Electrode, and tab-forming system for manufacturing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tab-forming system for forming an electrode tab by cutting a part of an electrode, the system comprising: a laser device which generates a laser beam to cut the electrode, and the laser focus of which is movable; and a pattern jig which supports the electrode and which includes an electrode support part having a pattern hole through which the laser beam passes, wherein the laser device is positioned on the side opposite to one side on which the electrode is positioned with respect to the electrode support part, and the electrode support part is protruding in the direction in which the laser device faces the pattern hole so that the focus of the laser beam that has passed through the pattern hole is positioned on the electrode.

Description

Electrode and a tap forming system configured to manufacture the same

[0001] [Cross-reference with related applications]

[0002] The present application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean patent application 10-2024-0163621 filed November 15, 2024 and Korean patent application 10-2025-0135168 filed September 19, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein as part of the specification.

[0003] [Technology Field]

[0004] The present invention relates to an electrode and a tab forming system configured to manufacture the same. More specifically, the invention relates to a tab forming system configured to prevent dross generation during the formation of an electrode tab and an electrode manufactured thereby.

[0005] A secondary battery may be provided to generate electricity. The secondary battery may include a battery case, an electrode assembly housed in the battery case, and an electrolyte housed in the battery case. The electrode assembly may include a plurality of electrodes and a separator that is positioned between the plurality of electrodes and laminated thereon. The electrode may include a current collector and an active material layer positioned on the current collector. In this case, the current collector may include a retaining portion that overlaps with the active material layer and a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap with the active material layer. A portion of the retaining portion connected to the non-overlapping portion of the current collector may form an electrode tab that is formed to have a width smaller than that of the adjacent retaining portion. In this case, the portion of the current collector connected to the electrode tab may be referred to as the current collector body. Since the electrode tab protrudes from the current collector body, the electrode tab may serve as a passage through which electricity generated by the active material layer moves outward from the current collector body.

[0006] A portion of the electrode may be cut to form an electrode tab. During the cutting of the electrode, if the cut surface is not cleanly cut, dross, a type of impurity, may be formed. In particular, when a laser is used to cut the electrode, if the laser is not focused and the electrode cannot be cut with enough power to cut it cleanly, a problem may occur in which dross formed by the melting and clumping of the electrode adheres to the electrode tab.

[0007] The aforementioned background technology is one that the inventor possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the contents of the disclosure of the present application, and it cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application.

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a tab forming system in which dross generation is suppressed during the electrode tab forming process, and an electrode manufactured through the same.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0010] A tab forming device according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to cut a portion of an electrode to form an electrode tab and to generate a laser to cut the electrode, and includes a laser device in which the focus of the laser is movable, and a pattern jig comprising an electrode support member configured to support the electrode and having a pattern hole formed therein for the laser to pass through, wherein the laser device is located on the side opposite to the side where the electrode is located with respect to the electrode support member, and the electrode support member is convex in the direction toward the pattern hole so that the focus of the laser passing through the pattern hole is located on the electrode.

[0011] The pattern hole may have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the virtual surface formed by the trace of the laser focus, so that the virtual surface formed on the inside is positioned on the electrode to be cut by the laser focus.

[0012] The laser can be configured so that the laser focus moves while the translational motion is fixed.

[0013] The pattern holes can be formed so that the distance from the end of the laser device to the focus of the laser is equal.

[0014] In a pattern hole, a virtual surface formed on the inner side can form part of a sphere.

[0015] The electrode support can be bent to have the same curvature as the pattern hole.

[0016] It further includes a transfer device configured to move the electrode in the direction of movement, and the pattern hole may have curvature with respect to the direction of movement.

[0017] The transfer device includes a transfer support member, and the transfer support member may be configured to support the electrode on the opposite side where the pattern jig is positioned relative to the electrode.

[0018] The electrode support can be configured to support the electrode while the electrode is moving.

[0019] The electrode support may be configured to press the electrode to generate tension in the electrode while the electrode is moving.

[0020] The pattern hole may have a cross-section that is concave at the center and gradually widens toward the outside from the center.

[0021] The pattern jig may include a spacing portion that extends from the electrode support and is spaced apart from the electrode.

[0022] The spacing portion can be configured to be spaced further from the electrode as it moves away from the electrode support portion.

[0023] The gap can be bent so that as it moves away from the electrode support, it becomes closer to the laser device.

[0024] The electrode includes a retaining portion where an active material layer is located and a non-retaining portion where a current collector is exposed, and the pattern hole can be configured to overlap the retaining portion and the non-retaining portion.

[0025] A tab forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention forms an electrode tab by cutting a portion of an electrode and is configured to generate a laser to cut the electrode, and includes a laser device in which the focus of the laser is movable, and a pattern jig including an electrode support member configured to support the electrode and having a pattern hole formed therein for the laser to pass through, wherein the laser device is located on the side opposite to the side where the electrode is located with respect to the electrode support member, and the pattern hole does not form a flat surface.

[0026] The electrode support may be convex in the direction toward the pattern hole so that the focus of the laser passing through the pattern hole is positioned on the electrode.

[0027] The pattern hole may have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the virtual surface formed by the trace of the laser focus, so that the virtual surface formed on the inside is positioned on the electrode to be cut by the laser focus.

[0028] The laser can be configured so that the laser focus moves while the translational motion is fixed.

[0029] An electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an active material layer; a current collector body on which the active material layer is located; an electrode tab extending from the current collector body; and an insulating coating layer covering one side and the other side of the electrode tab in the thickness direction of the electrode tab, wherein the electrode tab is prevented from extending toward the insulating coating layer in the thickness direction of the electrode tab, and is prevented from extending outward from the insulating coating layer in the width direction and length direction of the electrode tab.

[0030] The insulating coating layer can wrap the side of the electrode tab facing the width direction or the length direction of the electrode tab.

[0031] A tab forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent dross from forming on an electrode tab by positioning the focus of a laser emitted from a laser device provided to cut the tab on the electrode while forming the electrode tab.

[0032] A tap forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a laser device that is convex in the direction toward the pattern hole in order to position the focus of the laser on the electrode.

[0033] A tab forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent wrinkles from forming on the electrode due to tension generated on the electrode while the electrode tab is being formed, or prevent shaking caused by vibration, thereby allowing the laser to be focused well.

[0034] A tab forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide curvature to the part of the electrode where the electrode tab is formed by supporting the part of the electrode where the electrode tab is formed while the electrode is moving, by having a curvature the same as that of the pattern hole in the part of the pattern jig that supports the electrode.

[0035] A tab forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a spacing portion spaced apart from the electrode on the outer side of an electrode support portion in which a pattern jig supports an electrode, thereby preventing the spacing portion from coming into contact with the electrode and thus preventing damage to the electrode.

[0036] An electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the above effects by including an electrode tab formed by the above-described tab forming system.

[0037] By preventing the electrode tab of an electrode formed by a tab forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention from extending toward an insulating coating layer in the thickness direction of the electrode tab, an electrode tab having a uniform roughness on its side surface can be provided, so that dross may not be generated at the end of the electrode tab.

[0038] By forming the electrode tab of an electrode formed by a tab forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention so as not to protrude outwardly beyond the insulating coating layer, an electrode tab having a uniform roughness on its side surface is provided, thereby preventing dross from occurring at the end of the electrode tab.

[0039] The electrode tab of the electrode formed by the tab forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed such that its front surface is covered by an insulating coating layer, thereby preventing contact with the opposite electrode and thus preventing a short circuit.

[0040] The effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0041] FIG. 1 is an assembly diagram of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a tab forming system and an electrode configured to form an electrode tab of a secondary battery illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the process of forming an electrode tab using the pattern hole of the tab forming system illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a side view of a tap forming system and an electrode according to a comparative example of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an electrode formed by the tap forming system illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the tap forming system and electrodes shown in FIG. 2.

[0047] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the tap forming system and electrodes shown in Figure 6.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a tap forming system and an electrode according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a pattern jig according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a side view of a tap forming system and an electrode according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an electrode according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an electrode according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an electrode according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0058] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0059] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0060] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0061] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0062] Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components in other aspects (130a-1) (e.g., importance or order).

[0063] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0064] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0065] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0066] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0067] Meanwhile, terms such as "up-and-down direction," "downward side," and "front-backward direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0069] First embodiment

[0070] FIG. 1 is an assembly diagram of a secondary battery (B) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 1, a secondary battery (B) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0072] A secondary battery (B) configured to generate electricity may be provided.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the secondary battery (B) may include a battery case (10) and an electrode assembly (EA) configured to be received in the battery case (10). The battery case (10) may be an aluminum pouch. However, the battery case (10) may be provided in a cylindrical can or a prismatic shape as needed. FIG. 1 may illustrate a secondary battery (B) in an unfinished state. For reference, in this disclosure, an unfinished secondary battery (B) is also referred to as a secondary battery (B), and depending on the context, it may be interpreted differently as meaning that it is finished or that it is in the process of being finished. The electrode assembly (EA) may include a plurality of electrodes (20) and a plurality of separators alternately interposed between the plurality of electrodes (20). The electrode assembly (EA) may be received in a receiving portion (11) that forms a concave space included in the battery case (10). A battery case (10) can be provided by injecting an electrolyte into the space formed by the receiving portion (11) after the electrode assembly (EA) is received in the receiving portion (11), and sealing a side portion (12) extending from the receiving portion (11). At this time, the sealed side portion (12) may be cut or folded to reduce the volume occupied.

[0074] The electrode assembly (EA) may include an electrode (20). The electrode (20) may include an active material layer (21) comprising an active material (not shown) containing lithium ions, a binder (not shown), and a conductive material (not shown), and a current collector (22) in contact with the active material layer (21) to allow electricity generated by the active material layer (21) to pass through. Here, the lithium ions may be replaced with other ions capable of generating electricity. The current collector (22) may be made of a metal material and configured to allow electricity to pass through. At this time, the current collector (22) may include a retaining portion (23a) that overlaps with the active material layer (21) and a non-overlapping portion (23b) that does not overlap with the active material layer (21).

[0075] The non-retaining portion (23b) of the current collector (22) and the retaining portion (23a) connected to the non-retaining portion (23b) can form an electrode tab (22b) that is narrower than the adjacent retaining portion (23a). At this time, the portion of the current collector (22) connected to the electrode tab (22b) can be called the current collector body (22a). Since the electrode tab (22b) protrudes from the current collector body (22a), the electrode tab (22b) can serve as a passage through which electricity formed by the active material layer (21) moves outward from the current collector body (22a). The electrode tab (22b) being narrower than the current collector body (22a) may be sealed to prevent the electrolyte from leaking into the side portion (12) adjacent to the current collector body (22a) that is not connected to the electrode tab (22b). Each electrode tab (22b) of a plurality of electrodes (20) may be welded to be combined with a single electrode lead (29), and the electrode lead (29) may be positioned through the battery case (10). Therefore, since the sealing of the side portion (12) of the battery case (10) adjacent to the electrode lead (29) can be easily released, sealing of a portion of the side portion (12) adjacent to the electrode lead (29) that is not penetrated by the electrode lead (29) may be required to prevent the electrolyte from leaking. At this time, since it is advantageous for the part of the side portion (12) that seals the electrode lead (29) and the part of the side portion (12) that prevents electrolyte leakage on the aforementioned electrode lead (29) side to extend parallel to increase the sealing force, the electrode tab (22b) connected to the electrode lead (29) may have a width smaller than that of the current collector body (22a).

[0076] In order for the electrode tab (22b) to have a small width, a tab forming system (1) (see FIG. 2) may be provided. This will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0077] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a tab forming system (1) and an electrode (20) configured to form an electrode tab (22b) of a secondary battery (B) illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the process of forming an electrode tab (22b) using a pattern hole (211H) of the tab forming system (1) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a tap forming system (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tab forming system (1) may include a transfer support (310) provided to position the electrode (20), a laser device (100) that emits a laser (L) toward the electrode (20), and a pattern jig (200) provided to limit the laser (L) emitted from the laser device (100) from affecting areas other than the desired area. At this time, the transfer support (310) may be omitted as necessary, or the transfer support (310) may be replaced with other components for moving the electrode (20). Accordingly, the transfer support (310) can be interpreted as an extended transfer device (300) configured to transfer the electrode (20). Furthermore, the electrode (20) may be moved by the transfer device (300).

[0080] Here, the electrode (20) does not refer to an electrode (20) that has been individually cut to form an electrode assembly (EA), but may refer to an electrode (20) that has not yet been cut before forming a completed individual electrode (20). However, the electrode (20) in this disclosure may refer to an electrode (20) as a finished product or an electrode (20) before being cut, and may be interpreted appropriately according to the context. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode (20) may be partially cut by a laser (L) to form an electrode tab (22b), and then the space between adjacent electrode tabs (22b) may be cut to form individual electrodes (20). As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the electrode (20) may be cut along a dotted line to form individual electrodes (20). Before being cut, the electrode (20) extends in one direction, and a retaining portion (23a) where the active material layer (21) of the current collector (22) is located in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the electrode (20) extends, and a non-retaining portion (23b) where the active material layer (21) is not located, may be positioned in sequence. The electrode tab (22b) formed on the electrode (20) may be formed by cutting. At this time, a virtual cutting line for cutting the electrode tab (22b) may also be positioned on the retaining portion (23a). This is because the active material layer (21) needs to be positioned on the end of the current collector (22) adjacent to the electrode tab (22b), and for this purpose, the boundary line between the retaining portion (23a) and the non-retaining portion (23b) may not be the cutting line, but rather a cutting line positioned closer to the inside of the retaining portion (23a) may be formed.

[0081] A laser device (100) may be configured to emit a laser (L) so that the electrode (20) is cut by the energy of the laser (L) to form an electrode tab (22b). As shown in FIG. 2, the laser device (100) may emit a laser (L) while fixed in one position, and the emitted laser (L) may move along the aforementioned imaginary cutting line to form an electrode tab (22b). At this time, the position of the laser device (100) may be fixed, but the laser (L) may be moved according to the rotation of the laser device (100), etc.

[0082] A pattern jig (200) may be provided so that a laser (L) from a laser device (100) is precisely positioned on a virtual cutting line. A pattern hole (211H) may be formed in the pattern jig (200) to allow the laser (L) to pass through. Since only the laser (L) that passes through the pattern hole (211H) can be used for cutting, if the laser (L) is not fired at the desired location, the laser (L) may be blocked by the pattern jig (200) rather than the pattern hole (211H) and may not be able to reach the electrode (20). Therefore, the laser (L) can be fired only at the desired location.

[0083] At this time, the pattern hole (211H) may have a cross-section that is concave at the center and gradually widens outward from the center. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the pattern hole (211H) may have a shape similar to an hourglass positioned in the left-right direction. The fact that the pattern hole (211H) has such a shape is explained with reference to FIG. 3.

[0084] FIG. 3 shows the point where the laser (L) that has passed through the pattern hole (211H) reaches in the leftmost drawing, and the drawing to the right of that shows the position of the laser (L) relative to the pattern hole (211H). The laser (L) can move within the pattern hole (211H). As shown in FIG. 3, when the electrode (20) is seen moving downward, the pattern jig (200) remains in the same position with its movement fixed together with the laser (L), so it can be seen as moving relatively upward. For ease of understanding, if the pattern jig (200) and the laser (L) are seen as moving upward, the laser (L) can be seen as moving along the edge of the pattern hole (211H) formed in the pattern jig (200). At this time, a cutting line formed by the laser (L) can be formed by connecting the points indicating where the laser (L) touches on the drawing of the leftmost electrode (20). At this time, considering the movement speed of the electrode (20) and the movement direction of the laser (L) and the movement direction of the electrode (20), the laser (L) can be moved so that an electrode tab (22b) with a vertical corner is formed.

[0085] In this way, the pattern hole (211H) can be provided to guide the path along which the laser (L) moves. However, as described below, the pattern groove according to the comparative example or the pattern jig (200) having the pattern groove formed therein may cause problems.

[0086] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a side view of a tap forming system (1) and an electrode (20) according to a comparative example of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an electrode (20) formed by the tap forming system (1) shown in FIG. 4.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a pattern jig (200-0) according to a comparative example of the present invention is described.

[0088] According to the comparative example, the pattern jig (200-0) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the laser (L) with the electrode (20) in between. At this time, the pattern jig (200-0) may be configured to support the electrode (20). It may have a curved surface to support the electrode (20) and apply tension to the electrode (20). At this time, the curved surface of the pattern jig (200-0) that supports the electrode (20) may be formed to be convex toward the laser (L). And, the electrode (20) may be pressed by the pattern jig (200-0) and bent convexly toward the laser (L).

[0089] The laser (L) can have a focus (F). Since the laser device (100) is fixed, a virtual plane (VA) connecting points where the focus (F) can move can form a part of a virtual sphere. At this time, the virtual plane (VA) can be formed in a direction opposite to the direction in which the electrode (20) is bent. Accordingly, the part where the laser (L) moves and touches the electrode (20) may not be the focus (F) of the laser (L). The laser (L) is set based on when the focus (F) is aligned with the electrode (20). If the output of the laser (L) is stronger than this, the cutting part of the electrode (20) may melt more than intended, and if the output of the laser (L) is weaker than this, the electrode (20) may not be cut properly, so it may be necessary to set the output accurately. Considering this, if the part of the electrode (20) to be cut is not positioned on the virtual plane (VA) formed by the focus (F) of the laser (L) as in the comparative example, the laser is irradiated over a wider area compared to when the focus (F) is accurate, so that the output is lower than the required output and the electrode tab (22b) may not be cut, or even if the output is higher than the required output, side effects may occur due to the melting of the current collector in the periphery.

[0090] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the electrode tab (22b) of the secondary battery (B) formed by the tab forming system (1) according to the comparative example may have dross (23bb) remaining in the electrode tab (22b) where the liquefied electrode (20) that has not vaporized remains clumped together.

[0091] In order to prevent the formation of such dross (23bb), a first embodiment of the present invention as follows may be provided so that the focus (F) of the laser (L) is positioned on the electrode (20).

[0092] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a side view of the tap forming system (1) and electrode (20) illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the tap forming system (1) and electrode (20) illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a pattern jig (200) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0094] Although there is some overlap with comparative examples, the tab forming system (1) of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described again for clarity of explanation. The tab forming system (1) can form an electrode tab (22b) by cutting a portion of the electrode (20). As shown in FIG. 6, the tab forming system (1) may include a laser device (100) and a pattern jig (200). The pattern jig (200) may have a metal material. The laser device (100) is configured to generate a laser (L) to cut the electrode (20), and the focus (F) of the laser (L) may be movable. The pattern jig (200) may include an electrode support part (210) configured to support the electrode (20) and having a pattern hole (211H) formed therein for the laser (L) to pass through. At this time, the laser device (100) may be located on the opposite side of the electrode support part (210) where the electrode (20) is located. The electrode support (210) may be convex in the direction toward the pattern hole (211H) so that the focus (F) of the laser (L) passing through the pattern hole (211H) is positioned on the electrode (20). Accordingly, the pattern hole (211H) may have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the virtual surface (VA) formed on the inside so that the focus (F) of the laser (L) is positioned on the electrode (20) to be cut. By this, the trace of the laser (L) focus (F) can be positioned on the electrode (20) at least on the pattern hole (211H). Since the electrode (20) is pressed by the electrode support (210), tension is formed in the electrode (20), so that the part of the electrode (20) that overlaps with the pattern hole (211H) can be bent to overlap with the inner surface of the pattern hole (211H), and accordingly, the focus (F) of the laser (L) located inside the pattern hole (211H) can be located on the part of the electrode (20) that overlaps with the pattern hole (211H).

[0095] At this time, the laser (L) can be configured so that the focus (F) of the laser (L) moves while the translational motion of the laser (L) is fixed. Therefore, the virtual surface (VA) formed by the focus (F) of the laser (L) can form a spherical shape. The pattern hole (211H) can be formed such that the distance from the end of the laser device (100) to the focus (F) of the laser (L) is equal. Accordingly, the virtual surface (VA) formed inside the pattern hole (211H) can form a part of a sphere. However, this may have an error range as needed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the virtual surface (VA) formed inside the pattern hole (211H) may form a curved surface rather than a sphere. Furthermore, since the virtual surface (VA) formed inside the pattern hole (211H) can still have the effect described above when superimposed with the virtual surface (VA) formed by the focus (F) of the laser (L), it may have a shape other than a sphere as needed.

[0096] At this time, the electrode support (210) can be bent to have the same curvature as the pattern hole (211H). If the electrode support (210) has a different curvature from the pattern hole (211H), it may be difficult to form a curvature on the virtual surface (VA) formed inside the pattern hole (211H).

[0097] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the electrode (20) can be transported by a transport device (300) configured to move the electrode (20) in the direction of movement. The pattern hole (211H) may have curvature with respect to the direction of movement. That is, the electrode support (210) may also have curvature with respect to the direction of movement of the electrode (20). Furthermore, the electrode support (210) may not have curvature with respect to a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the electrode (20). Therefore, even if the electrode (20) is bent by the electrode support (210), the electrode (20) can be pressed to bend the electrode (20) without hindering the transport of the electrode (20). In other words, the electrode support (210) may be configured to support the electrode (20) while the electrode (20) is moving. Accordingly, the electrode support (210) may be configured to press the electrode (20) to generate tension on the electrode (20) while the electrode (20) is moving. When tension and pressure are generated on the electrode (20), vibrations that may occur during the transport of the electrode (20) can be reduced. As a result, the focus (F) of the laser (L) can be better aligned with the desired part.

[0098] At this time, the transfer device (300) may include a transfer support member (310). The transfer support member (310) may be configured to support the electrode (20) on the opposite side where the pattern jig (200) is positioned relative to the electrode (20). Since the shape of the transfer support member (310) can be deformed when force is applied, when the electrode (20) is pressed by the electrode support member (210) and the electrode (20) is bent, the transfer support member (310) may also be bent together with the electrode (20) and may not prevent the deformation of the electrode (20).

[0099] As shown in FIG. 6, the pattern jig (200) may include a spacing portion (220) that extends from the electrode support portion (210) and is spaced apart from the electrode (20). The spacing portion (220) may be configured to be spaced apart from the electrode (20) as it moves further away from the electrode support portion (210). Since the spacing portion (220) and the electrode (20) are spaced apart, frictional heat caused by contact between the electrode (20) and the electrode support portion (210) can be released between the spacing portion (220) and the electrode (20). Furthermore, while forming the electrode tab (22b), gas formed by the vaporization of the electrode (20) or debris of the electrode (20) can be moved between the spacing portion (220) and the electrode (20) to facilitate discharge. For reference, the debris of the electrode (20) can be sucked in and discharged from the side opposite to where the laser (L) is irradiated. However, if necessary, electrode (20) debris may be sucked in and discharged near the place where the laser (L) is irradiated.

[0100] At this time, the spacing portion (220) can be bent so that as it moves away from the electrode support portion (210), it becomes closer to the laser device (100). Since the pattern jig (200) has a metal material, the laser (L) fired at the pattern jig (200) can be reflected from the surface of the pattern jig (200). The spacing portion (220) has a shape similar to a concave lens and is configured so that the laser (L) fired incorrectly at the spacing portion (220) is reflected toward the opposite side of the electrode (20) rather than the electrode (20), thereby preventing damage to the electrode (20).

[0101] Additionally, the electrode (20) may include a retaining portion (23a) where the active material layer (21) is located and a non-retaining portion (23b) where the current collector (22) is exposed, and the pattern hole (211H) may be configured to overlap with the retaining portion (23a) and the non-retaining portion (23b).

[0102] The secondary battery (B) formed by the above-described tab forming system (1) may include an electrode tab (22b) that is cut with a uniform laser (L) intensity and has a uniform roughness at the end.

[0103] The first embodiment and other embodiments are described below. Content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible, and the other embodiments will be described focusing on the differences. In other words, it is obvious that if content not explained in the other embodiments is necessary, it can be supplemented through the content of the first embodiment.

[0104] 2nd embodiment

[0105] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a tap forming system (1) and an electrode (20) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 8, a pattern jig (200-1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0107] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the shape of the pattern hole (211H-1) is different.

[0108] The pattern hole (211H-1) included in the pattern jig (200-1) may have a square shape. In other words, the shape of the pattern hole (211H-1) in the first embodiment is not limited to that of the pattern hole (211H-1), and may have a different shape, such as the pattern hole (211H-1) in the second embodiment.

[0109] Third embodiment

[0110] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a pattern jig (200-2) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 9, a pattern jig (200-2) according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0112] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the shape of the electrode support (210-2) is different.

[0113] The pattern hole (211H-2) of the pattern jig (200-2) may have a virtual surface (VA) formed on the inside that overlaps with a part of a virtual sphere. Furthermore, the electrode support (210-2) may be formed to have the same curvature as the virtual surface (VA) that overlaps with a part of a virtual sphere formed on the inside of the pattern hole (211H-2) in order to easily form the pattern hole (211H-2) and to bend it into a spherical shape to position the electrode (20) in contact with the pattern hole (211H-2) on the focal point (F) of the laser (L).

[0114] 4th embodiment

[0115] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a side view of a tap forming system (1) and an electrode (20) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 10, a laser device (100-3) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0117] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the laser device (100-3) can be moved.

[0118] The laser device (100-3) can perform translational motion. Therefore, when the laser (L) focal point (F) formed by the movement of the laser device (100-3) forms a virtual surface (VA) by connecting the focal points (F), the virtual surface (VA) may not be formed as a sphere. At this time, the pattern hole (211H) may be formed such that the inner surface formed by the pattern hole (211H) overlaps with the virtual surface (VA) formed by connecting the focal points (F) of the laser (L).

[0119] Fifth embodiment

[0120] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode (20-5) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 11, an electrode (20-5) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0122] The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an insulating coating layer (30-5) can be placed on the electrode tab (22b-5).

[0123] Specifically, the electrode (20-5) according to the fifth embodiment may further include an insulating coating layer (30-5) covering one side and the other side of the electrode tab (22b-5) in the thickness direction of the electrode tab (22b-5). In other words, the insulating coating layer (30-5) may cover the upper and lower sides of the electrode tab (22b-5) in the thickness direction of the electrode tab (22b-5). This insulating coating layer (30-5) can prevent contact with the opposite electrode of the electrode provided by the connected electrode tab (22b-5). For example, if the electrode provided by the electrode tab (22b-5) is a positive electrode, the insulating coating layer (30-5) can prevent the electrode tab (22b-5) from coming into direct contact with the negative electrode.

[0124] In addition, by placing an insulating coating layer (30-5) on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode tab (22b-5), it is possible to prevent dross from accumulating on the electrode tab (22b-5) and increasing the thickness or width of the electrode tab (22b-5). In other words, by placing an insulating coating layer (30-5) on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode tab (22b-5), it is possible to prevent dross from accumulating in the thickness direction of the electrode tab (22b-5) and also prevent dross from accumulating in the width direction or length direction of the electrode tab (22b-5).

[0125] Additionally, the insulating coating layer (30-5) may form a step with the current collector body (22a-5). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the insulating coating layer (30-5) and the current collector body (22a-5) may be formed flat so as to form the same plane without a step.

[0126] 6th embodiment

[0127] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode (20-6) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 12, an electrode (20-6) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0129] The sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the electrode tab (22b-6) can be arranged so that the insulating coating layer (30-6) surrounds it.

[0130] Specifically, the insulating coating layer (30-6) may be provided to cover the outer surface of the electrode tab (22b-6). In other words, the insulating coating layer (30-6) is provided to cover the upper, lower, and side surfaces of the electrode tab (22b-6), thereby preventing dross from accumulating on the electrode tab (22b-6).

[0131] 7th embodiment

[0132] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode (20-7) according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 13, an electrode (20-7) according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0134] The seventh embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the side of the electrode tab can be arranged so that the active material layer (21-7) wraps around it.

[0135] Specifically, an active material layer (21-7) may be disposed on the side of the electrode tab facing the width and length directions of the electrode tab. This active material layer (21-7) may be connected to an insulating coating layer (30-7) on the side of the electrode tab. Additionally, the active material layer (21-7) may be of the same material as the active material layer (21-7) applied to the current collector body (22a-7) and may be formed continuously with the active material layer (21-7) applied to the current collector body (22a-7). However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be disposed so as to be distinct from the active material layer (21-7) applied to the current collector body (22a-7). By disposing of an insulating coating layer (30-7) on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode tab and disposing of an active material layer (21-7) on the side of the electrode tab, dross may not be deposited on the exposed portion of the electrode tab, thereby allowing the roughness of the electrode tab to be maintained uniformly.

[0136] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the embodiments described above may be combined with other embodiments. Alternatively, unless explicitly limited in the combination of any embodiment with another, it should be considered that combinations between embodiments are possible. Any combination of any embodiment with another embodiment is deemed to be disclosed herein.

[0137] 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.

[0138] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0139] B: Secondary battery

[0140] 10: Battery case

[0141] 11: Reception Department

[0142] 12: Side

[0143] EA: Electrode assembly

[0144] 20, 20-5, 20-6, 20-7: Electrodes

[0145] 21, 21-5, 21-6, 21-7: Active material layer

[0146] 22: The whole house

[0147] 22a, 22a-5, 22a-6, 22a-7: Entire house body

[0148] 22b, 22b-5, 22b-6: Electrode tabs

[0149] 23a: Maintenance part

[0150] 23b: Unclear part

[0151] 23bb: Dros

[0152] 29: Electrode Lead

[0153] 30-5, 30-6, 30-7: Insulating coating layer

[0154] 1: Tab formation system

[0155] 100, 100-3: Laser device

[0156] L: Laser

[0157] F: Focus

[0158] VA: Virtual surface

[0159] 200, 200-0, 200-1, 200-2: Pattern Jig

[0160] 210, 210-2: Electrode support

[0161] 211H, 211H-1, 211H-2: Pattern holes

[0162] 220: Separation

[0163] 300: Transfer device

[0164] 310: Transfer support

Claims

1. A tab forming system for forming an electrode tab by cutting a portion of an electrode, A laser device configured to generate a laser to cut the electrode, wherein the focus of the laser is movable; and A pattern jig comprising an electrode support portion configured to support the electrode and having a pattern hole formed therein for the laser to pass through, The laser device is located on the side opposite to the side where the electrode is located with respect to the electrode support, and The electrode support is a convex tab forming system in which the laser device is directed toward the pattern hole so that the focus of the laser passing through the pattern hole is positioned on the electrode.

2. In Paragraph 1, A tap forming system having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the virtual surface formed by the trace of the laser focus, so that the virtual surface formed on the inner side of the above pattern hole is positioned on the electrode to be cut by the laser focus.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above laser is a tap forming system configured such that the focus of the above laser moves while the translational motion is fixed.

4. In Paragraph 1, A tab forming system in which the above pattern hole is formed such that the distance from the end of the laser device to the focal point of the laser is equal.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above pattern hole is a tab forming system in which a virtual surface formed on the inside forms part of a sphere.

6. In Paragraph 1, A tab forming system in which the electrode support is bent to have the same curvature as the pattern hole.

7. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a transfer device configured to move the above electrode in a moving direction, and The above pattern hole is a tap forming system having curvature with respect to the above direction of movement.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above transfer device includes a transfer support member, and A tab forming system configured such that the transfer support member supports the electrode on the opposite side where the pattern jig is positioned with respect to the electrode.

9. In Paragraph 7, A tab forming system configured such that the electrode support presses the electrode to generate tension in the electrode while the electrode is moving.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above pattern hole is a tab forming system having a cross-section that is concave at the center and gradually widens outward from the center.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above pattern jig is a tab forming system that includes a spacing portion extending from the electrode support portion and spaced apart from the electrode.

12. In Paragraph 11, A tab forming system configured such that the above-mentioned spacing portion is spaced apart from the electrode as it moves further away from the electrode support portion.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned spacing portion is a tap forming system that bends so as it moves further away from the electrode support portion and gets closer to the laser device.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above electrode is, A retaining portion where the active material layer is located; and Includes unseen areas where the entire house is exposed, A tab forming system configured to overlap the above pattern hole with the above retaining portion and the above non-retaining portion.

15. A tab forming system for forming an electrode tab by cutting a portion of an electrode, A laser device configured to generate a laser to cut the electrode, wherein the focus of the laser is movable; A pattern jig comprising an electrode support portion configured to support the electrode and having a pattern hole formed therein for the laser to pass through, The laser device is located on the side opposite to the side where the electrode is located with respect to the electrode support, and The above pattern hole is a tab forming system that does not form a plane.

16. In Paragraph 15, The electrode support is a convex tab forming system in which the laser device is directed toward the pattern hole so that the focus of the laser passing through the pattern hole is positioned on the electrode.

17. In Paragraph 15, A tap forming system having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the virtual surface formed by the trace of the laser focus, so that the virtual surface formed on the inner side of the above pattern hole is positioned on the electrode to be cut by the laser focus.

18. In Paragraph 15, The above laser is a tap forming system configured such that the focus of the above laser moves while the translational motion is fixed.

19. Active material layer; A current collector body in which the above active material layer is located; Electrode tabs extending from the above-mentioned current collector body; and It includes an insulating coating layer covering one side and the other side of the electrode tab in the thickness direction of the electrode tab, and The above electrode tab is, In the thickness direction of the electrode tab, it is prevented from extending toward the insulating coating layer, and An electrode that is prevented from extending outward beyond the insulating coating layer in the width and length directions of the electrode tab.

20. In Paragraph 19, The above insulating coating layer is, An electrode that wraps around the side of the electrode tab facing the width or length direction of the electrode tab.

Images