Electrode sheet notching device

Abstract

Disclosed is an electrode sheet notching device. The electrode sheet notching device comprises: a conveyance part for conveying an electrode sheet; and a laser unit disposed above the conveyance part and including a plurality of laser parts that emit laser beams to notch the electrode sheet and thereby form electrode tabs. The plurality of laser parts are spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the electrode sheet moves, and each of the plurality of laser parts can emit laser beams in the same pattern onto a predetermined region of the electrode sheet.

Description

Electrode sheet notching device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrode sheet notching device.

[0002]

[0003] Secondary batteries, unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, are rechargeable and dischargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small, portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motor drives and power storage in hybrid and electric vehicles. These secondary batteries include an electrode assembly comprising a positive and negative electrode, a case housing the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0004] Here, the electrode assembly has a structure in which electrodes and separators are alternately laminated. Furthermore, the electrodes can be manufactured by cutting the electrode sheet to a small width that matches the cell specifications, then irradiating the electrode sheet with a laser beam to form electrode tabs by notching. When irradiating the electrode sheet with a laser beam to notch, the heat from the laser beam can cause surface changes, resulting in a decrease in quality. Furthermore, while processing with a low-energy laser beam can reduce heat damage, processing stability suffers.

[0005] The above-described information disclosed in the background technology of this invention is only intended to improve understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art.

[0006]

[0007] The present disclosure provides an electrode sheet notching device for solving the above-described problems.

[0008] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0009]

[0010] An electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem includes a transport unit for transporting an electrode sheet, and a laser unit including a plurality of laser units arranged on the transport unit and irradiating a laser beam to notch the electrode sheet to form an electrode tab, wherein the plurality of laser units are arranged spaced apart from each other in a direction in which the electrode sheet moves, and each of the plurality of laser units can irradiate a laser beam in the same pattern to a predetermined area of ​​the electrode sheet.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of laser units can sequentially notch the electrode sheet in the thickness direction by respectively irradiating the moving electrode sheet with a laser beam.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of laser units may include a first laser unit disposed upstream in a direction in which the electrode sheet moves and irradiates a laser beam to the electrode sheet to form a notching pattern, a second laser unit disposed adjacent to the first laser unit and irradiates a laser beam to the notching pattern to notch a portion of the electrode sheet in a thickness direction, and a third laser unit disposed adjacent to the second laser unit and irradiates a laser beam to the notching pattern to form an electrode tab.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first laser unit, the second laser unit, and the third laser unit may have different heights spaced from the electrode sheet.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first laser unit, the second laser unit, and the third laser unit can irradiate a pulsed laser beam or a continuous laser beam.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode sheet is formed by coating a first active material layer and a second active material layer on both sides of a metal substrate so that a non-conductive portion is formed, and a plurality of laser sections can sequentially notch the first active material layer, the metal substrate, the non-conductive portion, and the second active material layer.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first laser unit can form a notching pattern by irradiating a laser beam on the first active material layer or the non-conductive portion and the first active material layer.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second laser unit can irradiate a laser beam to a notching pattern to notch the exposed metal substrate and the non-conductive portion after the first active material layer is notched.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the third laser unit can notch the second active material layer by irradiating a laser beam onto the notching pattern.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first laser unit and the third laser unit may have the same height apart from the electrode sheet, and the second laser unit may have a lower height apart from the electrode sheet than the first laser unit and the third laser unit.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first laser unit and the third laser unit can irradiate a pulsed laser beam, and the second laser unit can irradiate a continuous laser beam.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the laser unit may include a base plate, and a vertical moving unit provided on the base plate and configured to move a plurality of laser units to adjust the spacing with respect to the electrode sheet.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the laser unit may include a horizontal moving unit provided between a vertical moving unit and a plurality of laser units, and each moving the plurality of laser units in a direction parallel to the direction in which the electrode sheet moves.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the laser unit may include a control unit that controls a horizontal movement unit to move at least one of the plurality of laser units at a speed equal to a movement speed of the electrode sheet.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transfer unit may include a lower transfer unit that supports the lower side of the electrode sheet, and an upper transfer unit that supports the upper side of the electrode sheet.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transport unit may include a transport belt having a plurality of through holes formed therein, a driving roller for rotating the transport belt, a first cover plate and a second cover plate disposed on both sides of the transport belt to seal an internal space of the transport belt, and a vacuum pump connected to the first cover plate and for sucking air inside the transport belt to adsorb an electrode sheet to the transport belt.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second cover plate may include a plurality of suction holes for sucking foreign matter generated during notching of the electrode sheet.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device may include a foreign matter collection unit disposed adjacent to a laser unit and sucking foreign matter generated during notching of an electrode sheet, and a blower disposed adjacent to the laser unit and generating air flow to move foreign matter generated during notching of the electrode sheet to the foreign matter collection unit.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a recovery tray is disposed at a position facing the laser unit and recovers scraps that fall when the electrode sheet is notched, and a vacuum pump connected to the recovery tray and providing suction force to the recovery tray may be included.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may include a recovery belt disposed at a position facing a laser unit, on which scrap generated during notching of an electrode sheet is settled, a drive roller for rotating the recovery belt, a recovery tray for recovering scrap falling from the recovery belt, and a vacuum pump connected to the recovery tray and providing suction force to the recovery tray.

[0030]

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present invention, processing stability can be improved while preventing damage due to heat by irradiating a low-energy laser beam multiple times with multiple laser units.

[0032] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0033]

[0034] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a state in which an electrode sheet is notched by an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a laser unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of an operating state of an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of the arrangement of a plurality of laser sections in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a state in which a laser part moves in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing another example of a transport section in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of vacuum suction of an electrode sheet in a transport unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example of sucking a foreign substance in a transport unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of removing foreign matter in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of recovering scrap in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing another example of recovering scrap in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047]

[0048] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their typical or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical spirit of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as substitutes for them at the time of filing this application.

[0049] Additionally, when used herein, the terms "comprise", "include" and / or "comprising", "including" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0050] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings may not be drawn to scale and some components may be exaggerated in size. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0051] The statement that two compared objects are "identical" means "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" may include deviations considered low in the art, such as deviations of less than 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of a parameter over a given region may imply uniformity on average.

[0052] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0053] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0054] Any configuration being placed "on (or under)" or "above (or below)" a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that other configurations may intervene between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0055] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component. Furthermore, when it is said that a part is electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are connected with another element in between.

[0056] When reference is made throughout the specification to "A and / or B," this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. In other words, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. When reference is made to "C through D," this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a state in which an electrode sheet is notched by an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an electrode sheet notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a transport unit (200) for transporting an electrode sheet (10), and a laser unit (300) including a plurality of laser units that are placed on the transport unit (200) and irradiate laser beams to notch the electrode sheet (10) to form an electrode tab (15).

[0060] According to one embodiment, rather than forming an electrode tab (15) at once by irradiating a high-energy laser beam onto the electrode sheet (10), the electrode tab (15) may be formed by irradiating the same area with a relatively low-energy laser beam multiple times. Through this, processing stability can be improved while preventing the electrode sheet (10) from being damaged by the heat of the laser beam.

[0061] To this end, a plurality of laser units are spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the electrode sheet (10) moves, and each of the plurality of laser units can irradiate a laser beam in the same pattern to a predetermined area of ​​the electrode sheet (10). For example, the plurality of laser units can sequentially irradiate a laser beam to the same area in the moving electrode sheet (10) to sequentially notch the electrode sheet (10) in the thickness direction, thereby forming an electrode tab (15).

[0062] In one embodiment, the plurality of laser units may include a first laser unit (321) disposed upstream in the direction in which the electrode sheet (10) moves and irradiates a laser beam to the electrode sheet (10) to form a notching pattern (NP), a second laser unit (322) disposed adjacent to the first laser unit (321) and irradiates a laser beam to the notching pattern (NP) to notch a portion of the electrode sheet (10) in the thickness direction, and a third laser unit (323) disposed adjacent to the second laser unit (322) and irradiates a laser beam to the notching pattern (NP) to form an electrode tab (15).

[0063] A first laser unit (321) disposed upstream in the direction in which the electrode sheet (10) moves can firstly irradiate a laser beam to form a notching pattern (NP) on the electrode sheet (10). Then, when the electrode sheet (10) moves and the notching pattern (NP) is disposed below the second laser unit (322), the second laser unit (322) can secondarily irradiate a laser beam on the notching pattern (NP) to notch the notching pattern (NP) more deeply. Then, when the electrode sheet (10) moves and the notching pattern (NP) is disposed below the third laser unit (323), the third laser unit (323) can thirdly irradiate a laser beam on the notching pattern (NP) to completely penetrate the notching pattern (NP) to form an electrode tab (15).

[0064] The first notching area (S1) that is notched by irradiating a laser beam by the first laser unit (321), the second notching area (S2) that is notched by irradiating a laser beam by the second laser unit (322), and the third notching area (S3) that is notched by irradiating a laser beam by the third laser unit (323) are connected to each other so that an electrode tab (15) can be continuously formed.

[0065] In one embodiment, after a first notching pattern is formed in a first notching area (S1), the first notching pattern may move to a second notching area (S2), and while the first notching pattern is notched in the second notching area (S2), a second notching pattern may be formed in the first notching area (S1). In addition, the first notching pattern may move to a third notching area (S3), and while the first notching pattern is notched in the third notching area (S3), a second notching pattern may be notched in the second notching area (S2), and a third notching pattern may be formed in the first notching area (S1).

[0066] Here, the plurality of laser sections is configured as three in one embodiment, and may be configured as two laser sections or four or more laser sections depending on the thickness, material, etc. of the electrode sheet.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a laser unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operating state of an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement state of a plurality of laser units in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a laser unit moves in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the laser unit (300) may include a base plate (310) and a vertical moving unit (330) provided on the base plate (310) and configured to move a plurality of laser units to adjust the spacing with respect to the electrode sheet (10).

[0069] As an example, referring to FIG. 3, the vertical movement unit (330) may include a coupling plate (331) coupled to a base plate (310), a guide rail (333) provided on the coupling plate (331), a vertical movement plate (332) that moves along the guide rail (333) and on which a first laser unit (321) is disposed, a lead screw (335) screw-coupled to the vertical movement plate (332), and a driving motor (334) that rotates the lead screw (335) to move the vertical movement plate (332).

[0070] With this configuration, when the drive motor (334) operates to rotate the lead screw (335), the vertical movement plate (332) moves linearly along the guide rail (333) to move the first laser unit (321) in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the electrode sheet (10). Through this, the vertical movement unit (330) can adjust the gap between the first laser unit (321) and the electrode sheet (10). Of course, the configuration of the vertical movement unit (330) is not limited to this, and can be configured in any form as long as it can move each of the first to third laser units (321, 322, 323), such as a linear actuator or an electric stage, in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the electrode sheet (10).

[0071] And, although only the vertical movement unit (330) for moving the first laser unit (321) is shown in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 5, a vertical movement unit (330a) for moving the first laser unit (321), a vertical movement unit (330b) for moving the second laser unit (322), and a vertical movement unit (330c) for moving the third laser unit (323) may be provided, respectively.

[0072] With this configuration, at least one of the first laser unit (321), the second laser unit (322), and the third laser unit (323) may have a different height apart from the electrode sheet (10) through the vertical moving unit.

[0073] The electrode sheet (10) can be manufactured by coating a first active material layer (12) and a second active material layer (13) on both sides of a metal substrate (11) so that a non-conductive portion (14) is formed. In addition, the first to third laser portions (321, 322, 323) can sequentially notch the first active material layer (12), the metal substrate (11), the non-conductive portion (14), and the second active material layer (13).

[0074] In one embodiment, the first laser unit (321) may irradiate a laser beam to the first active material layer (12) or the non-coated portion (14) and the first active material layer (12) to form a notching pattern (NP). In addition, the second laser unit (322) may irradiate a laser beam to the notching pattern (NP) to notch the exposed metal substrate (11) and the non-coated portion (14) after the first active material layer (12) is notched. In addition, the third laser unit (323) may irradiate a laser beam to the notching pattern (NP) to notch the second active material layer (13), so that an electrode tab (15) may be finally formed.

[0075] A large amount of spatter may be generated during the process in which the first laser unit (321) notches the first active material layer (12) and the third laser unit (323) notches the second active material layer (13). Therefore, the first laser unit (321) and the third laser unit (323) may be positioned so that the height (L1) at which they are spaced apart from the electrode sheet (10) is higher than the height (L2) at which the second laser unit (322) is spaced apart from the electrode sheet (10). That is, the heights at which the first laser unit (321) and the third laser unit (323) are spaced apart from the electrode sheet (10) are the same, and the height at which the second laser unit (322) is spaced apart from the electrode sheet (10) is lower than the heights at which the first laser unit (321) and the third laser unit (323) are spaced apart from the electrode sheet (10).

[0076] With this configuration, the first laser unit (321) and the third laser unit (323) irradiate laser beams from a relatively long distance, and the second laser unit (322) irradiates laser beams from a relatively short distance. In this case, in order to irradiate laser beams of the same size to a notching pattern of the same shape, lenses with relatively long focal lengths may be applied to the first laser unit (321) and the third laser unit (323), and lenses with relatively short focal lengths may be applied to the second laser unit (322). For example, lenses with focal lengths of 255 mm or more may be applied to the first laser unit (321) and the third laser unit (323), and lenses with focal lengths of about 160 mm may be applied to the second laser unit (322).

[0077] And, each of the plurality of laser units can irradiate a pulsed laser beam or a continuous wave laser beam. In one embodiment, the first laser unit (321) and the third laser unit (323) can irradiate a pulsed laser beam, and the second laser unit (322) can irradiate a continuous laser beam. Here, when the first laser unit (321) and the third laser unit (323) notch the active material layer, they may be affected by the pulse duration. Therefore, the first laser unit (321) and the third laser unit (323) may irradiate a picosecond pulse duration laser. And, when the second laser unit (322) notches the metal substrate, it may be affected by the pulse. Therefore, the second laser unit (322) may irradiate a continuous laser beam.

[0078] The laser unit (300) may include a horizontal movement unit (340) provided between a vertical movement unit (330) and a plurality of laser units and moving the plurality of laser units in a direction parallel to the direction in which the electrode sheet (10) moves, and a control unit (350) that controls the horizontal movement unit (340) to move at least one of the plurality of laser units at the same speed as the movement speed of the electrode sheet (10).

[0079] In one embodiment, the horizontal movement unit (340) may include a guide rail (342) provided on a vertical movement plate (332), a horizontal movement plate (341) that moves along the guide rail (342), a lead screw (344) that is screw-coupled to the horizontal movement plate (341), and a driving motor (343) that rotates the lead screw (344) to move the horizontal movement plate (341).

[0080] With this configuration, when the drive motor (343) operates to rotate the lead screw (344), the horizontal movement plate (341) can move linearly along the guide rail (342) to move the first laser unit (321) in a horizontal direction with respect to the movement direction of the electrode sheet (10). Through this, the horizontal movement unit (340) can move the first laser unit (321) in the same direction as the movement direction of the electrode sheet (10). Of course, the configuration of the horizontal movement unit (340) is not limited to this, and can be configured in any form as long as it can move each of the first to third laser units (321, 322, 323), such as a linear actuator or an electric stage, in a horizontal direction with respect to the movement direction of the electrode sheet (10).

[0081] The control unit (350) can control the drive motor (343) so that the moving speed (V2) of the first laser unit (321) is the same as the moving speed (V1) of the electrode sheet (10). That is, if the first laser unit (321) is moved at the same speed while the electrode sheet (10) is not stopped, notching can be performed in the same state as when the electrode sheet (10) is stopped. Through this, the process speed can be improved. Of course, the control unit (350) can control the drive motor (343) so that the first laser unit (321) moves at the same speed as the electrode sheet (10) and irradiates the laser beam to perform notching and then quickly return to the original position.

[0082] In addition, the control unit (350) does not only control the horizontal movement unit (340), but can also control the vertical movement unit (330) and the horizontal movement unit (340) that move the first to third laser units (321, 322, 323), the first to third laser units (321, 322, 323), respectively, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing another example of a moving part in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of vacuum suction of an electrode sheet in a moving part according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example of suction of a foreign substance in a moving part according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the transport unit (200) may include a drive roller and a transport belt in the form of an endless track that rotates by the drive roller. While the electrode sheet (10) is positioned on the transport belt, the electrode sheet (10) may be continuously moved by the transport belt and notched by a plurality of laser units.

[0085] In one embodiment, the transfer unit (200) may include a lower transfer unit (210) that supports the lower side of the electrode sheet (10) and an upper transfer unit (220) that supports the upper side of the electrode sheet (10). In this way, when the upper transfer unit (220) and the lower transfer unit (210) are in close contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode sheet (10) to move the electrode sheet (10), the electrode sheet (10) can be prevented from moving while being moved or notched. Through this, a plurality of laser units can irradiate laser beams to the same position on the electrode sheet (10), so that electrode tabs (15) can be manufactured with the same shape and the same pattern.

[0086] The transfer unit (200) can move the electrode sheet (10) in a vacuum-absorbed state. Either the upper transfer unit (220) or the lower transfer unit (210) can be configured to perform vacuum absorption, or both the upper transfer unit (220) and the lower transfer unit (210) can be configured to perform vacuum absorption.

[0087] As an example, referring to FIG. 8, the lower transport unit (210) may include a transport belt (211) having a plurality of through holes (211a) formed therein, a driving roller (212) for rotating the transport belt (211), a first cover plate (213) and a second cover plate (214) disposed on both sides of the transport belt (211) to seal the internal space of the transport belt (211), and a vacuum pump (215) connected to the first cover plate (213) and sucking air inside the transport belt (211) to adsorb the electrode sheet (10) onto the transport belt (211). With this configuration, when the vacuum pump (215) operates to suck air inside the transport belt (211), the electrode sheet (10) can be vacuum-adsorbed onto the transport belt (211) while the air is sucked in through the through holes (211a) formed in the transport belt (211). Of course, the upper transfer unit (220) can also be configured in the same manner and can be vacuum-absorbed.

[0088] And, referring to FIG. 9, the second cover plate (214) may include a plurality of suction holes (214a) for sucking up foreign substances (SP) generated during notching of the electrode sheet (10). The second cover plate (214) may be placed on the side where the laser beam is irradiated to the electrode sheet (10). And, when the vacuum pump (215) operates to suck up air inside the conveyance belt (211), the foreign substances around the second cover plate (214) may be sucked up as the air is sucked into the suction holes (214a) formed in the second cover plate (214). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the deterioration of the quality of the electrode by causing foreign substances (SP) to be generated during the process of notching by irradiating the electrode sheet (10) with a laser beam and to attach to the electrode sheet (10). That is, the electrode sheet (10) can be moved without shaking by vacuum suction through the upper transfer unit (220) and the lower transfer unit (210), and foreign substances generated during notching of the electrode sheet (10) can be suctioned and removed.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of removing foreign matter in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 10, the electrode sheet notching device of the present disclosure may include a foreign matter collection unit (410) disposed adjacent to the laser unit (300) and sucking foreign matter (SP) generated during notching of the electrode sheet (10), and a blower (420) disposed adjacent to the laser unit (300) and generating air flow to move foreign matter generated during notching of the electrode sheet (10) to the foreign matter collection unit (410).

[0091] In one embodiment, the foreign matter collection unit (410) may include a cover plate (411) that provides a space into which foreign matter (SP) flows in, and a vacuum pump (412) that is connected to the cover plate (411) and provides suction force to suck in foreign matter (SP) flowing into the cover plate (411).

[0092] The foreign matter collection unit (410) may be formed in a direction parallel to the direction in which the electrode sheet (10) moves, and may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the electrode sheet (10). The foreign matter collection unit (410) may be formed to have a length that can cover all of the areas in which the first to third laser sections are notched. In addition, the vacuum pump (412) may be connected to the foreign matter collection unit (410) and provide a suction force so that foreign matter (SP) generated during the notching of the electrode sheet (10) is introduced into the foreign matter collection unit (410).

[0093] And, the blower (420) can generate air flow by spraying air at a pressure higher than a certain level so that foreign substances (SP) generated during notching of the electrode sheet (10) can move to the cover plate (411). The air sprayed by the blower (420) can be arranged so that it does not directly flow to the electrode sheet (10). If the air sprayed by the blower (420) is directly sprayed at high pressure to the electrode sheet (10), the electrode sheet (10) may shake, which may have a negative effect on the notching process. Therefore, the blower (420) can be arranged so that it indirectly generates air flow around the electrode sheet (10) so that the foreign substances (SP) can flow to the cover plate (411). And, the blower (420) can be respectively provided at the lower end of the lower transport unit (210) and the upper end of the upper transport unit (220) to generate air flow at the upper and lower sides of the electrode sheet (10). Since the phenomenon of the electrode sheet (10) bending to one side may occur if the blower (420) generates air flow only on the upper or lower side of the electrode sheet (10), the blower (420) may be provided to generate air flow on the upper and lower sides.

[0094] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of recovering scrap in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 11, a scrap recovery unit (430) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a recovery tray (431) that is positioned opposite to the laser unit (300) and recovers scrap (SC) that falls when the electrode sheet (10) is notched, and a vacuum pump (432) that is connected to the recovery tray (431) and provides suction force to the recovery tray (431).

[0096] The recovery tray (431) is arranged on the lower side of the electrode sheet (10) at a position facing the laser unit (300), so that the scrap (SC) separated from the electrode sheet (10) by the laser unit (300) falls and is stored. The recovery tray (431) may be arranged on the lower side of the third laser unit where the scrap (SC) is generated. Alternatively, the recovery tray (431) may be arranged on the lower side of the first to third laser units so that foreign matter (SP) generated during notching can be collected together.

[0097] The vacuum pump (432) is connected to the recovery tray (431) and can provide suction power so that scrap (SC) falling from the electrode sheet (10) and foreign matter (SP) generated during notching are introduced into the inside of the recovery tray (431).

[0098] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing another example of recovering scrap in an electrode sheet notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 12, a scrap recovery unit (440) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a recovery belt (441) disposed at a position facing the laser unit (300) and on which scrap (SC) generated when notching an electrode sheet (10) is settled, a drive roller (442) that rotates the recovery belt (441), a recovery tray (443) that recovers scrap (SC) falling from the recovery belt (441), and a vacuum pump (444) that is connected to the recovery tray (443) and provides suction force to the recovery tray (443).

[0100] The recovery belt (441) may be configured in the form of an endless track that rotates by a drive roller (442). With the scrap (SC) secured on the recovery belt (441), the scrap (SC) may be continuously moved by the recovery belt (441) and then dropped onto the recovery tray (443). Although not illustrated in the drawing, the recovery belt (441) may also be configured to vacuum-absorb the scrap (SC), as in the transport section illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0101] The recovery tray (443) is arranged at the lower end of the recovery belt (441) and is configured to receive scrap (SC) falling from the recovery belt (441). A vacuum pump (444) is connected to the recovery tray (443) and can provide suction power so that scrap (SC) and foreign matter (SP) falling from the recovery belt (441) are introduced into the interior of the recovery tray (443).

[0102] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. A transport section for transporting electrode sheets; and A laser unit including a plurality of laser sections arranged on the above-described transfer section and irradiating a laser beam to form an electrode tab by notching the electrode sheet. Including, The plurality of laser sections are spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the electrode sheet moves, An electrode sheet notching device, wherein each of the plurality of laser sections irradiates a laser beam in the same pattern to a predetermined area of ​​the electrode sheet.

2. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of laser units, An electrode sheet notching device that sequentially notches the electrode sheet in the thickness direction by irradiating each moving electrode sheet with a laser beam.

3. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of laser units, A first laser unit disposed upstream of the direction in which the electrode sheet moves and irradiating a laser beam onto the electrode sheet to form a notching pattern; A second laser unit arranged adjacent to the first laser unit and irradiating a laser beam onto the notching pattern to notch a portion of the electrode sheet in the thickness direction; and A third laser unit is arranged adjacent to the second laser unit and forms the electrode tab by irradiating a laser beam onto the notching pattern. An electrode sheet notching device comprising:

4. In paragraph 3, An electrode sheet notching device, wherein at least one of the first laser unit, the second laser unit, and the third laser unit has a different height apart from the electrode sheet.

5. In paragraph 3, An electrode sheet notching device, wherein each of the first laser unit, the second laser unit, and the third laser unit irradiates a pulsed laser beam or a continuous laser beam.

6. In paragraph 3, The above electrode sheet is coated with a first active material layer and a second active material layer on both sides of a metal substrate so that a non-conductive portion is formed, The above plurality of laser units, An electrode sheet notching device that sequentially notches the first active material layer, the metal substrate, the non-conductive portion, and the second active material layer.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first laser unit, An electrode sheet notching device that forms the notching pattern by irradiating a laser beam on the first active material layer or the non-conductive portion and the first active material layer.

8. In paragraph 7, The above second laser unit, An electrode sheet notching device that irradiates a laser beam to the above notching pattern to notch the first active material layer and then notches the exposed metal substrate and the non-conductive portion.

9. In paragraph 8, The third laser section above, An electrode sheet notching device that notches the second active material layer by irradiating a laser beam onto the above notching pattern.

10. In paragraph 9, The first laser unit and the third laser unit have the same height apart from the electrode sheet, An electrode sheet notching device, wherein the second laser section has a lower height spaced from the electrode sheet than the first laser section and the third laser section.

11. In paragraph 9, The first laser unit and the third laser unit irradiate a pulsed laser beam, The second laser unit is an electrode sheet notching device that irradiates a continuous laser beam.

12. In paragraph 1, The above laser unit, base plate, and A vertical moving unit provided on the base plate and moving each of the plurality of laser units to adjust the gap with the electrode sheet. An electrode sheet notching device comprising:

13. In paragraph 12, The above laser unit, A horizontal moving unit provided between the vertical moving unit and the plurality of laser units, and moving the plurality of laser units in a direction parallel to the direction in which the electrode sheet moves. An electrode sheet notching device comprising:

14. In paragraph 13, The above laser unit, A control unit that controls the horizontal movement unit to move at least one of the plurality of laser units at the same speed as the movement speed of the electrode sheet. An electrode sheet notching device comprising:

15. In paragraph 1, The above transport unit, A lower transfer part supporting the lower side of the electrode sheet; and Upper transfer part supporting the upper side of the above electrode sheet An electrode sheet notching device comprising:

16. In paragraph 1, The above transport unit, A conveyor belt having multiple through holes formed therein; A driving roller that rotates the above conveying belt; A first cover plate and a second cover plate arranged on both sides of the conveying belt to seal the internal space of the conveying belt; and A vacuum pump connected to the first cover plate and sucking air inside the conveying belt to adsorb the electrode sheet to the conveying belt. An electrode sheet notching device comprising:

17. In paragraph 16, The above second cover plate, A plurality of suction holes for sucking up foreign substances generated during notching of the above electrode sheet. An electrode sheet notching device comprising:

18. In paragraph 1, A foreign matter collection unit arranged adjacent to the laser unit and sucking up foreign matter generated during notching of the electrode sheet; and A blower arranged adjacent to the laser unit and generating air flow to move foreign matter generated during notching of the electrode sheet to the foreign matter collection unit. An electrode sheet notching device comprising:

19. In paragraph 1, A recovery tray positioned opposite to the laser unit and configured to recover scraps that fall when the electrode sheet is notched; and A vacuum pump connected to the above recovery tray and providing suction power to the above recovery tray An electrode sheet notching device comprising:

20. In paragraph 1, A recovery belt positioned opposite to the laser unit, on which scrap generated during notching of the electrode sheet is settled; A drive roller that rotates the above recovery belt; A recovery tray for recovering the scrap falling from the recovery belt; and A vacuum pump connected to the above recovery tray and providing suction power to the above recovery tray An electrode sheet notching device comprising:

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