Tab bending device, roller, and secondary battery manufactured thereby

Abstract

The tab bending device according to the present invention, configured to bend a plurality of electrode tabs extending from an electrode body, comprises: a first roller positioned on one side of the electrode and configured to rotate; and a second roller positioned on the other side of the electrode and configured to rotate, wherein the first roller comprises a first roller body configured to be in contact with the electrode body, and a first pressing unit extending in the radial direction of the first roller body to press the electrode tabs, and the second roller comprises a second roller body corresponding to the first roller body, and a second pressing unit corresponding to the first pressing unit, the first pressing unit and the second pressing unit alternately bending the plurality of electrode tabs in different directions.

Description

Tab bending device, roller, and secondary battery manufactured thereby

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0175547 filed on November 29, 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 tab bending device, a roller, and a secondary battery manufactured thereby. More specifically, the invention relates to a tab bending device capable of effectively bending electrode tabs for space utilization and a secondary battery manufactured thereby.

[0005] A secondary battery configured to generate electricity is provided with an electrode assembly housed within a battery case. In this case, the electrode assembly is formed by stacking a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of separators alternately. The electrode may include an electrode body in which an active material directly involved in generating electricity is located, and an electrode tab extending from the electrode body to transfer the generated electricity to the outside.

[0006] Multiple electrode tabs, each comprising multiple electrodes, can be joined together as one by means of welding or the like, and connected to an electrode lead. Accordingly, generated electricity can be transferred from the electrode tab to the electrode lead. The electrode lead is connected to the outside of the secondary battery and can serve as a channel to transmit electricity to components requiring it. In this case, since the electrode tab is not a direct component that generates electricity, the space occupied by the electrode tab is a space occupied by a component that does not generate electricity, and can be referred to as dead space. As secondary batteries are generally placed within confined spaces, space utilization is important. In light of this, reducing dead space can increase the amount of electricity that can be generated per unit space, making it a critical task for space utilization.

[0007] In order to solve the problem of forming an unnecessarily large amount of dead space when multiple electrode tabs are extended away from the electrode body and joined together, multiple electrode tabs can be bent in one direction.

[0008] At this time, the question arises as to how the configuration of a tab bending device for bending multiple electrode tabs should be provided.

[0009] The aforementioned background technology is one that the inventor possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the content 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.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a tab bending device for bending an electrode tab and a secondary battery manufactured thereby.

[0011] 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.

[0012] A tab bending device according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to bend electrode tabs that are extended from the electrode body of an electrode and provided in a plurality thereof, and includes a first roller located on one side of the electrode and configured to rotate, and a second roller located on the opposite side of the electrode and configured to rotate. The first roller includes a first roller body configured to contact the electrode body and a first pressing part extending in the radial direction of the first roller body to press the electrode tabs. The second roller includes a second roller body corresponding to the first roller body and a second pressing part corresponding to the first pressing part. The first pressing part and the second pressing part are configured to alternately bend a plurality of electrode tabs in different directions.

[0013] The first pressurizing part may be located at the end of the first roller body and arranged adjacent to the electrode tab.

[0014] The first roller can be positioned at a location corresponding to the second roller.

[0015] The first pressurizing part may extend only partially in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis of the first roller body.

[0016] The first pressurizing unit may be configured to pressurize only one of the adjacent electrode tabs.

[0017] The second pressurizing unit may be configured not to press any of the plurality of electrode tabs while the first pressurizing unit presses one of the plurality of electrode tabs.

[0018] The first roller may further include a first support member configured to support the electrode tab while the second pressurizing member presses the electrode tab.

[0019] The second roller may further include a second support member configured to support the electrode tab while the first pressing member presses the electrode tab so as to correspond to the first support member.

[0020] The first support member may be located on the opposite side of the pressurizing member with respect to the rotation axis of the first roller body.

[0021] The first support member can be extended in the circumferential direction of the first roller body by a length corresponding to the second pressurizing member.

[0022] The first support member may have a first support inclined surface configured to support the electrode tab on the side facing the electrode tab.

[0023] The first support inclined surface may be inclined so as to be closer to the axis of rotation with respect to the extension direction of the axis of rotation of the first roller body, so that the electrode tab is bent in a direction not perpendicular to the electrode body.

[0024] The first roller may include a first guide rib extending in the circumferential direction of the first roller body to support the radial end of the second pressurizing part at the radial outer side of the second pressurizing part.

[0025] The first roller further includes a first support member configured to support the electrode tab while the second pressurizing member presses the electrode tab, and the first guide rib may protrude from the first support member.

[0026] The first support member has a first support inclined surface configured to support the electrode tab on the side facing the electrode tab, and the first guide rib may protrude stepwise from the support member such that a first guide surface configured to face a second pressing member is positioned between the first guide rib and the first support inclined surface.

[0027] A roller according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be positioned on one side of an electrode having a plurality of electrode tabs formed thereon and to be rotatably moved, and includes a first roller body configured to contact an electrode body and a first pressing part extending in the radial direction of the first roller body to press the electrode tabs, wherein the first pressing part is configured to bend only the non-adjacent electrode tabs among the plurality of electrode tabs.

[0028] The first pressurizing part may be located at the end of the first roller body and arranged adjacent to the electrode tab.

[0029] The first pressurizing part may extend only partially in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis of the first roller body.

[0030] The first roller may include a first support member having a support inclined surface located on the side opposite to the pressing part with respect to the rotation axis of the first roller body.

[0031] A secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an electrode assembly formed by stacking electrodes including an electrode body and electrode tabs provided in plurality and extending from the electrode body, and a battery case that accommodates the electrode assembly, wherein the electrode tabs are provided in a pair and are arranged to be bent in opposite directions from each other on the electrode body, and the angles at which the pair of electrode tabs are bent are symmetrically equal to each other.

[0032] A tab bending device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that a pair of electrode tabs are bent in different directions by alternately pressing the electrode tabs with a first roller body and a second roller body.

[0033] A tab bending device according to one embodiment of the present invention can stably bend an electrode tab without damaging the electrode tab by including a second roller that supports the electrode tab on the opposite side of the pressing direction while the first roller presses the electrode tab.

[0034] A tab bending device according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent the first roller from deviating from a preset path by including a guide rib that guides the movement of the first roller while the first roller presses the electrode tab.

[0035] A roller according to one embodiment of the present invention can have the above effects by being included in the above-described tab bending device.

[0036] In a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode tab is bent by the above-described tab bending device, thereby enabling efficient use of space.

[0037] 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.

[0038] FIG. 1 is an assembly diagram of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 is an assembly diagram of the electrode assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a tab bending device and an electrode for bending an electrode tab as shown in FIG. 2.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first roller and second roller shown in FIG. 3 further rotated.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the first roller shown in FIG. 3.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first roller according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first roller according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first roller according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0051] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0061] First embodiment

[0062] FIG. 1 is an assembly diagram of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an assembly diagram of an electrode assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0063] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0064] A secondary battery (B) configured to generate electricity may be provided. The secondary battery (B) may be rechargeable and rechargeable, allowing for multiple uses. The secondary battery (B) may include a battery case (10) located on the outside, an electrode assembly (EA) accommodated inside the battery case (10), and an electrolyte configured to be injected into the battery case (10). At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, the battery case (10) may be formed by a pouch film. However, if necessary, the battery case (10) may be provided in a cylindrical or prismatic shape. The electrolyte may generally refer to an electrolyte in a liquid state, but may also refer to an electrolyte in a solid state if necessary.

[0065] A battery case (10) may include a receiving portion (11) in which an electrode receiving space (11S) is formed to accommodate an electrode assembly (EA), and a side portion (12) extending from the receiving portion (11). The receiving portion (11) may be provided in a pair as shown in FIG. 1. When an electrode assembly (EA) is received in one receiving portion (11), the other receiving portion (11) covers the electrode assembly (EA) so that the electrode assembly (EA) can be received in the battery case (10). A pair of receiving portions (11) may be formed in a single battery case (10). However, if necessary, a receiving portion (11) may be formed in each of the distinct pair of battery cases (10). Furthermore, if necessary, a receiving portion (11) may be provided as a single unit.

[0066] The side portion (12) may include a lead sealing portion (12a), a degas sealing portion (12b), and / or a folding portion (12c). The lead sealing portion (12a) may be provided in a pair so as to extend in the Y direction from the receiving portion (11). The degas sealing portion (12b) may be provided in a pair so as to extend in the X direction from the receiving portion (11). The folding portion (12c) may be positioned between the pair of receiving portions (11). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the folding portion (12c) may be folded so that the pair of receiving portions (11) are positioned to face each other. When the pair of receiving portions (11) are positioned to face each other, the folded lead sealing portion (12a) may be positioned to face each other, and the pair of degas sealing portions (12b) may also be positioned to face each other. The opposing lead sealing portion (12a) and degas sealing portion (12b) can be fused together by heat and pressure to seal the receiving portion (11). Furthermore, the degas sealing portion (12b) can be trimmed to a predetermined length to reduce its length and increase the space utilization of the secondary battery (B), and the trimmed degas sealing portion (12b) can be folded again to reduce the space occupied by the degas sealing portion (12b).

[0067] The electrode assembly (EA) may include an electrode (100), a separator (not shown), and / or an electrode lead (EL). The electrode (100) and the separator may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged to be stacked alternately. In this case, the electrode (100) may include an electrode body (110) and an electrode tab (120) extending from the electrode body (110). The electrode tab (120) may be formed to have a width smaller than that of the electrode body (110). An active material may be applied to the electrode body (110) to directly generate electricity. The electrode tab (120) may serve as a passage for moving the electricity generated from the electrode body (110). The electrode tab (120) may be coupled with the electrode lead (EL) to transfer electricity back to the electrode lead (EL). The electrode lead (EL) protrudes outward from the battery case (10), so that an external component requiring electricity can come into contact with the electrode lead (EL) and receive electricity from the secondary battery (B).

[0068] At this time, since the electrode tab (120) is not a part that generates electricity, it may not contribute to the amount of electricity generated per space. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the dead space occupied by the electrode tab (120). To solve this, a secondary battery (B) according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, may be provided.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode tab (120) may be configured to be bent downward from the electrode body (110) rather than extending outward toward the electrode (100), so as to be in close contact with the electrode body (110). However, the bending direction of the electrode tab (120) may be upward rather than downward as needed, and furthermore, may be in a different direction as long as it is not parallel to the extension direction of the electrode body (110). The bent electrode tab (120) may form an electrode tab stack (121). With reference to FIG. 2, one side of the electrode tab stack (121) may be positioned facing to the right, and an electrode lead (EL) may be attached to the one side of the electrode tab stack (121) on the right side of the electrode tab stack (121). Accordingly, the distance from the electrode body (110) to the end of the electrode tab (120) may be shorter than when the electrode tab (120) extends in a direction parallel to the electrode body (110). The space located above and below the electrode tab (120) may form a dead space, which is a space unnecessary for generating electricity. In particular, it may be necessary to reduce the dead space distance, which is the distance to the inner wall of the receiving portion (11), in order to reduce the dead space.

[0070] As the electrode tab (120) is bent, the electrode tab (120) does not extend in the same direction as the electrode body (110), thereby reducing dead space.

[0071] The electrode tab (120) can be folded from the electrode body (110). At this time, each electrode (100) can be stacked with the electrode tab (120) already folded from the electrode body (110). However, if necessary, an electrode (100) including an electrode tab (120) that is not folded from the electrode body (110) can be stacked first, and after stacking, the stacked electrode tab (120) can be folded from the electrode body (110).

[0072] At this time, the electrode tab (120) may include a first electrode tab (120a) extending from the electrode body (110) and a second electrode tab (120b) extending from the same side as the side to which the first electrode tab (120a) of the electrode body (110) extends. Based on FIG. 3, the side of the electrode body (110) to which the first electrode tab (120a) and the second electrode tab (120b) extend may be the front. The first electrode tab (120a) and the second electrode tab (120b) may have the same polarity. For example, if the first electrode tab (120a) is positive, the second electrode tab (120b) may also be positive. Forming the electrode tab (120) having one polarity as a pair of electrode tabs (120) rather than as a single electrode tab (120) may be intended to prevent welding defects described below. Furthermore, by forming a plurality of electrode tabs (120), the resistance received by the electrode tabs (120) while electricity is transmitted through the electrode tabs (120) can be lowered. At this time, the electrode tabs (120) may be provided as a number of electrode tabs (120) greater than a pair, as needed.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first electrode tab (120a) is positioned to the right of the second electrode tab (120b) and can be bent downward, and the second electrode tab (120b) is positioned to the left of the first electrode tab (120a) and can be bent upward. At this time, the electrode tab (120) can be understood as a higher concept that extracts the common features of the first electrode tab (120a) and the second electrode tab (120b). Furthermore, the bending direction of the first electrode tab (120a) only needs to be different from the bending direction of the second electrode tab (120b), and if necessary, the bending direction of the first electrode tab (120a) may be bent in a direction other than upward. Also, the position of the first electrode tab (120a) may be positioned at a location other than to the right of the second electrode tab (120b) if necessary. A first electrode tab (120a) may be stacked in multiple numbers to form a first electrode tab stack (121a), and a second electrode tab (120b) may be stacked in multiple numbers to form a second electrode tab stack (121b). At this time, the electrode tab stack (121) can be understood as a higher concept from which common features of the first electrode tab stack (121a) and the second electrode tab stack (121b) are extracted. At this time, the first electrode tab stack (121a) may be bent so that its lower surface is exposed based on the direction in which it is extended parallel to the extension direction of the electrode body (110) before being bent. The second electrode tab stack (121b) may be bent so that its upper surface is exposed based on the direction in which it is extended parallel to the extension direction of the electrode body (110) before being bent. In other words, the electrode tab stack (121) can be formed by sweeping and folding a plurality of electrode tabs (120) in one direction. Since the degree of protrusion of this electrode tab stack (121) relative to the electrode body (110) is small, dead space can be reduced.

[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a first electrode lead (200) may be provided to be coupled to a first electrode tab laminate (121a) and a second electrode tab laminate (121b). The electrode lead (EL) described above may be a higher concept that extracts common features of the first electrode lead (200) and the second electrode lead (300). The first electrode lead (200) may be positioned in front of the first electrode tab laminate (121a) and the second electrode (100) tab laminate. Accordingly, the rear surface of the first electrode lead (200) may be coupled to the lower surface of the first electrode tab laminate (121a) before it is folded and the upper surface of the second electrode tab laminate (121b) before it is folded. In other words, the first electrode lead (200) can be joined by overlapping with the first electrode tab laminate (121a) and the second electrode tab laminate (121b) and welding them in the direction in which the first electrode tab laminate (121a) and the second electrode tab laminate (121b) extend. At this time, the first electrode lead (200) may have a plate shape. More specifically, the first electrode lead (200) may have a plate shape and overlap with the first electrode tab laminate (121a) and the second electrode tab laminate (121b). The first electrode lead (200) may not be positioned beyond where the electrode body (110) is laminated. However, if the first electrode lead (200) is combined with the first electrode tab (120a) and the second electrode tab (120b), it may have a shape other than a plate as needed. Furthermore, the first electrode lead (200) may be formed integrally. However, if the first electrode lead (200) is electrically connected to one another, it may be provided as an assembly of multiple components as needed.

[0075] At this time, the degree of overlap of the electrode tabs (120) in the electrode tab stack (121) may vary depending on the position. Looking at the degree of overlap of the electrode tabs (120) in the first tab overlap area (A1) located on the upper side and the second tab overlap area (A2) located on the lower side of the first tab overlap area (A1) based on FIG. 4, the degree of tab overlap in the second tab overlap area (A2) is greater than the degree of tab overlap in the first tab overlap area (A1). At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when welding is performed from the outside of the first electrode lead (200) toward the electrode tab stack (121) to form a welding line (WL), if uniform thermal energy is applied to the welding line (WL), the thermal energy from the welding may be sufficiently transferred to the electrode tab (120) in the first tab overlap area (A1), but may not be sufficiently transferred to the electrode tab (120) closest to the electrode body (110) in the second tab overlap area (A2). Therefore, the electrode tab (120) closest to the electrode body (110) may not be able to be combined with the surrounding electrode tabs (120). To overcome this, the electrode tab (120) may be composed of two electrode tabs, a first electrode tab (120a) and a second electrode tab (120b), and the bending directions of the first electrode tab (120a) and the second electrode tab (120b) may be provided differently from each other.In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, when the bending direction of the second electrode tab (120b) is bent downward, there is a greater overlap of the second electrode tab (120b) in the part located relatively lower than the part located relatively higher of the second electrode tab stack (121b), which poses a risk that welding will not be properly performed. Conversely, since the part located relatively lower of the bent first electrode tab stack (121a) has less overlap than the part located relatively higher, even if welding is not properly performed in the second electrode tab stack (121b), welding is performed in the first electrode tab stack (121a), thereby reducing the possibility of an electrode tab (120) not being welded to the surroundings. Furthermore, additionally, if a single electrode tab (120) is provided, there is a possibility that a bending moment may occur in the direction in which the bend is released, and the first electrode lead (200) coupled with the single electrode tab (120) may rotate in one direction due to the bending moment. However, as in the first embodiment of the present invention, if a first electrode tab (120a) and a second electrode tab (120b) are provided respectively and their bending directions are different, even if a bending moment occurs in the direction in which the bend is released in the first electrode tab stack (121a), the bending moment generated in the direction in which the bend is released in the second electrode tab stack (121b) occurs in the opposite direction, so the bending moments cancel each other out, thereby preventing the first electrode lead (200) from moving. Additionally, the combination of the first electrode lead (200), the first electrode tab laminate (121a), and the second electrode tab laminate (121b) may be done by other methods not by welding as needed.

[0076] Furthermore, when the first electrode lead (200) is coupled to the first electrode tab stack (121a) and the second electrode tab stack (121b), the end of the first electrode tab stack (121a) may be exposed to the upper side of the first electrode lead (200), and the end of the second electrode tab stack (121b) may be exposed to the upper side of the first electrode lead (200). The exposed end of the first electrode tab stack (121a) may be bent downward so as to face the outer surface of the first electrode lead (200), and the exposed end of the second electrode tab stack (121b) may be bent upward so as to face the outer surface of the first electrode lead (200). In other words, the ends of the first electrode tab stack (121a) and the second electrode tab stack (121b) may be bent so as to come into contact with the opposite side facing the electrode body (110) of the first electrode lead (200).

[0077] A second electrode lead (300) coupled to the first electrode lead (200) may be provided. The second electrode lead (300) may be exposed to the outside of the battery case (10) so that an external component can make contact.

[0078] As described above, the first electrode tab (120a) and the second electrode tab (120b) formed on the electrode (100) can be arranged to be bent in different directions on one side of the electrode body (110). Below, a tab bending device (TBA) configured to bend the electrode tab (120) of the electrode (100) will be described.

[0079] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a tab bending device (TBA) and an electrode (100) for bending an electrode tab (120) as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the first roller (400) and the second roller (500) shown in FIG. 3 further rotated. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the first roller (400) shown in FIG. 3.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a tab bending device (TBA) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0081] A tab bending device (TBA) may be provided to bend electrode tabs (120) that are extended from the electrode body (110) of the electrode (100) and provided in multiple numbers. The electrode (100) provided while the tab bending device (TBA) bends the electrode tabs (120) may be an electrode (100) that has not yet been cut. Accordingly, the electrode body (110) is extended in one direction, and electrode tabs (120) may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged at a predetermined interval on one side of the electrode body (110). Furthermore, although the drawings of the present disclosure show that electrode tabs (120) are formed only on one side of the electrode body (110), electrode tabs (120) may also be formed on the other side. However, for convenience of explanation, the drawings of the present disclosure show that electrode tabs (120) are formed only on one side of the electrode body (110).

[0082] The tap bending device (TBA) may include a first roller (400) and / or a second roller (500). In this case, the roller (RO) including the first roller (400) and the second roller (500) may be defined to include common features of the first roller (400) and the second roller (500). In this case, the first roller (400) and the second roller (500) may have the same shape. However, if necessary, the first roller (400) and the second roller (500) may have different shapes.

[0083] The first roller (400) and the second roller (500) may be positioned on both sides of the electrode (100) and arranged to rotate. More specifically, the first roller (400) may be positioned on the upper side of the electrode body (110), and the second roller (500) may be positioned on the lower side of the electrode body (110). In other words, the electrode body (110) may be positioned between the first roller (400) and the second roller (500). The first roller (400) and the second roller (500) may be configured to press the electrode body (110) so that the active material adheres better to the current collector. That is, the first roller (400) may be positioned on one side of the electrode (100) and configured to rotate and move. The second roller (500) may be positioned on the opposite side of the electrode (100) and configured to rotate and move. The first roller (400) can be positioned at a location corresponding to the second roller (500). Furthermore, the first roller (400) can be positioned at a location corresponding to the second roller (500) even while rotating and moving.

[0084] At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the roller (RO) may include a roller body (410, 510), a pressurizing part (420, 520), a support part (430, 530), and / or a guide rib (440, 540). The roller (RO) may omit the support part (430, 530) and the guide rib (440, 540) as needed. More specifically, at this time, the first roller (400) may include a first roller body (410), a first pressurizing part (420) having a first pressurizing inclined surface (421A), a first support part (430) having a first support inclined surface (431A) and a first guide surface (432A), and / or a first guide rib (440). The second roller (500) may include a second roller body (510), a second pressure part (520) having a second pressure inclined surface (521A), a second support part (530) having a second support inclined surface (531A) and a second guide surface (532A), and / or a second guide rib (540). In this case, the second roller body (510), the second pressure part (520), the second support part (530), and the second guide rib (540) may have shapes corresponding to the first roller body (410), the first pressure part (420), the first support part (430), and the first guide rib (440). Of course, as needed, the second roller body (510), the second pressure part (520), the second support part (530), and the second guide rib (540) may have a different shape from the first roller body (410), the first pressure part (420), the first support part (430), and the first guide rib (440). For reference, each component of the first roller (400) and the second roller (500) may be formed integrally. However, as needed, each component of the first roller (400) and the second roller (500) may be formed as separate components, provided that they rotate and move together.

[0085] At this time, the first roller body (410) may be configured to be in contact with the electrode body (110). The first roller body (410) may have a cylindrical shape with a hole formed on the inside. However, the first roller body (410) may have a shape other than a cylindrical shape as needed. The first roller body (410) may roll on the electrode body (110). At this time, one end of the first roller body (410) may not extend beyond the point where the electrode tab (120) is bent.

[0086] The first pressing part (420) may include a first pressing part (420) that extends radially from the first roller body (410) to press the electrode tab (120). The first pressing part (420) may extend radially outward from one end of the first roller body (410). The first pressing part (420) may be provided adjacent to the electrode tab (120). Based on FIG. 5, the first pressing part (420) may extend upward from the front of the first roller body (410). The first pressing part (420) may be provided to press and bend the electrode tab (120) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0087] The first pressure member (420) may be partially extended in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis of the first roller body (410). Accordingly, the first pressure member (420) may be configured to apply pressure to only one of the adjacent electrode tabs (120). The electrode tab (120) that is not pressed by the first pressure member (420) may be pressed in a direction different from that of the first pressure member (420) by the second pressure member (520). Furthermore, the first support member (430) may be extended in the circumferential direction of the first roller body (410) by a length corresponding to that of the second pressure member (520). Accordingly, the first support member (430) may have sufficient interaction with the second pressure member (520).

[0088] The first pressure member (420) may have a first pressure inclined surface (421A) arranged to contact the electrode tab (120) in a direction facing the electrode tab (120). The first pressure inclined surface (421A) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the radial direction of the first roller body (410). More specifically, the first pressure inclined surface (421A) may be formed to be inclined in the direction of extension of the rotation axis of the first roller body (410) with respect to the radial outer side. The first pressure inclined surface (421A) may be located at the rear of the first pressure member (420) when the first pressure member (420) is located on the upper side of the first roller body (410) as shown in FIG. 5, and may be arranged to be inclined forward as it extends upward. However, if the first pressure inclined surface (421A) has an incline corresponding to the second support inclined surface (531A) of the second support member (530) described later, it may not be limited to the aforementioned incline.

[0089] The first support member (430) may be configured to support the electrode tab (120) while the second pressing member (520) presses the electrode tab (120). The first support member (430) may be located on the opposite side of the first pressing member (420) with respect to the rotation axis of the first roller body (410). The first support member (430) may be extended in the direction in which the first roller body (410) extends. In particular, with reference to FIG. 5, the first support member (430) may be extended forward. Compared to the first pressing part (420), the first pressing part (420) is exposed by extending radially outward with respect to the first roller body (410) because it needs to bend the electrode tab (120) in one direction, but the first support part (430) does not need to press the electrode tab (120) and only needs to support one side of the electrode tab (120) that is bent by the first pressing part (420), so it does not need to extend radially outward with respect to the first roller body (410). For reference, the second support part (530) may be configured to support the electrode tab (120) while the first pressing part (420) presses the electrode tab (120) so as to correspond to the first support part (430).

[0090] At this time, the first support member (430) may have a first support inclined surface (431A) configured to support the electrode tab (120) on the side facing the electrode tab (120). The first support inclined surface (431A) may be located on the lower side of the first support member (430) with reference to FIG. 5. The first support inclined surface (431A) may be inclined so that it becomes closer to the first roller body (410) as it moves radially outward from the first roller body (410). With reference to FIG. 5, the first support inclined surface (431A) may be inclined toward the rear as it moves toward the lower side. In other words, the first support inclined surface (431A) may be inclined so that it becomes closer toward the axis of rotation with respect to the extension direction of the axis of rotation of the first roller body (410), so that the electrode tab (120) is bent in a direction not perpendicular to the electrode body (110). Since the first support inclined surface (431A) extends in a direction having a predetermined angle with respect to the forward direction rather than the radial outer forward direction of the first roller body (410), the electrode tab (120) can be bent in a direction having a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction rather than being bent perpendicularly to the electrode body (110).

[0091] The first guide rib (440) may protrude from the first support member (430). The first guide rib (440) may protrude stepwise from the first support member (430) such that a first guide surface (432A) is positioned to face the second pressure member (520) between the first guide rib (440) and the first support inclined surface (431A). The first guide rib (440) may extend in the circumferential direction of the first roller body (410) to support the radial end of the second pressure member (520) from the radial outer side of the second pressure member (520). The first guide rib (440) may be extended to correspond to the degree of extension of the end of the second pressure member (520). More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first guide rib (440) can restrict the movement path of the second pressurizing part (520) by preventing the second pressurizing part (520) from moving upward from the upper side of the second pressurizing part (520). Accordingly, the first guide rib (440) can prevent the second roller (500) from moving upward.

[0092] The first guide rib (440) may be positioned above the first support inclined surface (431A) based on FIG. 5. The first support member (430) may have a first guide surface (432A) adjacent to the first guide rib (440) in the front. The first guide surface (432A) may be arranged to face the second pressure member (520).

[0093] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation of a tab bending device (TBA) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a first roller (400) may be positioned on the upper side of the electrode (100), and a second roller (500) may be positioned on the lower side of the electrode (100). The second pressing part (520) of the second roller (500) may press the electrode tab (120) to bend it upward. At this time, the first supporting inclined surface (431A) of the first supporting part (430) may be positioned on the upper side of the electrode tab (120) bent by the second pressing part (520) to support the bent electrode tab (120). At this time, the second pressing inclined surface (521A) of the second pressing part (520) may be positioned with the electrode tab (120) between it and the first supporting inclined surface (431A).

[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first roller (400) and the second roller (500) can be rolled toward the electrode tab (120) that has not yet been bent. While the first roller (400) and the second roller (500) are moving, the first roller body (410) and the second roller body (510) can be moved while pressing the electrode body (110). The first roller body (410) and the second roller body (510) can cause the active material located on the electrode body (110) to adhere more strongly to the current collector.

[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 4, while the first pressing part (420) presses the electrode tab (120) downward, the second guide rib (540) located below the first pressing part (420) can prevent the first pressing part (420) from moving upward. At this time, the second pressing part (520) may be configured so as not to press any of the plurality of electrode tabs (120) while the first pressing part (420) presses one of the plurality of electrode tabs (120). In other words, while the first pressing part (420) presses the electrode tab (120), the second pressing part (520) does not press the electrode tab (120), and while the second pressing part (520) presses the electrode tab (120), the first pressing part (420) may not press the electrode tab (120). The remaining process can be repeated as described above.

[0097] That is, the first pressure part (420) and the second pressure part (520) may be configured to alternately bend a plurality of electrode tabs (120) in different directions.

[0098] From the perspective of a single roller (RO), the above description may be explained as follows. The roller (RO) is configured to be positioned on one side of an electrode (100) having a plurality of electrode tabs (120) formed thereon and to rotate, and may include a first roller body (410) configured to contact an electrode body (110), and a first pressing part (420) extending radially from the first roller body (410) to press the electrode tabs (120). Furthermore, the first pressing part (420) may be configured to bend only the non-adjacent electrode tabs among the plurality of electrode tabs (120).

[0099] The secondary battery (B) manufactured according to the above includes an electrode assembly (EA) formed by stacking electrodes (100) including an electrode body (110) and electrode tabs (120) provided in plurality and extending from the electrode body (110), and a battery case (10) that accommodates the electrode assembly (EA). The electrode tabs (120) are provided in pairs and are arranged to be bent in opposite directions from the electrode body (110), and the angles at which the pair of electrode tabs (120) are bent may be symmetrically equal to each other. As previously explained, a first electrode lead (200) is coupled to a pair of bent electrode tabs (120), and since the first electrode lead (200) is coupled to one of the electrode tabs (120) by pressing the pair of electrode tabs (120), even if the pair of electrode tabs (120) are not bent vertically but are bent at a predetermined angle, when coupled with the first electrode lead (200), they can be bent at a desired angle by pressing.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 2nd embodiment

[0102] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first roller (400-1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 6, a first roller (400-1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0104] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first roller (400-1) does not include the first support member (430) and the first guide rib (440).

[0105] Even without the support members (430, 530), the roller (RO) can alternately bend the electrode tabs (120) in different directions.

[0106] Third embodiment

[0107] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first roller (400-2) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 7, a first roller (400-2) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0109] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first roller (400-2) includes a pair of first pressing parts (420-2).

[0110] The first roller (400-2) may include a pair of first pressing parts (420-2). The pair of first pressing parts (420-2) may be located on opposite sides with respect to the rotation axis of the first roller body (410). Accordingly, the first roller (400-2) can press two electrode tabs (120) during one rotation.

[0111] 4th embodiment

[0112] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first roller (400-3) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 8, a first roller (400-3) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0114] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first roller (400-3) has no first support member (430) and includes only the first guide rib (440-3).

[0115] Even if only the first guide rib (440) is present, the path of the second pressurizing part (520) can be restricted, so the movement of the second roller (500) can be formed stably.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0119] B: Secondary battery

[0120] 10: Battery case

[0121] 11: Reception Department

[0122] 11S: Electrode receiving space

[0123] 12: Side

[0124] 12a: Lead sealing part

[0125] 12b: Degas sealing part

[0126] 12c: Folding part

[0127] EA: Electrode assembly

[0128] 100: Electrode

[0129] 110: Electrode body

[0130] 120: Electrode tab

[0131] 120a: First electrode tab

[0132] 120b: Second electrode tab

[0133] EL: Electrode lead

[0134] 200: First electrode lead

[0135] 300: Second electrode lead

[0136] TBA: Tab bending device

[0137] RO: Roller

[0138] 400: 1st roller

[0139] 500: 2nd roller

[0140] 410: 1st roller body

[0141] 510: Second roller body

[0142] 420: 1st pressurizing unit

[0143] 520: Second pressurizing unit

[0144] 421A: First pressurized inclined surface

[0145] 521A: Second pressurized inclined surface

[0146] 430: 1st Support Section

[0147] 530: 2nd Support Unit

[0148] 431A: First supporting inclined surface

[0149] 531A: Second support slope

[0150] 432A: 1st guide surface

[0151] 532A: Second guide surface

[0152] 440: 1st Guide Rib

[0153] 540: Second Guide Rib

Claims

1. A tab bending device for bending electrode tabs that are extended from the electrode body of an electrode and provided in multiple numbers, A first roller positioned on one side of the electrode and configured to rotate; and It includes a second roller positioned on the opposite side of the one side of the electrode and configured to rotate, and The first roller above is, A first roller body configured to contact the electrode body; and It includes a first pressing part extending in the radial direction of the first roller body to press the electrode tab, and The second roller mentioned above is, A second roller body corresponding to the first roller body; and It includes a second pressurizing part corresponding to the first pressurizing part above, and A tab bending device configured such that the first pressing part and the second pressing part alternately bend a plurality of electrode tabs in different directions.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first pressing part is located at the end of the first roller body and is a tab bending device arranged to be adjacent to the electrode tab.

3. In Paragraph 1, The first roller is a tab bending device located at a position corresponding to the second roller.

4. In Paragraph 1, The first pressurizing part is a tab bending device that extends only partially in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis of the first roller body.

5. In Paragraph 1, A tab bending device configured such that the first pressing part presses only one of the adjacent electrode tabs.

6. In Paragraph 1, A tab bending device configured such that the second pressing part does not press any of the plurality of electrode tabs while the first pressing part presses one of the plurality of electrode tabs.

7. In Paragraph 1, A tab bending device comprising a first roller further including a first support member configured to support the electrode tab while the second pressing member presses the electrode tab.

8. In Paragraph 7, A tab bending device comprising a second support member configured to support the electrode tab while the first pressing member presses the electrode tab, such that the second roller corresponds to the first support member.

9. In Paragraph 7, The first support member is a tab bending device located on the opposite side of the pressing member with respect to the rotation axis of the first roller body.

10. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned first support member is a tab bending device that extends in the circumferential direction of the first roller body by a length corresponding to the second pressing member.

11. In Paragraph 7, A tab bending device having a first support inclined surface configured to support the electrode tab on the side facing the electrode tab.

12. In Paragraph 11, The first support inclined surface is a tab bending device inclined so as to be closer toward the axis of rotation with respect to the extension direction of the axis of rotation of the first roller body, so that the electrode tab is bent in a direction not perpendicular to the electrode body.

13. In Paragraph 1, A tap bending device comprising a first roller, the first roller including a first guide rib extending in the circumferential direction of the first roller body to support the radial end of the second pressure part at the radial outer side of the second pressure part.

14. In Paragraph 13, The first roller further includes a first support member configured to support the electrode tab while the second pressing member presses the electrode tab, and The first guide rib is a tab bending device protruding from the first support member.

15. In Paragraph 14, The first support member has a first support inclined surface configured to support the electrode tab on the side facing the electrode tab, A tab bending device in which the first guide rib is configured to protrude stepwise from the support member such that the first guide surface, which is positioned to face the second pressing member between the first guide rib and the first support inclined surface, is positioned.

16. Multiple electrode tabs are provided and configured to be positioned on one side of an electrode and rotated, and A first roller body configured to contact an electrode body; and It includes a first pressing part extending in the radial direction of the first roller body to press the electrode tab, and The first pressure part is a roller configured to bend only the non-adjacent of the plurality of electrode tabs.

17. In Paragraph 16, The first pressurizing part is located at the end of the first roller body and is a roller arranged to be adjacent to the electrode tab.

18. In Paragraph 16, The first pressurizing part is a roller that extends only partially in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis of the first roller body.

19. In Paragraph 16, The first roller comprises a first support member having a support inclined surface and located on the side opposite to the pressing member with respect to the rotation axis of the first roller body.

20. An electrode assembly formed by stacking electrodes, each electrode comprising an electrode body and a plurality of electrode tabs extending from the electrode body; and It includes a battery case that accommodates the above electrode assembly, The electrode tabs are provided in a pair and are arranged to be bent in opposite directions from each other on the electrode body, and A secondary battery in which the angles at which the pair of electrode tabs are bent are symmetrically the same.

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