker removing stuck scraps is reduced, thereby reducing labor costs.

[0072] In addition, the separation unit (120) may use a separation method utilizing centrifugal force. For this purpose, the separation unit (120) may have a cylindrical body (121). The separation unit (120) may cause electrode tab scraps that rotate by suction of a suction pipe (127) inside the cylindrical body (121) to collide with the inner surface (123) of the cylindrical body (121). In addition, the separation unit (120) may be provided so that the scraps are moved to the discharge port (126) by gravity.

[0073] In addition, the cylindrical body (121) of the separation unit (120) may have a shape in which the diameter gradually decreases in the downward direction. The cylindrical body (121) of this shape is advantageous in inducing particles to descend to the bottom of the cylindrical body (121) by gravity while rotating along the inner wall of the cylinder under centrifugal force.

[0074] Additionally, the separation unit (120) may be provided with a cap unit (129) designed to cover the upper portion of the cylindrical body (121). The cap unit (129) may be coupled to the upper portion of the cylindrical body (121). A gasket (not shown) may be provided between the cap unit (129) and the cylindrical body (121) for sealing.

[0075] Additionally, the connection port (122) of the separation portion (120) may be formed in the center of the cap portion (129). The inlet port (124) may be formed on the side of the cylindrical body (121). The outlet port (126) may be formed at the bottom of the cylindrical body (121).

[0076] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) of the present invention may include a collection bin (150).

[0077] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) of the present invention may include a cover part (130). The cover part (130) may be connected to the lower part of the separation part (120). The cover part (130) may be connected to the discharge port (126). That is, the center of the cover part (130) may have an open shape connected to the discharge port (126). The cover part (130) may be provided to cover the upper part of the collection container (150). At this time, the cover part (130) may be provided with a gasket interposed at the joint part of the cover part (130) and the collection container (150) so as to seal the collection container (150).

[0078] The above collection container (150) may be configured to be combined or separated from the cover portion (130). The collection container (150) may have, for example, a cylindrical shape with an open top and a closed bottom.

[0079] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are partial schematic diagrams schematically showing some components of a scrap collection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 8 and 9, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) of the present invention may include a mounting lever (180) provided to couple or separate the collection container (150) from the cover part (130).

[0081] In addition, the mounting lever (180) may include a handle portion (182). The handle portion (182) may have a bar shape that extends long in both directions (X-axis direction). The mounting lever (180) may be provided so that a worker can hold the handle portion (182) by hand and move it up and down.

[0082] In addition, the mounting lever (180) may include a lever portion (184). The lever portion (184) may have a bar shape that extends long from each end of the handle portion (182) toward the collection container (150). That is, the lever portion (184) has a shape that extends long in the Y-axis direction. For example, the downward direction, which is the extension direction of the suction pipe (127) of FIG. 4, may be parallel to the Z-axis direction. For example, the insertion direction in which the inlet pipe (128) of FIG. 5 is inserted into the inlet (124) may be parallel to the Y-axis direction. In addition, the X-axis direction of FIG. 5 may be a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the Z-axis and the Y-axis.

[0083] Additionally, a hook projection (152) protruding outwardly may be provided on each side of the X-axis direction of the collection container (150). A cylindrical head having a larger diameter than the extended body may be provided at the end of the hook projection (152) in the protruding direction.

[0084] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection device (100) may include a frame (140) provided to fix the separating part (120). The frame (140) may include a first pillar part (141) and a second pillar part (143). The frame (140) may be provided with a connecting part (142) provided to be connected to the separating part (120). A support part (144) may be formed at the lower portion of the frame (140). The support part (144) may be provided with a moving wheel (146) at the lower portion. The collection device (100) is movable by the moving wheel (146).

[0085] In addition, the scrap collection device (100) may include a mounting guide member (190). For example, the mounting guide member (190) may be provided to be bolted to the frame (140) using a fastening bolt. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the mounting guide member (190) may be provided to be coupled to each of the first pillar portion (141) and the second pillar portion (143) of the frame (140). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the mounting guide member (190) may be provided with a catch groove portion (192). The catch groove portion (192) may be formed with an insertion groove (196) into which a catch protrusion (152) is inserted. The cylindrical head of the catch protrusion (152) may be provided to be inserted into the insertion groove (196).

[0086] In addition, the lever part (184) may be connected at one end to the handle part (182). The lever part (184) may have a catch groove (186) formed at the other end into which a catch projection (152) is inserted. In addition, as an example, when the handle part (182) is moved downward, the catch projection (152) inserted into the catch groove (186) of the lever part (184) may be inserted into the insertion groove (196) of the latch groove part (192). That is, when the worker lowers the handle part (182), the catch projection (152) inserted into the catch groove (186) of the lever part (184) may be lifted upward so that the catch projection (152) may be inserted into the insertion groove (196) of the latch groove part (192).

[0087] In this structure, referring to FIG. 5, when the handle part (182) is moved downward, the collection container (150) rises toward the cover part (130), and the collection container (150) can be mounted on the cover part (130). Thereafter, when the electrode scrap collected in the collection container (150) is to be emptied, the handle part (182) can be moved upward. At this time, the collection container (150) is separated from the cover part (130) and lowered, and the collection container (150) can be removed from the outside of the device.

[0088] In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the lever portion (184) may be provided with a guide protrusion (188). The lever portion (184) may be provided with a guide protrusion (188) having a shape that protrudes outward at an end. The guide protrusion (188) may be arranged to move along the outer surface of the support (194) according to the movement of the handle portion (182). The guide protrusion (188) may be provided with a cylindrical head having a larger diameter than the body extended at the end in the protruding direction.

[0089] In addition, the mounting guide member (190) may be provided with a support member (194) that is extended horizontally so that the guide protrusion (188) moves along the outer surface. For example, the mounting guide member (190) may be provided with a support member (194) that protrudes long in the opposite direction (Y-axis direction) to the direction in which the lever member (184) is inserted.

[0090] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing steps (M01, M02, M03) of a scrap collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 and 10, a method for collecting electrode tab scrap according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for collecting electrode tab scrap generated in the process of manufacturing a secondary battery using a scrap collection device (100) including a negative pressure pump (110), a suction pipe (127) having an inlet (124), a separator (120), a connecting hose (160), an inlet pipe (128) connected to the inlet (124), and a collection container (150).

[0092] Additionally, the electrode tab scrap collection method may include a suction step (M01). Specifically, the suction step (M01) may operate a negative pressure pump (110) to draw in scraps from the outside into the separator (120) and suck in air through a suction pipe (127) connected to the negative pressure pump (110).

[0093] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection method may include an inflow step (M02). Specifically, the inflow step (M02) is a step in which scraps are introduced into the separation unit (120) through a connecting hose (160) having a moving passageway that can move from a scrap generation location and an inlet pipe (128) into which an end of the connecting hose (160) is inserted.

[0094] In addition, the electrode tab scrap collection method may include a separation step (M03). Specifically, the separation step (M03) may be such that air introduced while moving by the air suction of the negative pressure pump (110) may be introduced into the suction pipe (127). In the suction step (M01), the electrode tab scrap introduced from the outside may be discharged into the collection container (150) through the discharge port (126) of the separation unit (120).

[0095] Accordingly, the electrode tab scrap collection method of the present invention can solve the problems of the prior art by including an inflow step (M02) in which the scraps are introduced into the separation unit (120) through the inflow pipe (128) into which the end of the connection hose (160) is inserted. That is, since a step structure that causes interference with the scraps is not formed at the connection portion between the connection hose (160) and the inflow pipe (128) of the prior art, the scraps can smoothly be introduced into the separation unit (120) along the inflow pipe (128). Accordingly, the electrode tab scrap collection method of the present invention can prevent the scrap collection process from being interrupted because the blockage phenomenon that occurs during movement to the inflow pipe (128) does not occur. Accordingly, the efficiency of the collection process can be increased, and when the collection process is interrupted, the work of the worker removing the stuck scraps can be reduced, thereby reducing labor costs.

[0096] 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.

[0097] According to an electrode tab scrap collection device and collection method related to one embodiment of the present invention, scraps can be smoothly introduced into a separation unit through an inlet pipe.

Claims

1. A device for collecting scraps generated during the process of manufacturing electrode tabs. A negative pressure pump designed to generate negative pressure and suction; A separation unit including a connection port connected to the negative pressure pump, an inlet port provided to allow scraps to be introduced from the outside, and an outlet port provided to discharge separated scraps; A suction pipe inserted into the above connecting port and provided to be connected to the negative pressure pump so that fluid can move; An inlet pipe connected to the above inlet; and An electrode tab scrap collection device including a connecting hose inserted into and connected to the inside of the above-mentioned inlet pipe and having a passage through which external scraps can move.

2. In paragraph 1, The above inlet pipe is an electrode tab scrap collection device having an inner diameter of the pipe equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the connecting hose.

3. In paragraph 1, The above inlet pipe is an electrode tab scrap collection device having an inner diameter larger than the length of the electrode tab scrap.

4. In paragraph 1, The above connecting hose is an electrode tab scrap collection device designed so that the inner diameter becomes smaller in the direction of approaching the inlet pipe.

5. In paragraph 1, An electrode tab scrap collection device further comprising a fixing member configured to fix the above connecting hose to the above inlet pipe.

6. In paragraph 1, The above suction tube is an electrode tab scrap collection device in which an intake port through which air is sucked is spaced apart from the exhaust port by a predetermined distance.

7. In paragraph 1, The above separation part, An electrode tab scrap collection device having a cylindrical body, wherein scraps rotating by suction of the suction tube inside the cylindrical body collide with the inner surface of the cylindrical body, and the scraps are moved to the discharge port by gravity.

8. In paragraph 7, An electrode tab scrap collection device having a cylindrical body of the above separation section having a shape in which the diameter decreases in a downward direction.

9. In paragraph 8, The above separation part has a cap part provided to cover the upper part of the cylindrical body, The above connecting portion is formed in the center of the cap portion, The above inlet is formed on the side of the cylindrical body, The above discharge port is an electrode tab scrap collection device formed at the lower part of the cylindrical body.

10. In paragraph 1, A cover part connected to the lower part of the above separation part and connected to the discharge port; and An electrode tab scrap collection device further comprising a collection container that can be combined or separated from the above cover.

11. In paragraph 10, An electrode tab scrap collection device further comprising a mounting lever configured to couple or separate the above collection container to or from the cover portion.

12. In paragraph 11, The above mounting lever has a handle having a bar shape extending in both directions; and An electrode tab scrap collection device including a lever portion having a bar shape extending long from each end of the handle portion toward a collection bin.

13. In paragraph 12, a frame provided to fix the separation unit; and It further includes a mounting guide member coupled to the above frame and having a clasp groove; An electrode tab scrap collection device having a hook projection protruding outward on each side of the above collection container and configured to be inserted into the hook groove.

14. In paragraph 13, An electrode tab scrap collection device having a catch groove formed in the fulcrum into which the catch projection is inserted.

15. In paragraph 14, An electrode tab scrap collection device in which, when the handle part is moved downward, the lever part pushes up the hook projection inserted into the hook groove and inserts it into the hook groove.

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