Electrode notching device

Abstract

An electrode notching device is disclosed. The electrode notching device comprises: a notching tab processing unit for cutting scrap from an uncoated portion provided on one side in the width direction of an electrode traveling in the longitudinal direction to process a notching tab portion on the uncoated portion; a first roll disposed to be spaced apart from the notching tab processing unit in the traveling direction of the electrode and switching the traveling direction of the electrode and the scrap; a second roll disposed to be spaced apart from the first roll in the traveling direction of the electrode and switching the traveling direction of the electrode and the scrap; and a pressing roll disposed to correspond to the second roll with the electrode and the scrap interposed therebetween. The electrode notching device may further comprise: a suction unit disposed to be spaced apart from the second roll in the traveling direction of the electrode and suctioning the scrap; and a scrap guide for guiding the scrap from the first roll to the second roll side.

Description

Electrode notching device

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0124276 filed September 11, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode notching device capable of preventing electrode vibration caused by scrap, preventing scrap from detaching, preventing jamming and bending of the notching tab portion, and reducing the electrode defect rate.

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries consist of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte, and generate electrical energy through chemical reactions. The use of secondary batteries is gradually increasing due to their advantage of being rechargeable and dischargeable. Among these secondary batteries, lithium-ion batteries are widely used as power sources for electronic communication devices or as driving forces for high-output hybrid and electric vehicles, as they possess a high energy density per unit weight.

[0004] In terms of battery shape, there is increasing demand for prismatic and pouch-type batteries, which can be applied to products such as mobile phones due to their thin profiles. Regarding battery materials, there is growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, such as lithium-ion polymer batteries, which offer high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0005] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, can be approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Additionally, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Accordingly, 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.

[0006] Meanwhile, cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-type battery cells are known as types of unit secondary battery cells. In the case of a cylindrical battery cell, an insulating separator is interposed between opposite electrodes (positive and negative electrodes), and this is wound into a cylinder to form a jelly-roll type electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is inserted into a battery can, and a disc-shaped upper insulating member is attached to the upper side of the electrode assembly.

[0007] The electrode of the above electrode assembly is manufactured through a coating process, a slitting process, and a notching process.

[0008] In the coating process, an active material is applied to the surface of a current collector and then compressed. As the active material applied to the current collector is dried at a high temperature, an electrode sheet is manufactured. The width of the electrode sheet can be formed to be several to tens of times the width of the electrode.

[0009] In the slitting process, multiple electrodes are manufactured by arranging electrode sheets in the longitudinal direction and cutting them at regular intervals in the width direction. The electrodes include a retaining portion where an active material is applied and a non-retaining portion where no active material is applied to the surface. The non-retaining portion has a significantly narrower width than the retaining portion. The non-retaining portion may be formed in a stripe shape on one side or the other side in the width direction of the electrode.

[0010] In the notching process, a sawtooth-shaped tab is formed on the uncut portion of the electrode. The tab can be formed by a laser irradiated from the laser notching section. Scrap is generated during the process of forming the tab on the uncut portion. The scrap is the part removed from the uncut portion and is formed as a long strip along the longitudinal direction of the electrode. The electrode and the scrap are transported by multiple transport rollers. A vacuum suction hood is positioned below the laser notching section to collect the scrap cut from the uncut portion using vacuum suction force.

[0011] However, in conventional notching processes, a pressure roller is installed to apply pressure to the electrode being transported from the laser notching section, and a scrap guide is installed near the transport roller to guide the scrap to a vacuum suction hood. At this time, since a passage is formed in the scrap guide to allow the pressure roller to pass through and apply pressure to the electrode, the scrap cut from the laser notching section may intermittently escape to the outside of the scrap guide through the passage. Furthermore, the notching process may be interrupted as the scrap deviates from the transport path (recovery path).

[0012] Since the vacuum suction hood is positioned below the laser notching section, the vacuum suction force of the hood is applied directly to the scrap below the laser notching section. If the scrap vibrates due to the vacuum suction force, the vibration of the scrap can be transmitted to the electrode. If the electrode shakes slightly due to the vibration of the scrap, the laser irradiation position may fluctuate or change in the unexposed area of ​​the electrode, potentially causing machining defects in the tab section.

[0013] In addition, since the suction end of the vacuum suction hood is positioned at an angle with respect to the direction of electrode transport, the tab may get caught on or bent by the suction end of the vacuum suction hood while the electrode is being transported, and consequently, electrode defects may occur.

[0014] In addition, 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 positioned at an angle relative to the direction of gravity. In this case, when scrap is sucked into the vacuum suction hood, it may get caught on the inner surface 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 it, the notching process may be stopped.

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

[0016] The present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide an electrode notching device capable of preventing vibrations of scrap generated by the vacuum suction force of the suction unit from being transmitted to the electrode portion of the notching tap processing unit.

[0017] The present invention aims to provide an electrode notching device capable of preventing scrap from deviating from the driving path.

[0018] The present invention aims to provide an electrode notching device in which the second roll and the first roll can offset vibrations transmitted to the scrap.

[0019] The present invention aims to provide an electrode notching device capable of preventing the notching tab portion of the electrode from interfering with or getting caught on the suction end of the suction portion and bending.

[0020] The present invention aims to provide an electrode notching device capable of preventing scrap from being sucked into a suction part along the direction of gravity and preventing the interior of the suction part from being clogged by the scrap.

[0021] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other unmentioned purposes and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0022] The present invention can be applied to an electrode notching device that cuts scrap from a non-existent portion of an electrode traveling along the longitudinal direction, processes a notching tab portion in said non-existent portion, and transports the electrode and the scrap.

[0023] The electrode notching device may include a notching tab processing unit that processes a notching tab portion in the non-existent portion, and a plurality of rolls that drive the electrode and scrap from the notching tab processing unit.

[0024] The above notching tap processing unit can process a notching tap portion by cutting the scrap from a blank portion provided on one side in the width direction of an electrode traveling along the longitudinal direction. The cutting of the scrap can be performed in various ways. Preferably, the scrap can be cut by irradiating the blank portion with a laser.

[0025] The plurality of rolls may include a first roll positioned spaced apart from the notching tap processing section in the direction of travel of the electrode and rotating in a first rotational direction to change the direction of travel of the electrode and the scrap, and a second roll positioned 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 the scrap.

[0026] Preferably, the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction may be opposite directions.

[0027] Preferably, the first roll contacts the first surface of the electrode and guides the movement of the electrode, and the second roll contacts the second surface of the electrode opposite to the first surface and guides the movement of the electrode.

[0028] Preferably, the notching tab processing part contacts the first surface of the electrode and can guide the movement of the electrode.

[0029] The electrode notching device may further include a scrap guide that guides the scrap from the first roll to the second roll.

[0030] Preferably, the scrap guide may face the first roll with the electrode and the scrap in between.

[0031] Preferably, the scrap guide may extend along the travel direction of the electrode between the notching tap processing part and the second roll in the travel direction of the electrode.

[0032] Preferably, the scrap guide may include a first section extending along the direction in which the electrode travels between the notching tap processing section and the first roll, a second section extending along the direction in which the electrode travels in contact with the first roll, and a third section extending along the direction in which the electrode travels between the first roll and the second roll.

[0033] Preferably, the first roll can be positioned below the notching tab processing section.

[0034] Preferably, the first section may extend from the lower part of the notching tap processing section to the lower part of the first roll.

[0035] Preferably, the electrode and the scrap can travel while in contact with at least a portion of the lower circumferential surface of the first roll.

[0036] Preferably, the second section extends from the first section and can pass under the first roll.

[0037] Preferably, the second roll may be positioned spaced apart from the first roll in the first driving direction of the electrode and scrap switched by the first roll.

[0038] In some examples, the first driving direction may be inclined downward from the first roll toward the second roll.

[0039] In some examples, the first driving direction may be inclined upward from the first roll toward the second roll.

[0040] Preferably, the third section may extend from the lower part of the first roll to the vicinity of the second roll.

[0041] Preferably, the electrode and the scrap can travel while in contact with at least a portion of the upper circumference of the second roll.

[0042] In some examples, the lower perimeter of the first roll may be positioned above the upper perimeter of the second roll.

[0043] In some examples, the height of the upper portion of the second roll may be positioned higher than the height of the lower portion of the first roll and lower than the height of the upper portion of the first roll. Preferably, the height of the upper portion of the second roll may be positioned lower than the height of the rotation center of the first roll.

[0044] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the electrode notching device of the present invention includes a pressure roll positioned to correspond to the second roll with the electrode and the scrap in between.

[0045] Preferably, the pressure roller may be installed so as to approach the circumferential surface of the second roller or move away from the circumferential surface of the second roller with the scrap in between.

[0046] Preferably, the pressure roller can be installed to be rotatable in a direction opposite to the second rotation direction.

[0047] Preferably, the pressure roller can be installed to face the first surface of the electrode.

[0048] Preferably, the pressure roll can be installed to face the upper circumferential surface of the second roll with the scrap in between.

[0049] Preferably, the pressure roller may be installed so as to approach the upper circumferential surface of the second roller with the scrap in between, or to move away from the upper circumferential surface of the second roller.

[0050] The electrode notching device may further include a suction unit that is spaced apart from the second roll in the direction of travel of the electrode and sucks in the scrap.

[0051] Preferably, the suction part may be positioned spaced apart from the second roll in the second driving direction of the electrode and scrap switched by the second roll.

[0052] In some examples, the second driving direction may be a downward inclined direction from the second roll.

[0053] Preferably, the inclination or slope of the first driving direction in which the electrode and scrap travel from the first roll to the second roll may be formed to be smaller than the inclination or slope of the second driving direction.

[0054] The suction end of the suction part may be formed at an angle so as to be parallel to the electrode traveling in the second driving direction.

[0055] The present invention can be applied to an electrode tap processing device that cuts scrap from a non-existent portion of an electrode traveling along the longitudinal direction and processes a notching tab portion in said non-existent portion.

[0056] The present invention can be applied to a scrap suction device that cuts scrap from a non-existent portion of an electrode traveling along the longitudinal direction, processes a notching tab portion in said non-existent portion, and suctions the scrap.

[0057] In another aspect, the electrode notching device of the present invention includes a notching tab processing section, a first roll, a second roll, and a pressure roll.

[0058] Preferably, the electrode notching device may further include a scrap guide.

[0059] Preferably, the electrode notching device may further include a suction part.

[0060] The above notching tab processing unit cuts the scrap from a blank portion provided on one side in the width direction of the electrode traveling along the longitudinal direction, and processes the notching tab portion in the blank portion.

[0061] The first roll is positioned spaced apart from the notching tap processing section in the direction of travel of the electrode and rotates in a first rotational direction to switch the direction of travel of the electrode and the scrap.

[0062] The second roll is positioned 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 the scrap.

[0063] The above pressure roll is positioned to correspond to the second roll with the electrode and the scrap in between.

[0064] The above pressure roll can be installed so as to approach the circumferential surface of the second roll or move away from the circumferential surface of the second roll with the scrap in between.

[0065] The above pressure roller can be installed to be rotatable in a direction opposite to the above second rotation direction.

[0066] The first rotation direction and the second rotation direction may be opposite directions.

[0067] The first roll contacts the first surface of the electrode and guides the movement of the electrode, the second roll contacts the second surface of the electrode opposite to the first surface and guides the movement of the electrode, and the pressure roll may be installed to face the first surface of the electrode.

[0068] The above notching tap processing part contacts the first surface of the electrode and can guide the movement of the electrode.

[0069] The first roll can be positioned below the notching tap processing section.

[0070] The second roll may be positioned spaced apart from the first roll in the first driving direction of the electrode and scrap switched by the first roll.

[0071] The electrode and the scrap may travel while in contact with at least a portion of the lower circumferential surface of the first roll and while in contact with at least a portion of the upper circumferential surface of the second roll.

[0072] The above pressure roll can be installed to face the upper circumferential surface of the second roll with the scrap in between.

[0073] In one example, the lower perimeter of the first roll may be positioned above the upper perimeter of the second roll.

[0074] In contrast, the height of the upper portion of the second roll may be positioned higher than the height of the lower portion of the first roll and lower than the height of the upper portion of the first roll.

[0075] At this time, the height of the upper part of the second roll may be positioned lower than the height of the rotation center of the first roll.

[0076] The scrap guide above can guide the scrap from the first roll to the second roll.

[0077] The scrap guide above can face the first roll with the electrode and the scrap in between.

[0078] The scrap guide may be extended along the travel direction of the electrode between the notching tap processing section and the second roll in the travel direction of the electrode.

[0079] The scrap guide may include a first section extended along the direction in which the electrode travels between the notching tap processing section and the first roll, a second section extended along the direction in which the electrode travels in contact with the first roll, and a third section extended along the direction in which the electrode travels between the first roll and the second roll.

[0080] The scrap guide may include a first section extending from the lower part of the notching tap processing section to the lower part of the first roll, a second section extending from the first section and passing through the lower part of the first roll, and a third section extending from the second section and extending from the lower part of the first roll to the vicinity of the second roll.

[0081] The suction unit is positioned spaced apart from the second roll in the direction of travel of the electrode and can suck up the scrap.

[0082] The suction unit may be positioned spaced apart from the second roll in the second driving direction of the electrode and scrap switched by the second roll.

[0083] The inclination of the first driving direction in which the electrode and scrap travel from the first roll to the second roll can be formed to be smaller than the inclination of the second driving direction.

[0084] Prior to the electrode notching device, a splicing device may be arranged to connect the longitudinal end of the traveling electrode with the starting end of a new electrode. The splicing of the electrode may be performed on the retaining portion of the electrode, excluding the unsupported portion.

[0085] When the notching tab is machined on the unconnected portion of the electrode connected to the above notching tab machining portion, the electrode portion can be maintained in a joined state, and the scrap can be broken.

[0086] Accordingly, the two connected electrodes can travel continuously, and the starting end of the broken scrap can be guided to the suction part to start suction.

[0087] By the movement of the above electrode, the first roll and the second roll can rotate in a driven manner.

[0088] The scrap guide above can guide the starting end of the broken scrap to move to the second roll.

[0089] Preferably, the pressure roll may be driven and rotated on its own. Alternatively, the pressure roll may be driven and rotated in contact with the second roll.

[0090] The above pressure roll can, as needed, approach the second roll to come into contact with the second roll, or retract from the second roll.

[0091] The above pressure roll rotates in contact with the second roll while interposing the scrap, thereby guiding the scrap to travel smoothly along the driving direction by the second roll.

[0092] According to the present invention, since the suction part is positioned at a distance away from the lower part of the notching tap processing part, vibrations from the scrap part near the suction part can be prevented from being transmitted to the electrode part of the notching tap processing part.

[0093] According to the present invention, since the scrap guide is formed in a shape that covers the travel path of the scrap, it is possible to prevent the scrap from deviating from the scrap guide. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the notching process from being interrupted.

[0094] According to the present invention, since the first roll and the second roll are positioned in the section between the notching tap processing section where the separation of scrap begins and the suction section where vibration of the scrap occurs, the second roll and the first roll can cancel out the vibration transmitted to the scrap while in contact with the scrap.

[0095] 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 stepwise and section by section while being transmitted from the suction section to the notching tap processing section.

[0096] According to the present invention, vibrations of the scrap can be transmitted along the reverse direction of travel of the scrap, but since the travel direction of the scrap varies from section to section, the ability to cancel out the vibrations of the scrap can be further improved.

[0097] According to the present invention, since the suction part sucks and collects scrap from the downstream side of the second roll while the electrode is being pulled taut by the first roll and the second roll, it is possible to prevent the notching tab part of the electrode from interfering with or getting caught on the suction end of the suction part and bending.

[0098] According to the present invention, since the suction end of the suction unit is positioned parallel to the electrode, the suction unit can be positioned parallel to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, as the suction unit is positioned, 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.

[0099] According to the present invention, since the pressure roll is positioned to contact the second roll, tension can be applied to the scrap section from the notching tap processing section to the second roll. Accordingly, the travel direction of the scrap can be guided in the correct direction. In addition, the pressure roll can guide the scrap traveling from the second roll toward the suction section.

[0100] According to the present invention, since the pressure roller is positioned to face the second roller, a hole for the second roller to pass through may not be formed in the scrap guide. Accordingly, the surface of the scrap guide can be continuously formed along the travel direction of the electrode, and the scrap guide can be made to guide the scrap smoothly.

[0101] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of the present invention are described together with the specific details for implementing the invention below.

[0102] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating an electrode according to the present invention.

[0103] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating the state in which a notched tab is formed as the uncut portion of an electrode according to the present invention is cut by a laser.

[0104] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating an electrode notching device according to the present invention.

[0105] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating the state in which scrap is vacuum-suctioned to the suction part of the electrode notching device of FIG. 3.

[0106] FIG. 5 is a side view schematically illustrating the state in which the first roll and the second roll are installed in the electrode notching device of FIG. 3.

[0107] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view illustrating another embodiment of the suction part of an electrode notching device according to the present invention.

[0108] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0109] 10: Electrode 11: Holding section 12: Non-holding section 13: Notching tab section 13a: Notching tab 15: Scrap 101: Transfer roll 100: Notching device 110: Notching tab processing section 111: Laser 120: First roll 130: Second roll 140: Third roll 150: Pressure roll 152: Pressure drive section 160: Suction section 162: Suction end 170: Scrap guide 171: First section 172: Second section 173: Third section T1: First travel direction T2: Second travel direction

[0110] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be modified and implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely intended 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. Accordingly, the present invention should be understood not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substituting or adding the configuration of any one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment.

[0112] The attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; rather, it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the invention. In the drawings, components may be depicted as being exaggeratedly large or small in size or thickness for the sake of convenience of understanding, but the scope of protection of the invention should not be interpreted restrictively as a result thereof.

[0113] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments or examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this specification. That is, terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0114] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0115] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0116] When it is stated that one component is "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only placed directly above the other component, but that another component may also exist in between.

[0117] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0118] Hereinafter, an electrode notching device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0119] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating an electrode according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating a state in which a notched tab is formed as the uncut portion of the electrode according to the present invention is cut by a laser.

[0120] 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 active material on one or both sides of a positive current collector. Additionally, the negative electrode is formed by coating a negative active material on one or both sides of a negative current collector. A separator is laminated between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a separator is laminated on the outer side of the negative electrode. The separator prevents the positive electrode and the negative electrode from being electrically connected.

[0121] The above positive current collector can be formed with a thickness of approximately 3 to 500 μm. Such a positive current collector is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material that does not cause internal chemical changes in the secondary battery. For example, the positive 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 positive current collector may also increase the adhesion of the positive active material by forming fine irregularities on its surface. Such a positive current collector can be in various forms, such as a film, sheet, foil, net, porous body, foam, or nonwoven fabric.

[0122] The cathode is fabricated by coating and drying cathode active material particles onto a cathode current collector, and, if necessary, additional components such as conductive materials, binders, and solvents may be included.

[0123] The above-mentioned negative current collector has a thickness of approximately 3 to 500 μm. Such a negative current collector is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive without causing chemical changes inside the secondary battery. For example, the negative 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., or aluminum-cadmium alloy. In addition, the negative current collector may form fine irregularities on its surface to strengthen the bonding strength of the negative active material. Furthermore, the negative current collector can take various forms such as a film, sheet, foil, net, porous body, foam, or nonwoven fabric.

[0124] The positive electrode may include a positive electrode retaining portion (11) coated with a positive electrode active material and a positive electrode uncoated portion (12) on one side in the width direction of the positive electrode where the positive electrode active material is not coated. Additionally, the negative electrode may include a negative electrode retaining portion (11) coated with a negative electrode active material and a negative electrode uncoated portion (12) on one side in the width direction of the negative electrode where the negative electrode active material is not coated.

[0125] The separator may include a porous polymer substrate and a porous coating layer. The polymer substrate may be located on both sides of the porous polymer substrate. The porous coating layer may include inorganic particles and a binder polymer.

[0126] 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 utilized and deterioration of mechanical properties may occur, and if it exceeds 100 µm, the characteristics of the battery may deteriorate during charging and discharging. In addition, it may have a porosity of 40 to 60% and an air permeability of 150 to 300 seconds / 100 mL.

[0127] The porous polymer substrate of the separator can be made of polyethylene or polypropylene. Additionally, Al oxide or Si oxide-based coating materials can be used as the inorganic particles in the porous coating layer.

[0128] 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 retaining portion (11) and a second non-retaining portion (12).

[0129] The retaining portion (11) and the non-retaining portion (12) can be formed on the entire house while the house is moving. The retaining portion (11) can be formed in a continuous stripe shape while moving the entire house in the longitudinal direction. Additionally, the retaining portion (11) is spaced apart at regular intervals while moving the entire house in the longitudinal direction, and the non-retaining portion (12) can be placed between the retaining portions (11).

[0130] As the current collector, having a retaining portion (11) and a non-retaining portion (12) formed thereon, is cut at regular intervals, electrodes are formed. The electrodes thus manufactured are transferred to an electrode notching device (100).

[0131] The electrode notching device (100) forms a notching tab portion (13) by irradiating a laser (111) onto a non-existent portion (12). The notching tab portion (13) can be formed by cutting the non-existent portion (12) of the electrode (10) running along the longitudinal direction. The notching tab portion (13) can be formed in a sawtooth shape. The notching tab portion (13) can be composed of a plurality of notching tabs (13a). The plurality of notching tabs (13a) can be formed with the same size along the longitudinal direction of the electrode (10) or with different sizes. As the notching tab portion (13) is processed in the non-existent portion (12), scrap (15) may be generated. At this time, the notching tab portion (13) is formed by cutting the non-existent portion (12) with a laser, and the strip (15) is moved to the suction portion (160) while separated from the non-existent portion (12). At this time, the scrap (15) can be driven together with the electrode (10).

[0132] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating an electrode notching device according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating a state in which scrap is vacuum sucked into the suction part of the electrode notching device of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating a state in which a first roll and a second roll are installed in the electrode notching device of FIG. 3.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, an electrode notching device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a notching tab processing section (110), a first roll (120), a second roll (130), a pressure roll (150), and a suction section (160). The electrode notching device (100) is applied to a notching process for forming a notching tab section (13) on a non-existent section (12) of an electrode (10).

[0134] A transfer roller (101) may be installed in the notching tap processing section (110). Multiple transfer rollers (101) may be installed along the travel path of the electrode (10).

[0135] The notching tab processing unit (110) can cut the scrap (15) from the bare portion (12) provided on one side in the width direction of the electrode (10) traveling along the longitudinal direction, and process the notching tab portion (13) on the bare portion (12). The notching tab processing unit (110) can be in contact with the first surface of the electrode (10) and guide the travel of the electrode (10). The notching tab processing unit (110) irradiates a laser (111) onto the bare portion (12) of the electrode (10) to cut the bare portion (12) into a sawtooth shape. As the bare portion (12) is cut, scrap (15) is generated. The scrap (15) can travel together with the electrode (10) while connected to the uncut area of ​​the bare portion (12). The scrap (15) can be recovered from the travel path of the electrode (10) as it is sucked into the suction unit (160).

[0136] The first roll (120) is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the notching tap processing section (110) in the direction of travel of the electrode (10), and can rotate in a first rotational direction to change the direction of travel of the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) to a first travel direction (T1). The electrode (10) travels along the first travel direction (T1) in the section (L) between the first roll (120) and the second roll (130). The notching tap processing section (110) can drive the electrode (10) downward, and the first roll (120) can drive the electrode (10) sideways.

[0137] The second roll (130) is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the first roll (120) in the direction of travel of the electrode (10), and can rotate in a second rotational direction to change the direction of travel of the electrode (10) and the scrap (15). The second roll (130) can change the electrode (10), which is traveling in the first direction of travel (T1) from the first roll (120), to the second direction of travel (T2). The electrode (10) travels along the second direction of travel (T2) in the section between the second roll (130) and the third roll (140).

[0138] The first rotation direction and the second rotation direction may be opposite directions. Accordingly, the first roll (120) can rotate counterclockwise to drive the electrode (10) in the first driving direction (T1), and the second roll (130) can rotate clockwise to drive the electrode (10) in the second driving direction (T2).

[0139] The pressure roller (150) may be positioned to correspond to the second roller (130) with the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) in between. The pressure roller (150) may be positioned above the second roller (120). The pressure roller (10) may press the electrode (10) upon initial entry of the electrode (10) to press it against the second roller (130). The pressure roller (150) may be reciprocated between the second roller (130) side and the opposite side by a pressure drive unit (152). A cylinder driven by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is provided as the pressure drive unit (152).

[0140] The suction unit (160) is positioned spaced apart from the second roll (130) in the direction of travel of the electrode (10) and can suck up and recover scrap (15). The suction unit (160) may be positioned below the electrode (10) traveling in the second direction of travel (T2). At this time, the suction unit (160) may be positioned 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 (160) to form a vacuum suction force in the suction unit (160). The suction unit (160) sucks up the scrap (15) traveling together with the electrode (10) and collects the scrap (15) along the path of travel of the electrode (10).

[0141] Since the suction unit (160) is not positioned vertically below the notching tap processing unit (110) where the scrap (15) is separated from the non-working unit (12), but is positioned at the travel exit side of the second roll (130), the scrap (15) can be sucked in and collected by the suction unit (160) after passing through the first roll (120) and the second roll (130). Accordingly, the suction unit (160) is positioned at a distance away from the lower part of the notching tap processing unit (110), thereby preventing vibrations from the scrap portion near the suction unit (160) from being transmitted to the electrode portion (non-working portion) of the notching tap processing unit (110).

[0142] Additionally, since the first roll (120) and the second roll (130) are positioned in the section (L) between the notching tap processing section (110) where the separation of the scrap (15) begins and the suction section (160) where vibration of the scrap (15) occurs, the second roll (130) and the first roll (120) can come into contact with the scrap (15) and offset the vibration transmitted to the scrap (15). That is, the vibration of the scrap (15) is offset primarily by the scrap (15) coming into contact with the upper side of the second roll (130), and the vibration of the scrap (15) can be offset secondarily by coming into contact with the first roll (120).

[0143] Additionally, the moving scrap (15) has 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 section (160) in succession. Accordingly, in the first contact section and the second contact section, the vibration of the scrap (15) is offset by a restraining force (tension) and 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 a difference in the looseness (tension release) of the scrap (15). Furthermore, since the non-contact section and the contact section alternately repeat in the reverse direction of the scrap (15), the vibration of the scrap (15) can be offset stepwise and section by section while being transmitted from the suction section (160) to the notching tap processing section (110).

[0144] Additionally, the vibration of the scrap (15) can be transmitted along the reverse direction of the scrap (15), but since the direction of travel of the scrap (15) differs in sections separated by the first roll (120) and the second roll (130), the vibration cancellation ability of the scrap (15) can be further improved. That is, since the second travel direction (T2) section, the curved contact section with the second roll (130), the first travel direction (T1) section, and the curved contact section with the first roll (120) are continuously connected in the scrap (15), the direction of vibration changes according to the section of the scrap (15). Accordingly, the vibration of the scrap (15) can be canceled out in the sections and minimized from being transmitted to the electrode section (uncovered section) of the notching tab processing section (110). Furthermore, the laser (111) can accurately cut the shape of the notching tab section (13) and significantly reduce the defect rate of the electrode (10).

[0145] In addition, since the suction unit (160) sucks and collects scrap (15) from the downstream side of the second roll (130) while the electrode (10) is being pulled taut by the first roll (120) and the second roll (130), it is possible to prevent the notching tab (13) of the electrode (10) from interfering with or getting caught on the suction end (162) of the suction unit (160) and bending. Accordingly, the defect rate of the electrode (10) can be further reduced.

[0146] The first roll (120) can be positioned below the notching tap processing section (110). Accordingly, the scrap (15) cut from the notching tap processing section (110) can be lowered to one side of the first roll (120).

[0147] The electrode (10) and the scrap (15) can travel while in contact with at least a portion of the lower circumferential surface of the first roll (120). The electrode (10) and the scrap (15) can travel while in contact with at least a portion of the upper circumferential surface of the second roll (130). The pressure roll (150) can be installed so as to approach the upper circumferential surface of the second roll (130) or move away from the upper circumferential surface of the second roll (130) with the scrap (15) in between. Accordingly, the travel direction of the scrap (15) is changed between the first roll (120) and the second roll (130), and since the travel sections are physically separated between the notching processing section (110), the first roll (120), and the second roll (130), vibrations transmitted in the reverse direction from the scrap (15) can be offset as they pass through multiple travel sections.

[0148] The first roll (120) contacts the first surface of the electrode (10) and guides the movement of the electrode (10), and the second roll (130) contacts the second surface of the electrode (10) opposite the first surface of the electrode (10) and guides the movement of the electrode (10). At this time, the pressure roll (150) may be installed to face the first surface of the electrode (10).

[0149] The second roll (130) may be spaced apart from the first roll (120) in a first driving direction (T1) inclined upward, and the suction part (160) may be spaced apart from the second roll (130) in a second driving direction (T2) inclined downward.

[0150] The inclination of the first driving direction (T1) can be formed to be smaller than the inclination of the second driving direction (T2). That is, the angle of inclination of the electrode portion between the first roll (120) and the second roll (130) (angle of inclination of the first driving direction (T1)) can be formed to be smaller than the angle of inclination of the electrode portion between the second roll (130) and the third roll (140) (angle of inclination of the second driving direction (T2)). The driving direction of the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) can be changed to the first driving direction (T1) by the first roll (120) and to the second driving direction (T2) by the second roll (130). As the first driving direction (T1) and the second driving direction (T2) are changed, the contact area of ​​the electrode (10) with the first roll (120) and the second roll (130) can be adjusted, respectively.

[0151] The height of the upper portion of the second roll (130) can be formed to be higher than the height of the lower portion of the first roll (120). Accordingly, the first driving direction (T1) of the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) can be formed to be inclined upward toward the second roll (130). In addition, the scrap (15) connected to the non-removable portion (12) can be driven in the second driving direction (T2) while stably contacting the upper portion of the second roll (130).

[0152] The height of the upper portion of the second roll (130) may be formed to be lower than the height of the rotation center of the first roll (120) by a predetermined height (H1). At this time, the height of the upper portion of the second roll (130) may be positioned in the height (H1) range between the rotation center of the first roll (120) and the lower portion of the first roll (120). Accordingly, the contact area between the electrode (10) and the scrap (15) in the first roll (120) can be prevented from unnecessarily increasing. If the height of the upper portion of the second roll (130) is higher than the rotation center of the first roll (120), the angle of change of direction of the scrap (15) in the first roll (120) and the second roll (130) becomes too large, and a slip or lifting phenomenon of the scrap (15) may occur.

[0153] The diameter (D1) of the first roll (120) can 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) can be larger than the contact area between the second roll (130) and the scrap (15). Additionally, since the vibration cancellation ability improves as the contact area between the scrap (15) and the roll increases, the vibration cancellation ability of the first roll (120) can be increased compared to the vibration cancellation ability of the second roll (130).

[0154] The electrode notching device (100) may further include a scrap guide (170). The scrap guide (170) is positioned along the travel direction of the electrode (10) between the notching tab processing section (110) and the second roll (130), and can guide the scrap (15) being transported from the first roll (120) toward the second roll (130). The width of the scrap guide (170) can be formed to a size that covers the electrode (10) in the width direction and covers the travel path of the scrap (15). Since the scrap guide (170) prevents the scrap (15) from leaving the scrap guide (170), the notching process can be prevented from being interrupted.

[0155] Additionally, since the pressure roller (150) is movably installed on the upper side of the second roller (130), the scrap guide (170) can be installed in a structure that surrounds the travel path of the scrap (15). Furthermore, since no passage is formed in the scrap guide (160), it is possible to prevent the scrap (15) transported from the notching tap processing section (110) from deviating from the scrap guide (160).

[0156] The scrap guide (170) has a first section (171) that extends obliquely downward from the lower part of the notching tap processing section (110), a second section (172) that extends from the first section (171) and passes under the first roll (120), and a third section (173) that extends from the second section (172) and extends from the lower part of the first roll (120) to near the second roll (130). The first section (171) is formed at an angle with respect to the direction of gravity, the second section (172) is formed roundly to surround the outer surface of the first roll (120), and the third section (173) can be formed at an angle upward with respect to the horizontal direction. The lengths and angles of inclination of the first section (171), the second section (172), and the third section (173) can 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 (170) can be formed to be rounded overall.

[0157] The slope of the third section (173) may be formed to be greater than the slope of the first driving direction (T1). One side of the third section (173) may be sufficiently spaced apart from the lower part of the first roll (120) so that the scrap (15) can travel, and the other side of the third section (173) may be positioned close to the upper part of the second roll (130). Accordingly, the scrap (15) can be smoothly moved to the upper part of the second roll (130) after passing through the third section (173).

[0158] The third section (173) can be positioned at a height lower than the upper part of the second roll (130) and higher than the lower part of the second roll (130). Accordingly, the third section (173) of the scrap guide (170) can be positioned at an angle so as not to interfere with or catch on the electrode (10). Since the third section (173) of the scrap guide (170) is positioned at an upward angle toward the second roll (130), the scrap (15) can be smoothly pushed up to the upper part of the second roll (130) by the guidance of the third section (173).

[0159] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view illustrating another embodiment of the suction part of an electrode notching device according to the present invention.

[0160] The suction end (162) of the suction unit (160) can be formed parallel to the electrode (10) traveling in the second driving direction (T2). Accordingly, since the inlet side and the outlet side of the suction end (162) maintain a distance almost equal to that of the electrode (10), the notching tab portion (13) of the electrode (10) can be prevented from interfering with or getting caught on the suction end (162) of the suction unit (160) and bending. In addition, since the suction end (162) is arranged parallel to the electrode (10), the suction unit (160) can be set up parallel to the direction of gravity. As the suction unit (160) is set up, the scrap (15) is drawn into the suction unit (160) along the direction of gravity by the vacuum suction force, thus preventing the inside of the suction unit (160) from being blocked by the scrap (15). Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the notching process from being interrupted by making it impossible to recover the scrap (15).

[0161] The electrode notching device (100) may include a third roll (140) positioned lower than the second roll (130) on the second driving direction (T2) side of the second roll (130). The third roll (140) can drive the electrode (10) in a direction different from the second driving direction (T2). Since the suction part (160) is positioned between the second roll (130) and the third roll (140), the scrap (15) does not travel on the third roll (140).

[0162] At this time, the suction end (162) of the suction unit (160) may be formed in a shape inclined at a predetermined angle (θ) such that the second roll (130) side is higher than the third roll (140) side. Accordingly, even if the suction end (162) is positioned parallel to the electrode (10) inclined in the second driving direction (T2), the suction unit (160) can be positioned parallel to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the suction direction of the suction unit (160) can be parallel to the direction of gravity, and the scrap (15) can be prevented from getting caught and stagnating inside the suction unit (160).

[0163] The embodiment described above illustrates a structure in which the second driving direction of the electrode is obliquely upward from the first roll toward the second roll. However, unlike the disclosed embodiment, it is obvious that the second driving direction of the electrode may be configured to be obliquely upward from the first roll toward the second roll.

[0164] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration according to the present invention were not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. A notching tab processing unit that cuts scrap from a blank portion provided on one side in the width direction of an electrode traveling along the longitudinal direction, and processes a notching tab portion in the blank portion; A first roll positioned spaced apart from the above notching tap processing section in the travel direction of the electrode, and rotating in a first rotation direction to switch the travel direction of the electrode and the scrap; A second roll positioned spaced apart from the first roll in the driving direction of the electrode and rotating in a second rotational direction to switch the driving direction of the electrode and the scrap; and An electrode notching device comprising: a pressure roll positioned to correspond to the second roll with the electrode and the scrap in between.

2. An electrode notching device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure roll is installed to approach or move away from the circumferential surface of the second roll with the scrap in between.

3. An electrode notching device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure roller is installed to be rotatable in a direction opposite to the second rotation direction.

4. An electrode notching device according to claim 1, wherein the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction are opposite directions.

5. An electrode notching device according to claim 1, wherein the first roll contacts the first surface of the electrode and guides the movement of the electrode, the second roll contacts the second surface of the electrode opposite to the first surface and guides the movement of the electrode, and the pressure roll is installed to face the first surface of the electrode.

6. An electrode notching device according to claim 5, wherein the notching tab processing part contacts the first surface of the electrode and guides the movement of the electrode.

7. An electrode notching device according to claim 1, wherein the first roll is disposed below the notching tap processing section.

8. An electrode notching device according to claim 1, wherein the second roll is spaced apart from the first roll in the first driving direction of the electrode and scrap switched by the first roll.

9. In paragraph 8, the electrode and the scrap travel while in contact with at least a portion of the lower circumferential surface of the first roll and travel while in contact with at least a portion of the upper circumferential surface of the second roll, The above pressure roll is an electrode notching device installed to face the upper circumferential surface of the second roll with the scrap in between.

10. An electrode notching device according to claim 8, wherein the lower circumferential surface of the first roll is positioned above the upper circumferential surface of the second roll.

11. An electrode notching device according to claim 8, wherein the height of the upper portion of the second roll is positioned higher than the height of the lower portion of the first roll and lower than the height of the upper portion of the first roll.

12. An electrode notching device according to claim 11, wherein the height of the upper portion of the second roll is positioned lower than the height of the rotation center of the first roll.

13. An electrode notching device according to claim 1, further comprising a scrap guide that guides the scrap from the first roll to the second roll side.

14. In paragraph 13, the scrap guide is an electrode notching device facing the first roll with the electrode and the scrap in between.

15. In paragraph 13, the scrap guide is an electrode notching device that extends along the travel direction of the electrode between the notching tap processing part and the second roll in the travel direction of the electrode.

16. An electrode notching device according to claim 15, wherein the scrap guide comprises: a first section extending along the direction in which the electrode travels between the notching tap processing section and the first roll; a second section extending along the direction in which the electrode travels in contact with the first roll; and a third section extending along the direction in which the electrode travels between the first roll and the second roll.

17. An electrode notching device according to claim 13, wherein the scrap guide comprises: a first section extending from the lower part of the notching tap processing section to the lower part of the first roll; a second section extending from the first section and passing through the lower part of the first roll; and a third section extending from the second section and extending from the lower part of the first roll to the vicinity of the second roll.

18. An electrode notching device according to claim 1, further comprising a suction part disposed spaced apart from the second roll in the direction of travel of the electrode and sucking in the scrap.

19. An electrode notching device according to claim 18, wherein the suction part is positioned spaced apart from the second roll in the second driving direction of the electrode and scrap switched by the second roll.

20. An electrode notching device according to claim 19, wherein the inclination of the first driving direction in which the electrode and scrap travel from the first roll to the second roll is formed to be smaller than the inclination of the second driving direction.

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