Notching tab scrap suction apparatus

Abstract

A notching tab scrap suction device is disclosed. The notching tab scrap suction device may comprise: a notching tab processing unit that processes a notching tab portion by cutting an uncoated portion provided on one widthwise side of an electrode traveling along a longitudinal direction; a first roll provided below the notching tab processing unit, along which an electrode and a scrap traveling downward from the notching tab processing unit come into contact with a lower circumferential surface, thereby changing the traveling direction of the electrode and the scrap to a first direction; a second roll provided on the first direction side from the first roll, along which an electrode and scrap traveling in the first direction from the first roll come into contact with an upper circumferential surface, thereby changing the traveling direction of the electrode and the scrap to a second direction; and a suction unit disposed on the second direction side from the second roll, and disposed below the electrode traveling in the second direction.

Description

Notching tab scrap suction device

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0066762, dated May 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a notching tab scrap suction device that can prevent vibration of a non-conductive part due to scrap, prevent snagging and bending of a notching tab part, and reduce the electrode failure rate.

[0003] Secondary batteries typically contain a cathode, anode, and an electrolyte, and generate electrical energy through chemical reactions. Their use is steadily increasing due to their ability to be recharged and discharged. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries boast a high energy density per unit weight, making them widely used as power sources for electronic communication devices and as power sources for high-power hybrid and electric vehicles.

[0004] In terms of secondary battery form factor, demand is growing for square and pouch-type secondary batteries, which can be applied to products such as mobile phones due to their thin thickness. Regarding secondary battery materials, demand is also growing for lithium secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries, which boast high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0005] In terms of secondary battery form factor, demand is growing for square and pouch-type secondary batteries, which can be applied to products such as mobile phones due to their thin thickness. Regarding secondary battery materials, demand is also growing for lithium secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries, which boast high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0006] Currently, the types of secondary batteries widely used include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a number of battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack and the electrical connection type can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0007] Meanwhile, cylindrical, square, and pouch-shaped battery cells are known as types of unit secondary battery cells. In the case of a cylindrical battery cell, an insulator separator is interposed between opposing electrodes (anode and cathode), and this is rolled into a cylindrical shape to form a jelly-roll-shaped electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is inserted into the battery can, and a disc-shaped upper insulating member is attached to the upper side of the electrode assembly.

[0008] The electrodes of the above electrode assembly are manufactured through a coating process, a slitting process, a notching process, etc.

[0009] In the coating process, an active material is applied to the surface of the current collector and then pressed. The active material applied to the current collector is dried at high temperatures, forming an electrode sheet. The electrode sheet can be formed to a width several to several tens of times the electrode width.

[0010] In the slitting process, the electrode sheet is cut at regular intervals in the width direction while being aligned in the length direction to manufacture a plurality of electrodes. The electrode includes a holding portion (11) on which an active material is applied, and a non-coated portion (12) on which no active material is applied to the surface. The non-coated portion (12) has a significantly narrower width than the non-coated portion (12). The non-coated portion (12) may be formed in a stripe shape on one or the other width direction side of the electrode. Since a plurality of electrodes are manufactured simultaneously by cutting a wide electrode sheet in the width direction, the manufacturing time of the electrodes can be shortened.

[0011] In the notching process, a sawtooth-shaped tab is formed on the uncoated portion of the electrode. The tab can be formed by a laser in the laser notching portion. During the process of forming the tab on the uncoated portion, scrap is generated. The scrap is the portion removed from the uncoated portion and is formed lengthwise along the length of the electrode. The electrode and scrap are transported by multiple transport rolls. A vacuum suction hood is positioned below the laser notching portion to collect the scrap cut from the uncoated portion using vacuum suction.

[0012] However, since the conventional vacuum suction hood is positioned below the laser notching section, the vacuum suction force of the vacuum suction hood is directly applied to the scrap below the laser notching section. When the scrap vibrates due to the vacuum suction force, the vibration of the scrap is transmitted to the electrode. If the non-coated section of the electrode vibrates slightly due to the vibration of the scrap, the laser irradiation position may shake or change in the non-coated section, which may cause processing defects in the notching section.

[0013] In addition, since the suction end of the vacuum suction hood is arranged at an angle with respect to the transport direction of the electrode, electrode failure may occur as the tab gets caught on or bends at the suction end of the vacuum suction hood while the electrode is being transported.

[0014] In addition, in order to prevent the tab portion of the electrode from getting caught on the suction end of the vacuum suction hood, the vacuum suction hood may be placed at an angle with respect to the direction of gravity. In this case, when the scrap is sucked into the vacuum suction hood, it may get caught on the inner side of the vacuum suction hood, causing the vacuum suction hood to become clogged. If the vacuum suction hood becomes clogged and the scrap cannot be discharged through the vacuum suction hood, the notching process may be stopped.

[0015] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 2023-0094433 (published on June 28, 2023, title: Laser notching device capable of recovering scrap).

[0016] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problem, and its purpose is to provide a notching tab scrap suction device that can prevent vibration of a scrap portion near a suction portion from being transmitted to an electrode portion of a notching tab processing portion.

[0017] The present invention aims to provide a notching tab scrap suction device capable of offsetting vibrations transmitted to scrap by a second roll and a first roll.

[0018] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a notching tab scrap suction device that can prevent the notching tab portion of an electrode from interfering with or being caught in the suction end of a suction portion and being bent.

[0019] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a notching tab scrap suction device that can suck scrap into a suction unit along the direction of gravity and prevent the inside of the suction unit from being blocked by scrap.

[0020] The technical objectives of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0021] The present invention provides a scrap suction device.

[0022] The above scrap suction device has a suction unit. The suction unit sucks up scrap generated by cutting the non-conductive portion of the electrode.

[0023] The above scrap suction device may be provided with a tab processing unit that cuts scrap from a non-woven portion provided on one side of a widthwise direction of an electrode running along a lengthwise direction and processes a tab on the non-woven portion.

[0024] The scrap suction device includes a first roll that is spaced apart from the tab processing section in the direction of travel of the electrode and rotates in a first rotational direction to change the direction of travel of the electrode and the scrap.

[0025] The above electrode and scrap can travel in the first direction after passing through the first roll.

[0026] The scrap suction device of the present invention for solving the above-described problem comprises a second roll that is spaced apart from the first roll in the direction of travel of the electrode and rotates in a second rotational direction to change the direction of travel of the electrode and scrap.

[0027] The above electrode and scrap can travel in the second direction after passing through the second roll.

[0028] The above suction unit is spaced apart from the second roll in the direction of travel of the electrode, and sucks up scrap that has traveled past the second roll.

[0029] Accordingly, the vibration of the scrap generated by the suction unit can be sufficiently alleviated when it comes into contact with the second roll. Furthermore, the vibration of the scrap that is not completely alleviated by the second roll is reliably absorbed by the first roll, which comes into contact with the scrap in a state of greater tension than the degree to which the scrap comes into contact with the second roll, thereby reliably preventing the vibration of the scrap from being transmitted to the tapping unit.

[0030] The inclination of the electrode in the direction of travel between the first and second rolls may be gentler than the inclination of the electrode in the direction of travel between the tab processing section and the first roll. Accordingly, the scrap can be brought into contact with the first roll in a more tense state than with the second roll.

[0031] Preferably, the first and second rotational directions may be opposite to each other. Accordingly, the central angle of the section where the electrode and the scrap contact the first roll can be further secured.

[0032] Preferably, the first roll is arranged below the tab processing section, and the electrode and scrap can run while contacting at least a portion of the lower circumferential surface of the first roll.

[0033] Preferably, the electrode and the scrap can run in contact with at least a portion of the upper circumferential surface of the second roll.

[0034] Preferably, the electrode and scrap can travel in the first direction between the first roll and the second roll.

[0035] Preferably, the first direction may be upward. Accordingly, the electrode, which continues to travel after the second roll, can travel while being firmly tensioned by the first roll, and the scrap entering the suction section after the second roll can be traveled independently of the electrode by the first roll.

[0036] Preferably, the height of the upper portion of the second roll may be formed higher than the height of the lower portion of the first roll. Accordingly, the first direction may be made to be upward.

[0037] Preferably, the height of the upper portion of the second roll may be formed lower than the height of the rotation center of the first roll. Accordingly, the upward slope in the first direction may be set to be not too steep but rather gentle and close to horizontal, thereby enabling the scrap sucked into the suction unit after the second roll to travel smoothly.

[0038] Preferably, the diameter of the first roll may be formed to be larger than that of the second roll. Accordingly, the center angle of the section where the electrode and scrap are wound can be set to be larger in the first roll than in the second roll, thereby allowing the electrode and scrap to travel at a larger radius. This prevents the scrap from undergoing plastic deformation as it passes through the first roll, thereby ensuring smooth travel of the scrap, which is subject to relatively small tension.

[0039] Preferably, the tab processing section can contact the first surface of the electrode and guide the movement of the electrode, and the first roll can contact the first surface and guide the movement of the electrode.

[0040] Preferably, the second roll is in contact with the second surface of the electrode opposite to the first surface and can guide the movement of the electrode.

[0041] Additionally, the scrap suction device may further include a scrap guide that extends between the tab processing section and the second roll along the traveling direction of the electrode, is disposed on the opposite side of the first roll with the electrode interposed therebetween, and faces the second surface of the scrap.

[0042] Preferably, the scrap guide may have a first section extending obliquely downward from the lower portion of the tab processing section, a second section passing through the lower portion of the first roll, and a third section extending from the lower portion of the first roll to the vicinity of the second roll.

[0043] Preferably, the slope of the third section may be formed to be steeper than the slope in the first direction, which is the direction of travel of the electrode, between the first and second rolls. Accordingly, even if the scrap with low tension sags between the first and second rolls, the scrap guide can smoothly guide the direction of travel of the scrap.

[0044] Preferably, the third section may be positioned at a position lower than the height of the upper end of the second roll and higher than the height of the lower end of the second roll. Accordingly, the slope of the third section of the scrap guide may be formed to be steeper but gentler than the slope in the second direction, thereby guiding the direction of travel of the scrap more smoothly.

[0045] Preferably, the suction unit may be arranged such that the suction end of the suction unit is parallel to the direction of travel of the electrode facing it. Accordingly, vibration applied to the electrode and scrap by the suction unit can be suppressed.

[0046] Preferably, the suction portion may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the driving direction of the electrode, or may extend in a vertical direction.

[0047] Preferably, the device further includes a third roll spaced apart from the second roll in the direction of travel of the electrode, and the suction unit may be disposed between the second roll and the third roll in the direction of travel of the electrode.

[0048] Preferably, the second direction, which is the direction of travel of the electrode, may be downward between the second roll and the third roll. Accordingly, the scrap can be stably introduced into the suction unit.

[0049] Preferably, the slope in the first direction, which is the direction of travel of the electrode, between the first roll and the second roll may be steeper than the slope in the second direction, which is the direction of travel of the electrode, between the second roll and the third roll.

[0050] Accordingly, the electrode can be suppressed from vibrating due to suction of the suction unit by making the second direction more gently downward than the direction in which the scrap enters the suction unit, and the center angle of the section in which the electrode is wound around the second roll can be secured to prevent the vibration of the electrode generated by the suction unit from being transmitted further upstream than the second roll along the electrode.

[0051] From another perspective, in order to solve the above-described problem, the notching tab scrap suction device according to the present invention may include: a notching tab processing unit that processes a notching tab by cutting a non-woven portion provided on one widthwise side of an electrode running in the longitudinal direction; a first roll provided below the notching tab processing unit, along which an electrode and scrap running downward from the notching tab processing unit come into contact with a lower circumferential surface, thereby changing the running direction of the electrode and scrap to a first direction; a second roll provided on the first direction side from the first roll, along which an electrode and scrap running in the first direction from the first roll come into contact with an upper circumferential surface, thereby changing the running direction of the electrode and scrap to a second direction; and a suction unit disposed on the second direction side from the second roll, and disposed below the electrode running in the second direction.

[0052] The suction end of the above suction unit can be formed parallel to the electrode running in the second direction.

[0053] A third roll is disposed at a lower position than the second roll on the second direction side of the second roll; and the suction end of the suction unit may be formed in an inclined shape so that the second roll side is higher than the third roll side.

[0054] The slope in the first direction can be formed to be greater than the slope in the second direction.

[0055] The height of the upper part of the second roll may be formed higher than the height of the lower part of the first roll.

[0056] The height of the upper part of the second roll may be formed lower than the height of the rotation center of the first roll.

[0057] The diameter of the first roll may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the second roll.

[0058] The above notching tab scrap suction device may further include a scrap guide having a first section extending obliquely downward from the lower portion of the notching tab processing section, a second section passing through the lower portion of the first roll, and a third section extending from the lower portion of the first roll to the vicinity of the second roll.

[0059] The slope of the third section may be formed to be greater than the slope of the first direction.

[0060] The third section may be positioned at a position lower than the height of the upper portion of the second roll and higher than the height of the lower portion of the second roll.

[0061] According to the present invention, since the suction part is positioned at a distance from the lower portion of the notching tap processing part, vibration of the scrap part near the suction part can be prevented from being transmitted to the electrode part of the notching tap processing part.

[0062] According to the present invention, since the first roll and the second roll are arranged in a section between the notching tab processing section where separation of the scrap begins and the suction section where vibration of the scrap is generated, the vibration transmitted to the scrap can be offset when the second roll and the first roll come into contact with the scrap.

[0063] According to the present invention, since the non-contact section and the contact section are alternately repeated in the reverse direction of the scrap, the vibration of the scrap can be offset step by step and section by section while being transmitted from the suction section to the notching tap processing section.

[0064] According to the present invention, the vibration of the scrap can be transmitted along the reverse direction of the scrap, but since the direction of the scrap's travel is different for each section, the vibration canceling ability of the scrap can be further improved.

[0065] According to the present invention, since the suction unit sucks and collects scrap from the downstream side of the second roll while the electrode is pulled taut by the first and second rolls, the notched tab portion of the electrode can be prevented from interfering with or being caught in the suction end of the suction unit and being bent.

[0066] According to the present invention, since the suction end of the suction unit is arranged parallel to the electrode, the suction unit can be erected parallel to the direction of gravity. In addition, as the suction unit is erected, scrap is drawn into the suction unit along the direction of gravity by the vacuum suction force, thereby preventing the interior of the suction unit from being clogged by scrap.

[0067] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0068] Figure 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an electrode according to the present invention.

[0069] Figure 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a state in which a notched tab portion is formed as the bare portion of the electrode according to the present invention is cut by a laser.

[0070] Figure 3 is a side view schematically illustrating a notching tab scrap suction device according to the present invention.

[0071] Fig. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which scrap is vacuum-sucked into the suction section in the notching tab scrap suction device of Fig. 3.

[0072] Fig. 5 is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which the first roll and the second roll are installed in the notching tab scrap suction device of Fig. 3.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating another embodiment of a suction portion in a notching tab scrap suction device according to the present invention.

[0074] [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10: Electrode 11: Maintenance part 12: Non-working part 13: Notching tab part 13a: Notching tab 15: Scrap 100: Notching tab scrap suction device 110: Notching tab processing part 111: Laser 120: First roll 122: Pressing roll 123: Pressing drive part 130: Second roll 140: Third roll 150: Suction part 152: Suction end 160: Scrap guide 161: First section 162: Second section 163: Third section T1: First direction T2: Second direction θ: Inclination angle of suction end

[0076] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms and with various modifications. However, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substitutions or additions of the components of one embodiment with those of another embodiment.

[0078] The attached drawings are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, but should be understood to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the components may be expressed in exaggerated sizes or thicknesses for ease of understanding, but the scope of protection of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereby.

[0079] The terminology used in this specification is only used to describe specific implementations or examples and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the specification, terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification. In other words, it should be understood that terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" in the specification do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0080] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0081] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0082] When a component is referred to as being "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only positioned directly above that other component, but that there may also be other components present in between.

[0083] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0084] Hereinafter, a notching tab scrap suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0085] Fig. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an electrode according to the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a state in which a notched tab portion is formed as a non-coated portion of an electrode according to the present invention is cut by a laser.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrode (10) of the secondary battery includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive electrode is formed by coating a positive electrode active material on the inner surface and outer surface of a positive electrode current collector. In addition, the negative electrode is formed by coating a negative electrode active material on the inner surface and outer surface of a negative electrode current collector. A separator is laminated between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a separator is laminated on the outer surface of the negative electrode. The separator prevents the positive electrode and the negative electrode from being electrically connected.

[0087] The above-described positive electrode current collector may be formed with a thickness of, for example, 3 to 500 μm. The positive electrode current collector is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive and does not cause chemical changes in the battery. For example, the positive electrode current collector may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or aluminum or stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The electrode current collector may also form fine irregularities on its surface to increase the adhesion of the positive electrode active material. The positive electrode current collector may be formed in various forms, such as a film, sheet, foil, net, porous body, foam, or non-woven fabric.

[0088] The negative electrode is manufactured by applying and drying negative electrode active material particles on a negative electrode current collector, and, if necessary, may further include components such as the conductive material, binder, solvent, etc. described above.

[0089] The above-described negative electrode current collector has a thickness of, for example, 3 to 500 μm. The negative electrode current collector is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive and does not cause a chemical change in the battery. For example, the negative electrode current collector may be made of copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, copper or stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc., an aluminum-cadmium alloy, etc. In addition, the negative electrode current collector may form fine irregularities on the surface to strengthen the bonding strength of the negative electrode active material, and may be used in various forms such as a film, sheet, foil, net, porous body, foam, or non-woven fabric.

[0090] The positive electrode may include a positive electrode holding portion (11) coated with a positive electrode active material, and a positive electrode non-coated portion (12) on one side of the width direction of the positive electrode where the positive electrode active material is not coated. In addition, the negative electrode may include a negative electrode holding portion (11) coated with a negative electrode active material, and a negative electrode non-coated portion (12) on one side of the width direction of the negative electrode where the negative electrode active material is not coated.

[0091] The membrane comprises a porous polymer substrate and a porous coating layer. The polymer substrate is positioned on both sides of the porous polymer substrate. The porous coating layer comprises inorganic particles and a binder polymer.

[0092] The separator may have a thickness of 1 to 100 μm or 5 to 50 μm. If the thickness of the separator is less than 1 μm, the function of the separator may not be fully realized and the mechanical properties may deteriorate. If the thickness exceeds 100 μm, the battery properties may deteriorate during high-rate charge / discharge. In addition, the separator may have a porosity of 40 to 60% and a breathability of 150 to 300 sec / 100 mL.

[0093] The porous polymer substrate of the membrane can be made of polyethylene or polypropylene. Additionally, coating materials of the Al oxide or Si oxide series can be used as inorganic particles in the porous coating layer.

[0094] The electrode (10) can be formed to have a width of approximately 100 mm or more for mass production. The electrode (10) can be manufactured by running the current collector in the longitudinal direction. The electrode (10) includes a holding portion (11) and a second non-holding portion (12).

[0095] The retention portion (11) refers to a coating region where an active material is coated on the surface of the current collector. When a positive active material is coated on the coating region of the current collector, it is called a positive retention portion (11), and when a negative active material is coated on the coating region of the current collector, it is called a negative retention portion (11). The retention portion (11) may be formed in a plurality of rows in the longitudinal direction of the current collector and in at least two rows in the width direction. A plurality of retention portions (11) may be coated in a matrix form on the current collector. The width of the retention portion (11) is formed to be narrower than the width of the current collector.

[0096] The non-coated portion (12) is formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the current collector at one end in the width direction of the current collector, and is an area where the active material is not coated on the surface of the current collector. The non-coated portion (12) may be formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrode (10). The non-coated portion (12) may be formed on one or both sides in the width direction of the holding portion (11). The width of the non-coated portion (12) may be determined by the size of the holding portion (11), the volume and capacity of the electrode assembly, etc.

[0097] The retaining portion (11) and the non-retaining portion (12) can be formed on the collector while the collector is moving. The retaining portion (11) can be formed in a continuous stripe shape while the collector is moving in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the retaining portions (11) can be spaced apart at regular intervals while the collector is moving in the longitudinal direction, and the non-retaining portions (12) can be arranged between the retaining portions (11).

[0098] A notched tab portion (13) is formed in the plain portion (12). The notched tab portion (13) can be formed by cutting the plain portion (12) of the electrode (10) running along the longitudinal direction. The notched tab portion (13) can be formed in a sawtooth shape. The notched tab portion (13) can be formed of a plurality of notched tabs (13a). The plurality of notched tabs (13a) can be formed with the same size along the longitudinal direction of the electrode (10) or can be formed with different sizes. As the notched tab portion (13) is processed in the plain portion (12), scrap (15) can be generated. The scrap (15) can run together with the electrode (10).

[0099] FIG. 3 is a side view schematically illustrating a notching tab scrap suction device according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which scrap is vacuum-sucked into a suction unit in the notching tab scrap suction device of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which a first roll and a second roll are installed in the notching tab scrap suction device of FIG. 3.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a notching tab scrap suction device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a notching tab processing unit (110), a first roll (120), a second roll (130), and a suction unit (150). The notching tab scrap suction device (100) is applied to a notching process of forming a notching tab unit (13) on an electrode (10).

[0101] The notching tap processing unit (110) can process the notching tap portion (13) by cutting the uncut portion (12) provided on one side of the width direction of the electrode (10) that runs along the longitudinal direction. The notching tap processing unit (110) cuts the uncut portion (12) of the electrode (10) by irradiating a laser (111) onto the uncut portion (12) of the electrode (10). As the uncut portion (12) is cut, scrap (15) is generated. The scrap (15) can run together with the electrode (10) while being connected to the uncut area of ​​the uncut portion (12). The scrap (15) can be recovered from the running path of the electrode (10) by being sucked into the suction unit (150).

[0102] The first roll (120) is provided at the lower portion of the notching tap processing section (110), and the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) running downward from the notching tap processing section (110) run while contacting the lower circumferential surface, so that the running direction of the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) can be changed to the first direction (T1). The electrode (10) runs along the first direction (T1) in the section (L) between the first roll (120) and the second roll (130). The notching tap processing section (110) runs the electrode (10) downward, and the first roll (120) can run the electrode (10) laterally. A pressure roll (122) is installed near the first roll (120) to press the electrode (10) when the electrode (10) initially enters the first roll (120) so as to bring it into close contact with the first roll (120). The pressure roll (122) can be installed to be reciprocally movable toward and opposite to the first roll (120) by a cylinder (123). The pressure roll (122) can be positioned below the rotation center of the first roll (120).

[0103] The second roll (130) is provided on the first direction (T1) side from the first roll (120), and the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) that run in the first direction (T1) from the first roll (120) run while contacting the upper circumferential surface, so that the running direction of the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) can be changed to the second direction (T2). The electrode (10) runs along the second direction (T2) in the section between the second roll (130) and the third roll (140).

[0104] The suction unit (150) is arranged on the second direction (T2) side from the second roll (130) and may be arranged under the electrode (10) that runs in the second direction (T2). At this time, the suction unit (150) may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the electrode (10) in the section between the second roll (130) and the third roll (140). A vacuum device (not shown) may be connected to the suction unit (150) to form a vacuum suction force in the suction unit (150). The suction unit (150) sucks the scrap (15) that runs together with the electrode (10) and collects it on the movement path of the electrode (10).

[0105] Since the above suction part (150) is not positioned vertically below the notching tab processing part (110) where the scrap (15) is separated from the blank part (12), but is positioned on the driving exit side of the second roll (130), the scrap (15) can be sucked and collected by the suction part (150) after passing through the first roll (120) and the second roll (130).

[0106] Accordingly, the suction part (150) is positioned at a distance from the lower side of the notching tap processing part (110), so that vibration of the scrap part near the suction part (150) can be prevented from being transmitted to the electrode part (non-stick part) of the notching tap processing part (110).

[0107] In addition, since the first roll (120) and the second roll (130) are arranged in the section (L) between the notching tap processing section (110) where separation of the scrap (15) begins and the suction section (150) where vibration of the scrap (15) is generated, the vibration transmitted to the scrap (15) can be offset when the second roll (130) and the first roll (120) come into contact with the scrap (15). That is, the vibration of the scrap (15) is primarily offset by the scrap (15) coming into contact with the second roll (130), and the vibration of the scrap (15) can be secondarily offset by the scrap (15) coming into contact with the first roll (120).

[0108] In addition, the running scrap (15) is continuously connected with a first contact section in contact with the first roll (120), a first non-contact section (non-friction section) between the first roll (120) and the second roll (130), a second contact section in contact with the second roll (130), and a second non-contact section between the second roll (130) and the suction unit (150). Accordingly, in the first contact section and the second contact section, the vibration of the scrap (15) is canceled out by a restraining force, a frictional force, etc., and in the first non-contact section and the second non-contact section, the vibration of the scrap (15) can be canceled out by the looseness (tension release) of the scrap (15). Furthermore, since the non-contact section and the contact section are alternately repeated in the reverse direction of the scrap (15), the vibration of the scrap (15) can be offset step by step and section by section while being transmitted from the suction section (150) to the notching tap processing section (110).

[0109] In addition, the vibration of the scrap (15) can be transmitted along the reverse running direction of the scrap (15), but since the running direction of the scrap (15) changes from section to section, the vibration canceling ability of the scrap (15) can be further improved. That is, since the scrap (15) has a second direction (T2) section, a curved contact section with the second roll (130), a first direction (T1) section, and a curved contact section with the first roll (120) that are continuously connected, the vibration direction changes from section to section of the scrap (15). Accordingly, since the vibration of the scrap (15) can be prevented from being transmitted to the electrode portion (plain portion) of the notching tab processing portion (110), the laser (111) can accurately cut the shape of the notching tab portion (13). Furthermore, the defect rate of the electrode (10) can be significantly reduced.

[0110] In addition, since the suction unit (150) sucks and collects scrap (15) from the downstream side of the second roll (130) while the electrode (10) is pulled taut by the first roll (120) and the second roll (130), the notched tab unit (13) of the electrode (10) can be prevented from interfering with the suction end (152) of the suction unit (150) or being bent by being caught on the suction end (152). Accordingly, the defect rate of the electrode (10) can be further reduced.

[0111] The inclination in the first direction (T1) can be formed to be greater than the inclination in the second direction (T2). That is, the inclination angle (the inclination angle in the first direction (T1)) of the electrode portion between the first roll (120) and the second roll (130) can be formed to be greater than the inclination angle (the inclination angle in the second direction (T2)) of the electrode portion between the second roll (130) and the third roll (140). The running direction of the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) can be changed to the first direction (T1) by the first roll (120) and to the second direction (T2) by the second roll (130). As the first direction (T1) and the second direction (T2) are changed, the contact areas of the electrode and the scrap (15) and the first roll (120) and the second roll (130) can be adjusted, respectively.

[0112] The height of the upper part of the second roll (130) may be formed higher than the height of the lower part of the first roll (120). Accordingly, the first direction (T1) of the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) may be formed to be inclined upward toward the second roll (130). In addition, the scrap (15) connected to the non-woven part (12) may be driven in the second direction (T2) while being in stable contact with the upper part of the second roll (130).

[0113] The height of the upper end of the second roll (130) may be formed to be a predetermined height (H1) lower than the height of the rotation center of the first roll (120). At this time, the height of the upper end of the second roll (130) may be arranged in the height (H1) section between the rotation center of the first roll (120) and the lower end of the first roll (120). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the contact area between the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) in the first roll (120) from being unnecessarily increased. If the height of the upper end of the second roll (130) is higher than the rotation center of the first roll (120), the directional change angle of the scrap (15) in the first roll (120) and the second roll (130) may become too large, causing the scrap (15) to slip or lift off.

[0114] The diameter (D1) of the first roll (120) may be formed to be larger than the diameter (D2) of the second roll (130). Accordingly, the contact area between the first roll (120) and the scrap (15) may be wider than the contact surface area between the second roll (130) and the scrap (15). In addition, since the vibration canceling ability is improved as the contact area between the scrap (15) and the roll increases, the vibration canceling ability of the first roll (120) may be increased compared to the vibration canceling ability of the second roll (130).

[0115] The suction end (152) of the suction part (150) can be formed parallel to the electrode (10) running in the second direction (T2). Accordingly, since the inlet side and the discharge side of the suction end (152) maintain almost the same distance from the electrode (10), the notched tab part (13) of the electrode (10) can be prevented from interfering with or getting caught on the suction end (152) of the suction part (150) and being bent. In addition, since the suction end (152) is arranged parallel to the electrode (10), the suction part (150) can be erected parallel to the direction of gravity. As the suction part (150) is erected, the scrap (15) is drawn into the suction part (150) along the direction of gravity by the vacuum suction force, so that the inside of the suction part (150) can be prevented from being blocked by the scrap (15). Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the notching process from being interrupted due to the inability to recover scrap (15).

[0116] The above-described notching tab scrap suction device (100) may include a third roll (140) positioned lower than the second roll (130) on the second direction (T2) side of the second roll (130). The third roll (140) may drive the electrode (10) in a direction different from the second direction (T2). Since the suction unit (150) is positioned between the second roll (130) and the third roll (140), the scrap (15) is not driven on the third roll (140).

[0117] At this time, the suction end (152) of the suction unit (150) may be formed in a form inclined at a predetermined angle (θ) so that the second roll (130) side is higher than the third roll (140) side. Accordingly, even if the suction end (152) is arranged parallel to the electrode (10) inclined in the second direction (T2), the suction unit (150) can be erected parallel to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the suction direction of the suction unit (150) can be parallel to the direction of gravity, and the scrap (15) can be prevented from being caught and stagnant inside the suction unit (150).

[0118] The above-described notching tab scrap suction device (100) may further include a scrap guide (160). The width of the scrap guide (160) may be formed narrower than the width of the electrode (10). The pressure roll (122) may be arranged on one side of the scrap guide (160) in the width direction so as to avoid the scrap guide (160).

[0119] The scrap guide (160) has a first section (161) extending obliquely downward from the lower portion of the notching tap processing section (110), a second section (162) passing through the lower portion of the first roll (120), and a third section (163) extending from the lower portion of the first roll (120) to the vicinity of the second roll (130). The first section (161) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity, the second section (162) may be formed to be rounded so as to surround the outer surface of the first roll (120), and the third section (163) may be formed to be inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction. The lengths and inclination angles of the first section (161), the second section (162), and the third section (163) may be adjusted according to the distance and position between the notching tap processing section (110), the first roll (120), and the second roll (130). These scrap guides (160) can be formed to be round overall.

[0120] The slope of the third section (163) may be formed to be greater than the slope of the first direction (T1). One side of the third section (163) may be sufficiently spaced apart from the lower end of the first roll (120) so that the scrap (15) can travel, and the other side of the third section (163) may be arranged close to the upper end of the second roll (130). Accordingly, the scrap (15) may smoothly move to the upper end of the second roll (130) after passing through the third section (163).

[0121] The third section (163) may be positioned lower than the height of the upper end of the second roll (130) and higher than the height of the lower end of the second roll (130). Accordingly, the third section (163) of the scrap guide (160) may be positioned slanted so as not to interfere with or get caught on the electrode (10). Since the third section (163) of the scrap guide (160) is positioned slanted upward toward the second roll (130), the scrap (15) can be smoothly pushed up to the upper end of the second roll (130) by the guidance of the third section (163).

[0122] FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating another embodiment of a suction portion in a notching tab scrap suction device according to the present invention.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 6, the suction end (152a) of the suction portion (150a) is formed parallel to the electrode (10) traveling in the second direction (T2), and the suction portion (150a) can be arranged at an angle with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0124] Since the suction part (150a) is not positioned vertically below the notching tab processing part (110) where the scrap (15) is separated from the blank part (12), but is positioned on the driving exit side of the second roll (130), the scrap (15) can be sucked and collected by the suction part (150a) after passing through the first roll (120) and the second roll (130).

[0125] Accordingly, the distance between the suction part (150a) and the notching tap processing part (110) is spaced far apart, so that vibration of the scrap (15) part near the suction part (150a) can be prevented from being transmitted to the electrode part of the notching tap processing part (110).

[0126] In addition, since the first roll (120) and the second roll (130) are arranged between the notching tap processing section (110) where separation of the scrap (15) begins and the suction section (150a) where vibration of the scrap (15) is generated, the vibration of the scrap (15) can be offset when the second roll (130) and the first roll (120) come into contact with the scrap (15).

[0127] In addition, the running scrap (15) is continuously connected with a first contact section in contact with the first roll (120), a first non-contact section (non-friction section) between the first roll (120) and the second roll (130), a second contact section in contact with the second roll (130), and a second non-contact section between the second roll (130) and the suction unit (150). Accordingly, in the first contact section and the second contact section, the vibration of the scrap (15) can be offset by a restraining force, a frictional force, etc., and in the first non-contact section and the second non-contact section, the vibration of the scrap (15) can be offset by the looseness (tension release) of the scrap (15). Furthermore, since the non-contact section and the contact section are alternately repeated in the reverse direction of the scrap (15), the vibration of the scrap (15) can be gradually offset while being transmitted from the suction section (150a) to the notching tap processing section (110).

[0128] Since the above scrap (15) is continuously connected with a second direction (T2) section, a second roll (130) and curved surface contact section, a first direction (T1) section, and a first roll (120) and curved surface contact section, the vibration direction changes for each section of the scrap (15). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the vibration of the scrap (15) from being transmitted to the electrode portion (non-grinding portion) of the notching tap processing portion (110).

[0129] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A tab processing section that cuts scrap from a blank section provided on one side of the width direction of an electrode running along the length direction and processes a tab on the blank section; A first roll that is spaced apart from the tab processing section in the direction of travel of the electrode and rotates in the first rotational direction to change the direction of travel of the electrode and scrap; A second roll spaced apart from the first roll in the direction of travel of the electrode and rotating in a second rotational direction to change the direction of travel of the electrode and scrap; and A scrap suction device comprising a suction unit that is spaced apart from the second roll in the direction of travel of the electrode and sucks in the scrap.

2. A scrap suction device in the first paragraph, wherein the slope of the running direction of the electrode between the first roll and the second roll is gentler than the slope of the running direction of the electrode between the tab processing section and the first roll.

3. A scrap suction device in the first paragraph, wherein the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction are opposite directions.

4. In the first paragraph, the first roll is placed below the tab processing section, A scrap suction device in which the electrode and scrap are in contact with at least a portion of the lower peripheral surface of the first roll.

5. In the fourth paragraph, the scrap suction device, wherein the electrode and the scrap are in contact with at least a portion of the upper circumferential surface of the second roll and run.

6. In the fifth paragraph, a scrap suction device, wherein the first direction, which is the driving direction of the electrode between the first roll and the second roll, is upward.

7. A scrap suction device in accordance with paragraph 5, wherein the height of the upper portion of the second roll is formed higher than the height of the lower portion of the first roll.

8. A scrap suction device in accordance with paragraph 7, wherein the height of the upper portion of the second roll is formed lower than the height of the rotation center of the first roll.

9. A scrap suction device in the first paragraph, wherein the diameter of the first roll is formed to be larger than the diameter of the second roll.

10. In the first paragraph, the tab processing part is in contact with the first surface of the electrode and guides the movement of the electrode, A scrap suction device in which the first roll is in contact with the first surface and guides the movement of the electrode.

11. In the 10th paragraph, the second roll is in contact with the second surface of the electrode opposite the first surface and guides the movement of the electrode, a scrap suction device.

12. A scrap suction device further comprising a scrap guide extending between the tab processing section and the second roll along the traveling direction of the electrode, positioned on the opposite side of the first roll with the electrode interposed therebetween, and facing the second surface of the scrap.

13. In the 12th paragraph, the scrap suction device has a first section extending obliquely downward from the lower portion of the tab processing section, a second section passing through the lower portion of the first roll, and a third section extending from the lower portion of the first roll to the vicinity of the second roll.

14. In the 13th paragraph, a scrap suction device in which the slope of the third section is formed to be steeper than the slope in the first direction, which is the driving direction of the electrode, between the first roll and the second roll.

15. In the 13th paragraph, the scrap suction device is arranged at a position lower than the height of the upper end of the second roll and higher than the height of the lower end of the second roll.

16. In the first paragraph, the suction unit is a scrap suction device in which the suction end of the suction unit is arranged parallel to the direction of travel of the electrode facing it.

17. In the 16th paragraph, a third roll is further included that is spaced apart from the second roll in the direction of travel of the electrode; A scrap suction device, wherein the suction portion is disposed between the second roll and the third roll in the direction of travel of the electrode.

18. In the 17th paragraph, a scrap suction device, wherein the second direction, which is the driving direction of the electrode between the second roll and the third roll, is downward.

19. In the 17th paragraph, the slope in the first direction, which is the direction of travel of the electrode, between the first roll and the second roll is steeper than the slope in the second direction, which is the direction of travel of the electrode, between the second roll and the third roll. A notching tab scrap suction device.

20. In the 16th paragraph, the suction part is a scrap suction device that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the driving direction of the electrode or extends in a vertical direction.

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