Molding device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a molding device for molding first and second foil tabs formed at both ends of a cylindrical electrode assembly, the molding device comprising: a rail unit for moving the electrode assembly in one direction; and a guide unit disposed on the rail unit to align the position of the electrode assembly, and including a first plate, which faces the first foil tab and moves toward or away from the first foil tab, and a first guide part, which is disposed on the first plate and bends the first foil tab.

Description

molding device

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0133279 dated September 30, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a molding device, and more specifically, to a molding device capable of molding a foil tab that has a simplified structure, reduces the cost consumed in the molding process, and is efficient and has improved quality of finish.

[0005] Recently, with rising energy prices due to the depletion of fossil fuels and growing concern over environmental pollution, the demand for eco-friendly alternative energy sources has become an indispensable factor for future life. Accordingly, research on various power generation technologies, such as solar, wind, and tidal power, is ongoing, and there is also significant interest in power storage devices, such as batteries, to utilize this generated electrical energy more efficiently.

[0006] Furthermore, as technological development and demand for battery-powered electronic mobile devices and electric vehicles increase, the demand for batteries as an energy source is rapidly rising, and accordingly, much research is being conducted on batteries capable of meeting various requirements.

[0007] Rechargeable batteries are attracting significant attention as an energy source in various product categories, including mobile devices and electric vehicles. As an excellent energy resource capable of replacing existing products that use fossil fuels, these batteries are gaining prominence as an eco-friendly energy source because they do not generate byproducts associated with energy consumption.

[0008] A secondary battery may include electrodes, a separator, and tabs, and the tabs may be a component connecting the electrodes of the secondary battery to an external circuit. A tab forming process may be required so that the tabs efficiently transmit current and have a stable structure.

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a molding device capable of molding a foil tab that has a simplified structure, reduces the cost consumed in the molding process, and is efficient and has improved quality of finish.

[0010] A forming apparatus for forming first and second foil tabs formed at both ends of a cylindrical electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a rail unit for moving the electrode assembly in one direction, a first plate disposed on the rail unit for aligning the position of the electrode assembly and moving in a direction closer to or further away from the first foil tab while facing the first foil tab, and a guide unit comprising a first guide portion disposed on the first plate for bending the first foil tab.

[0011] The guide unit may further include a second plate that faces the second foil tab and moves in a direction closer to or further away from the second foil tab, and a second guide portion disposed on the second plate to bend the second foil tab.

[0012] In the direction in which the first and second plates move, the first and second plates may have a circular shape, and the first and second guide parts may be arranged in a radial shape.

[0013] The first and second guide portions can bend a portion of the first and second foil tabs so that the thickness of the first and second foil tabs becomes thicker as they approach the center of the electrode assembly.

[0014] The first guide portion may be composed of a plurality of triangular shapes whose height decreases toward the center of the first plate.

[0015] The molding device may further include a rotating unit that is spaced apart from the guide unit in one direction and rotates the electrode assembly to mold the first and second foil tabs. The rotating unit may include an upper roller disposed above the electrode assembly and a molding pin that molds the first and second foil tabs.

[0016] The above-described rotating unit may further include a guide frame on which the upper roller and the molding pin are installed, and a transfer unit that moves the guide frame in a direction closer to or further away from the electrode assembly.

[0017] The molding pin may include a first surface fixed to the guide frame, a second surface extending from the first surface in a direction away from the guide frame and being straight in one direction, and a third surface extending from the first surface in a direction away from the guide frame and connected to the second surface, with at least a portion being curved in one direction.

[0018] The interfaces of the first to third surfaces of the above-mentioned molding pin can be filleted.

[0019] The third surface of the molding pin comprises a first extension extending from the first surface toward the second surface, a second extension extending from the first extension and having a steeper slope with respect to the first surface than the first extension extending toward the second surface, and a third extension extending from the second extension and connected to the second surface, and at least some of the first to third extensions may include a curved surface.

[0020] The above-mentioned rotating unit may further include a lower roller positioned on the lower side of the electrode assembly.

[0021] The molding device may further include a pressing unit that is spaced apart from the rotating unit in one direction and presses the electrode assembly. The pressing unit may include a first pressing plate that faces the first foil tab and moves in a direction closer to or further away from the first foil tab, and a first core pin disposed on the first pressing plate and protruding toward the center of the first foil tab.

[0022] The above-described pressure unit may further include a second pressure plate facing the second foil tab and moving in a direction closer to or further away from the second foil tab, and a second core pin disposed on the second pressure plate and protruding toward the center of the second foil tab.

[0023] The first and second pressure plates can press the first and second foil tabs in the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly.

[0024] The first and second core pins can form the center of the first and second foil tabs.

[0025] The molding device according to the present invention includes a guide unit, a rotation unit, and a pressurizing unit, excluding an ultrasonic unit, thereby reducing the cost consumed in the molding process and simplifying the structure of the molding device. Since the components of the ultrasonic unit are omitted, the management elements of the molding process are reduced, allowing for more efficient molding of foil tabs. Furthermore, the foil tabs molded by the molding process of the guide unit, the rotation unit, and the pressurizing unit can have improved quality of finish.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a molding device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of region A of Figure 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a first plate (or second plate) and a first guide part (or second guide part) of a guide unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of region B of Figure 1.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a molded pin according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of region C of Figure 1.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first pressure plate (or second pressure plate) and a first core pin (or second core pin) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0034] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art that are irrelevant to the explanation or that may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention have been omitted. Furthermore, when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, identical or similar reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components throughout the entire specification.

[0035] Furthermore, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0036]

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a molding device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, first and second foil tabs (200, 300) may be formed at both ends of a cylindrical electrode assembly (100, hereinafter referred to as the electrode assembly). The first foil tab (200) may extend from the electrode assembly (100) in a direction opposite to the first direction (DR1), and the second foil tab (300) may extend from the electrode assembly (100) in the first direction (DR1). The molding device (1) of the present invention is a device for molding the first and second foil tabs (200, 300) formed at both ends of the electrode assembly (100). The first to third directions (DR1, DR2, DR3) illustrated in this specification are exemplary and are not limited to the directions.

[0039] The molding device (1) may include a rail unit (10), a guide unit (20), a rotation unit (30), and a pressurizing unit (40).

[0040] The rail unit (10) can move the electrode assembly (100) in any one direction. For example, the rail unit (10) can move the electrode assembly (100) at regular intervals along a second direction (DR2).

[0041] A guide unit (20) can be placed on a rail unit (10) to align the position of an electrode assembly (100). For example, the guide unit (20) can align the electrode assembly (100) to a correct position while it is placed on the rail unit (10). Additionally, the guide unit (20) can bend (or shape) at least a portion of the first and second foil tabs (200, 300).

[0042] The rotating unit (30) is spaced apart from the guide unit (10) in one direction (e.g., the second direction (DR2)) and can rotate the electrode assembly (100) to form the first and second foil tabs (200, 300).

[0043] The pressurizing unit (40) is spaced apart from the rotating unit (30) in one direction (e.g., the second direction (DR2)) and can pressurize and mold the electrode assembly (100).

[0044] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of region A of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a first plate (21, or second plate (22)) and a first guide part (22, or second guide part (22)) of a guide unit (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the guide unit (20) viewed from a second direction (DR2), and FIG. 3 illustrates the shape of the first plate (21, or second plate (22)) and the first guide part (22, or second guide part (22)) viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction (DR1). In describing FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, reference is made to FIG. 1, and descriptions of identical reference numerals are omitted.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, the guide unit (20) may include a first plate (21), a first guide part (22), a second plate (23), and a second guide part (24).

[0046] The first plate (21) can move toward or away from the first foil tab (200) and face the first foil tab (200) (e.g., a direction parallel to the first direction (DR1)). The first guide part (22) is placed on the first plate (21) and can bend (or form) the first foil tab (200).

[0047] The second plate (23) can move toward the second foil tab (300) and move toward or away from the second foil tab (300) (e.g., in a direction parallel to the first direction (DR1)). The second guide part (24) is placed on the second plate (23) and can bend (or form) the second foil tab (300).

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second plates (21, 23) move so that the first and second guide parts (22, 24) can form the first and second foil tabs (200, 300). Forming the first and second foil tabs (200, 300) with two guide parts (22, 24) can form the foil tabs more efficiently than forming the first and second foil tabs (200, 300) with more than two guide parts.

[0049] In the direction in which the first and second plates (21, 23) move, the first and second plates (21, 23) may each have a circular shape, and the first and second guide portions (22, 24) may be arranged in a radial shape. For example, the direction in which the first and second plates (21, 23) move may be a direction in which the first and second plates (21, 23) are each viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction (DR1).

[0050] The first guide portion (22) may be composed of a plurality of triangular shapes whose height decreases as it approaches the center of the first plate (21). The second guide portion (24) may be composed of a plurality of triangular shapes whose height decreases as it approaches the center of the second plate (23). The first and second guide portions (22, 24), which have a thicker thickness in the portion adjacent to the edges of the plates (21, 23), can bend (or form) a portion of the first and second foil tabs (200, 300) so that the thickness of the first and second foil tabs (200, 300) becomes thicker as they approach the center of the electrode assembly (100). Accordingly, the electrode assembly (100) on which the process of the guide unit (20) of the present invention is performed may have first and second foil tabs (200, 300) that are convex at the center.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of region B in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a molding pin (32) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of a rotation unit (30) viewed from a second direction (DR2). In describing FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, reference is made to FIG. 1, and descriptions of the same reference numerals are omitted.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the rotation unit (30) may include an upper roller (31), a molding pin (32), a guide frame (33), a transfer unit (34), and a lower roller (35).

[0053] An upper roller (31) may be positioned on the upper side of the electrode assembly (100). The upper roller (31) may rotate the electrode assembly (100) by contacting the electrode assembly (100) from above. A lower roller (35) may be positioned on the lower side of the electrode assembly (100). The lower roller (35) may rotate the electrode assembly (100) by contacting the electrode assembly (100) from below. The upper roller (31) and / or the lower roller (35) may be rotated by a motor. In one embodiment, the upper roller (31) may be provided as one and the lower roller (35) may be provided as two. The upper roller may be located at the center of the electrode assembly, and the two lower rollers may be located on both sides relative to the center.

[0054] The forming pin (32) can form first and second foil tabs (200, 300) formed at both ends of a rotating electrode assembly (100). The forming pin (32) can form the first and second foil tabs (200, 300) to have a specific shape and correspond thereto. The first and second foil tabs (200, 300) moved by the rail unit (10) may be in a state where at least a portion of them are bent at a certain angle by the guide unit (20). The forming pin (32) can additionally form the first and second foil tabs (200, 300) that have been bent by the guide unit (20).

[0055] The molding pin (32) may include a first surface (321), a second surface (322), and a third surface (323). The first surface (321) may be fixed to a guide frame (33). The second surface (322) may extend from the first surface (321) in a direction away from the guide frame (33) and may have a straight shape in one direction. For example, in FIG. 5, the second surface (322) may extend from the first surface (321) in a direction where the opposite directions of the first direction (DR1) and the third direction (DR3) intersect, and may have a straight shape when viewed from the second direction (DR2). The third surface (323) may extend from the first surface (321) in a direction away from the guide frame (33) and may be connected to the second surface (322). At least a portion of the third surface (323) may be curved in one direction. For example, in FIG. 5, the third surface (323) can be connected to the second surface (322) by extending from the first surface (321) in a direction opposite to the first direction (DR1) and the opposite direction of the third direction (DR3) intersecting.

[0056] The boundaries of the first to third surfaces (321, 322, 323) of the forming pin (32) can be filleted. The filleted forming pin (32) can prevent the foil tabs (200, 300) from tearing when forming the rotating first and second foil tabs (200, 300). That is, the fixed forming pin can prevent the foil tabs (200, 300) from tearing when forming the rotating first and second foil tabs (200, 300).

[0057] The third surface (323) of the molding pin (32) may include a first extension (3231), a second extension (3232), and a third extension (3233). The first extension (3231) may be defined as a portion extending from the first surface (321) toward the second surface (322). The second extension (3232) may extend from the first extension (3231) toward the first surface (321) and may extend toward the end of the second surface (322) with a steeper slope than that of the first extension (3231). That is, the angle of the second extension (3232) toward the first surface (321) may be greater than the angle of the first extension (3231) toward the first surface (321). The third extension (3233) may be defined as a portion that extends from the second extension (3232) and connects to the second surface (322). The third extension (3233) may extend with a gentler slope with respect to the first surface (321) than the second extension (3232). That is, the angle of the third extension (3233) with respect to the first surface (321) may be smaller than the angle of the second extension (3232) with respect to the first surface (321).

[0058] At least some of the first to third extensions (3231, 3232, 3233) may include a curved surface. FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates that the portion adjacent to the boundary between the first extension (3231) and the second extension (3232), and the portion adjacent to the boundary between the second extension (3232) and the third extension (3233), have a curved surface.

[0059] An upper roller (31) and a forming pin (32) may be installed on the guide frame (33). The guide frame (33) may include an upper surface and sides extending from the upper surface. A rod that rotates by a motor may be connected to both sides of the guide frame (33), and the upper roller (31) may be connected to the rod and rotated. A forming pin (32) may be installed on the upper surface of the guide frame (33), and the rod of the upper roller (31) may be installed by passing through the forming pin (32).

[0060] The transfer unit (34) can move the guide frame (33) in a direction closer to or further away from the electrode assembly (100). That is, the transfer unit (34) can move the guide frame (33) in a direction parallel to the third direction (DR3).

[0061] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of region C in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first pressure plate (41, or a second pressure plate (43)) and a first core pin (42, or a second core pin (44)) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of the pressure unit (40) viewed from a second direction (DR2). In describing FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, reference is made to FIG. 1, and descriptions of the same reference numerals are omitted.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the pressure unit (40) may include a first pressure plate (41), a first core pin (42), a second pressure plate (43), and a second core pin (44).

[0063] The first pressure plate (41) faces the first foil tab (200) and can move in a direction closer to or further away from the first foil tab (200) (e.g., a direction parallel to the first direction (DR1)). The first core pin (42) is placed on the first pressure plate (41) and can protrude toward the center of the first foil tab (200). The first core pin (42) can form by pressing the center of the first foil tab (200).

[0064] The second pressure plate (43) faces the second foil tab (300) and can move in a direction closer to or further away from the second foil tab (300) (e.g., a direction parallel to the first direction (DR1)). The second core pin (44) is placed on the second pressure plate (43) and can protrude toward the center of the second foil tab (300). The second core pin (44) can form by pressing the center of the second foil tab (300).

[0065] The first and second pressure plates (41, 43) can press the first and second foil tabs (200, 300) along the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly (100). For example, in FIG. 6, the first and second pressure plates (41, 43) can press the first and second foil tabs (200, 300) in a direction parallel to the first direction (DR1). In the direction in which the first and second pressure plates (41, 43) move, the first and second pressure plates (41, 43) may each have a circular shape. The direction in which the first and second pressure plates (41, 43) move may be a direction in which the first and second pressure plates (41, 43) are viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction (DR1).

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the molding device (1) of the present invention may include a rail unit (10), a guide unit (20), a rotation unit (30), and a pressurizing unit (40), which omit an ultrasonic unit, unlike conventional molding devices. The ultrasonic unit used to mold foil tabs in the past required high costs, and there were complex issues in securing space and designing for installing the components of the ultrasonic unit. The molding device (1) of the present invention can reduce the cost consumed in the molding process and simplify the structure of the molding device by omitting the ultrasonic unit. In addition, while conventional molding devices including an ultrasonic unit required adjustment of the lifespan of the components of the ultrasonic unit and process parameter values, the molding device of the present invention can mold foil tabs more efficiently and with a higher degree of completeness by precisely molding foil tabs using a guide unit (20), a rotation unit (30), and a pressurizing unit (40) instead of an ultrasonic unit.

[0067] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0068] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0069] 1: Forming device

[0070] 10: Rail unit

[0071] 20: Guide Unit

[0072] 21, 23: First and second plates

[0073] 22, 24: 1st and 2nd guide sections

[0074] 30: Rotating unit

[0075] 31: Upper roller

[0076] 32: Molding pin

[0077] 33: Guide Frame

[0078] 34: Transfer section

[0079] 35: Lower roller

[0080] 40: Pressurization unit

[0081] 41, 43: First and second pressure plates

[0082] 42, 44: 1st and 2nd core pins

[0083] 100: Electrode assembly

[0084] 200, 300: 1st and 2nd foil tabs

Claims

1. A molding apparatus for forming first and second foil tabs formed at both ends of a cylindrical electrode assembly, A rail unit for moving the above electrode assembly in one direction; and A molding device comprising a guide unit including a first plate disposed on the rail unit to align the position of the electrode assembly and facing the first foil tab and moving in a direction closer to or further away from the first foil tab, and a first guide portion disposed on the first plate to bend the first foil tab.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above guide unit is, A second plate facing the second foil tab and moving in a direction closer to or further away from the second foil tab; and A molding device further comprising a second guide portion disposed on the second plate and bending the second foil tab.

3. In Paragraph 2, A forming device in which, in the direction in which the first and second plates move, the first and second plates have a circular shape and the first and second guide parts are arranged in a radial shape.

4. In Paragraph 2, A forming device in which the first and second guide sections bend at least a portion of the first and second foil tabs so that the thickness of the first and second foil tabs becomes thicker as they approach the center of the electrode assembly.

5. In Paragraph 1, The first guide section is a forming device composed of a plurality of triangular shapes whose height decreases toward the center of the first plate.

6. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a rotating unit that is spaced apart from the guide unit in one direction and rotates the electrode assembly and forms the first and second foil tabs, and The above-mentioned rotating unit is, An upper roller disposed on the upper side of the electrode assembly; and A molding device comprising a molding pin for molding the first and second foil tabs.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above-mentioned rotating unit is, A guide frame having the upper roller and the molding pin installed thereon; and A molding device further comprising a transfer unit that moves the guide frame in a direction closer to or further away from the electrode assembly.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned molded pin is, A first surface fixed to the above guide frame; A second surface extending from the first surface in a direction away from the guide frame and being straight in the one direction; and A forming device comprising a third surface that extends from the first surface in a direction away from the guide frame and is connected to the second surface, and at least a portion of which is curved in the first direction.

9. In Paragraph 8, The interfaces of the first to third surfaces of the above-mentioned forming pin are filleted forming devices.

10. In Paragraph 8, The third surface of the above-mentioned molding pin is, A first extension portion extending from the first surface toward the second surface; A second extension extending from the first extension and extending toward the second surface with a steeper slope with respect to the first surface than the first extension; and It includes a third extension extending from the second extension and connected to the second surface, and A forming device comprising at least some of the first to third extensions, wherein the first to third extensions include a curved surface.

11. In Paragraph 6, The above-mentioned rotating unit is a molding device further comprising a lower roller disposed on the lower side of the electrode assembly.

12. In Paragraph 6, It further includes a pressure unit that is spaced apart from the rotation unit in one direction and pressurizes the electrode assembly, and The above-mentioned pressurization unit is, A first pressure plate facing the first foil tab and moving in a direction closer to or further away from the first foil tab; and A molding device comprising a first core pin disposed on the first pressure plate and protruding toward the center of the first foil tab.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above-mentioned pressurization unit is, A second pressure plate facing the second foil tab and moving in a direction closer to or further away from the second foil tab; and A molding device further comprising a second core pin disposed on the second pressure plate and protruding toward the center of the second foil tab.

14. In Paragraph 13, The first and second pressure plates are a molding device that presses the first and second foil tabs in the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly.

15. In Paragraph 13, The above first and second core pins are a forming device for forming the center of the above first and second foil tabs.

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