Notching device

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a notching device in which a fixing pin positioned on an upper die is fastened to a position-fixing member, thereby minimizing assembly errors when replacing a cutter for cutting an electrode tab during a secondary battery manufacturing process, and also allowing the cutter to be replaced easily.

Description

Notching device

[0001] The present invention relates to a notching device that minimizes assembly errors and facilitates the replacement of a cutter used to cut electrode tabs in a secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0002] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that converts external electrical energy into chemical energy for storage and generates electricity when needed. Commonly used secondary batteries include lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries (Ni-Cd), nickel-hydrogen batteries (NiMH), lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion), and lithium-ion polymer batteries (Li-ion polymer).

[0003] These secondary batteries are manufactured by forming a positive electrode and a negative electrode by coating an active material on the surface of an electrode current collector and interposing a separator between them to form an electrode assembly, which is then mounted inside a pouch-type case of a cylindrical or prismatic metal can or an aluminum laminate sheet, and is manufactured by mainly injecting or impregnating a liquid electrolyte into the electrode assembly or using a solid electrolyte.

[0004] Therefore, in a secondary battery, charging and discharging are achieved by allowing ions of the electrolyte introduced between the positive and negative electrodes, which are insulated by a separator, to move between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0005] The electrodes used for the positive and negative electrodes of such secondary batteries include an electrode body constituting the electrode and an electrode active material coated on the electrode body.

[0006] The above electrode body may generally be a metal with excellent conductivity, such as aluminum (Al) or copper (Cu), processed into the form of a sheet, thin plate, or foil.

[0007] The electrode film for forming the electrode assembly is manufactured in a form where an active material is coated on a portion and the electrode body is exposed on the remaining portion.

[0008] The exposed portion of the above electrode body is processed to function as an electrode terminal for connecting the anode and cathode to the outside when configuring the electrode assembly (anode, cathode, and separator).

[0009] Secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch types depending on their shape.

[0010] Among them, pouch-type secondary batteries are widely used in the secondary battery industry because they accommodate the aforementioned electrode assembly in a flexible pouch, allowing for a relatively free shape, a relatively easy manufacturing process, and low manufacturing costs.

[0011] Here, the pouch performs the function of protecting the battery cell, which consists of an electrolyte introduced into it through a subsequent process for manufacturing a pouch-type secondary battery. Additionally, the pouch is configured with a metal thin film interposed therein to complement the electrochemical properties of the battery cell and enhance heat dissipation; to ensure insulation between the battery cell and the outside, the aforementioned metal thin film is formed on the outside as an insulating layer coated with an insulating material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin or nylon resin.

[0012] Meanwhile, the secondary battery manufacturing process involves an electrode tab processing step in which the electrode tab is cut after welding. At this time, a notching device equipped with a cutter is used to cut the electrode tab.

[0013] Generally, a notching device is equipped with an upper cutter and a lower cutter, and after placing the electrode tab to be processed between the upper cutter and the lower cutter, the upper cutter moves to cut the electrode tab.

[0014] In this case, as the process continues, wear on the cutter inevitably occurs, requiring replacement. However, since replacing the cutter involves disassembling and reassembling the notching device, cutter alignment must be performed to prevent assembly errors after replacement.

[0015] Consequently, the time required to replace worn cutters increases, which can lead to delays in the secondary battery manufacturing process. Therefore, a means to facilitate cutter replacement during the electrode tab machining process is required.

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a notching device, and more specifically, to provide a notching device that minimizes assembly errors and facilitates the replacement of a cutter used to cut electrode tabs in a secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0017] In addition, the purpose is to provide a notching device that can minimize assembly errors without a separate alignment operation when replacing the cutter by fastening it to a position fixing member through a fixing pin of the upper die.

[0018] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0019] A notching device coupled to a position fixing member comprises: a lower die having an opening formed therein including a cutting surface that is drawn in from the upper side in a downward direction; a lower cutter coupled to the side of the lower die, the upper portion of which is exposed at the cutting surface; an upper die that reciprocates in an up-and-down direction toward the upper surface of the lower die; and an upper cutter whose upper portion is coupled to the upper die, and whose lower portion is drawn into the opening and contacts the upper portion of the lower cutter at the cutting surface when the upper die moves in a downward direction, wherein the upper die includes a fixing pin that is drawn into the center of the upper surface and coupled to the position fixing member.

[0020] The above position fixing member is formed by extending inward from the side and includes a sliding groove having a shape corresponding to the shape of the fixing pin, and the fixing pin can be fitted into the sliding groove and fastened.

[0021] It may further include a guide plate spaced apart from the lower surface of the upper die and having a guide hole formed therein through which the lower part of the upper cutter passes; a guide shaft with one end coupled to the upper die and the other end coupled to the guide plate; and an elastic member coupled to one end of the guide shaft.

[0022] The guide plate above can come into contact with the upper surface of the lower die and the upper part of the lower cutter when the upper die moves in a downward direction.

[0023] The above elastic member can apply an elastic force to the guide shaft so that the guide plate moves downward when the upper die moves upward.

[0024] A plurality of the above guide shafts can be spaced apart from each other and coupled to the upper die and the guide plate.

[0025] The guide hole is formed in a shape corresponding to the upper cutter to prevent lateral movement of the upper cutter.

[0026] The upper cutter has its upper portion inserted into and coupled to the upper die, and the upper die may include a first coupling hole for coupling the upper portion of the upper cutter.

[0027] The device includes a fixing plate for fixing the lower cutter to the side of the lower die, and the fixing plate may include a second coupling hole for joining the lower cutter and the side of the lower die.

[0028] The upper die is coupled to the upper die and includes an inlet port for introducing air, and the upper cutter may include an air passage formed to discharge the air introduced through the inlet port downward.

[0029] The above opening may include an inclined surface that extends from the cut surface and slopes downward.

[0030] It may include a plurality of actuators, one end of which is coupled to the lower die and the other end of which is coupled to the upper die.

[0031] The above openings may be formed on both sides of the lower die, spaced apart from each other.

[0032] A pair of the upper cutters are coupled to the upper die and can be inserted into each of the pair of openings when the upper die moves downward.

[0033] A pair of lower cutters are each positioned on both sides of the lower die, and at least one of the pair of lower cutters can be coupled to the side of the lower die.

[0034] The notching device according to the present invention can minimize assembly errors and facilitate the replacement of the cutter when replacing the cutter that cuts the electrode tab in the secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0035] In addition, by fastening to the position fixing member through the fixing pin of the upper die, assembly errors can be minimized without separate alignment work when replacing the cutter.

[0036] 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 from the description below.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a notching device that is fastened to a position fixing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a notching device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a lower die coupled with a lower cutter in a notching device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an upper die coupled with an upper cutter in a notching device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of AA of Figure 2.

[0042] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the BB in Figure 2.

[0043] FIGS. 7 to 9 are drawings illustrating the feature of a notching device according to an embodiment of the present invention being fastened to a position fixing member.

[0044] FIGS. 10 to 12 are drawings illustrating the feature of cutting an electrode tab through a notching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an upper cutter in a notching device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a lower cutter in a notching device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols will be assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, in describing embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0048] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0049] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0050] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0051] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a notching device (100) connected to a position fixing member (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a notching device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a lower die (110) to which a lower cutter (120) is connected in a notching device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an upper die (130) to which an upper cutter (140) is connected in a notching device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view AA of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view BB of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 to 9 are drawings for explaining the feature of a notching device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention being connected to a position fixing member (300). FIG. 10 to 12 are drawings for explaining the feature of cutting an electrode tab (10) through a notching device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an upper cutter (140) in a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a lower cutter (120) in a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Hereinafter, in describing the notching device (100) of the present invention, the front-rear direction is described based on the x-axis direction, the left-right direction is described based on the y-axis direction, and the up-down direction is described based on the z-axis direction.

[0054] Referring together to FIGS. 1 to 6, a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a lower die (110), a lower cutter (120), an upper die (130), and an upper cutter (140). First, the lower die (110) may have an opening (111) formed therein, which includes a cutting surface (1111) that is drawn in downward (z-axis direction) from the top of the side. Then, the lower cutter (120) is coupled to the side of the lower die (110), and its upper portion may be exposed at the cutting surface (1111).

[0055] The upper die (130) can reciprocate in the vertical direction (z-axis direction) toward the upper surface of the lower die (110). The upper cutter (140) has its upper portion connected to the upper die (130), and when the upper die (130) moves downward (z-axis direction), its lower portion is drawn into the opening (111) and can come into contact with the upper portion of the lower cutter (120) at the cutting surface (1111).

[0056] In particular, in a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper die (130) may include a fixing pin (131) located at the center of the upper surface and fastened to a position fixing member (300). Here, the position fixing member (300) is a member fixed to the upper part of the notching device (100).

[0057] And as the fixing pin (131) is fastened to the position fixing member (300), assembly error can be minimized without a separate alignment operation when replacing the upper cutter (140) or lower cutter (120) that cuts the electrode tab (10) in the secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0058] As described above, as the electrode tab (10) processing process, in which the electrode tab (10) is cut after welding, continues, wear of the cutter inevitably occurs, requiring replacement of the cutter. However, since replacing the cutter requires disassembly and assembly of the device, conventionally, alignment work of the cutter had to be performed to prevent assembly errors after replacement. Consequently, the work time for replacing the worn cutter increased, which caused a problem of delay in the secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0059] Accordingly, the notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is fastened to the position fixing member (300) through the fixing pin (131) of the upper die (130), thereby minimizing assembly errors without a separate alignment operation when replacing the upper cutter (140) or the lower cutter (120), and thus can solve the problem described above.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 together, the position fixing member (300) is formed by extending inward from the side and may include a sliding groove (310) having a shape corresponding to the shape of the fixing pin (131). The fixing pin (131) can be fitted into the sliding groove (310) and fastened.

[0061] That is, the notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can replace the upper cutter (140) or the lower cutter (120) by disassembling and assembling the components before being fastened to the position fixing member (300) as shown in FIG. 6. After that, the notching device (100) is moved and fastened by inserting a fixing pin (131) into the sliding groove (310) of the position fixing member (300) as shown in FIG. 7, thereby eliminating the alignment work described above. Through this, the working time can be shortened and assembly errors can be minimized.

[0062] In addition, in a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing pin (131) is structured to be inserted into the center of the upper surface of the upper die (130), and when the upper die (130) is lowered to cut the electrode tab (10) while the fixing pin (131) is fastened to the position fixing member (300), the fixing pin (131) can be separated from the center of the upper surface of the upper die (130).

[0063] Referring together to FIGS. 1 to 6, a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a guide plate (150), a guide shaft (160), and an elastic member (180). Here, the guide plate (150) is spaced apart from the lower surface of the upper die (130), and a guide hole (151) through which the lower part of the upper cutter (140) passes may be formed. One end of the guide shaft (160) may be coupled to the upper die (130), and the other end may be coupled to the guide plate (150). The elastic member (180) may be coupled to one end of the guide shaft (160).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 together, in a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the guide plate (150) can come into contact with the upper surface of the lower die (110) and the upper surface of the lower cutter (120) when the upper die (130) moves in the downward direction (z-axis direction). That is, the guide plate (150) can serve to press the electrode tab (10) against the lower cutter (120) for the cutting process of the electrode tab (10).

[0065] And, the elastic member (180) coupled to one end of the guide shaft (160) so that the guide plate (150) can press the electrode tab (10) can apply elastic force to the guide shaft (160). And, after the electrode tab (10) is cut, the elastic member (180) can apply elastic force to the guide shaft (160) so that the guide plate (150) moves in the downward direction (z-axis direction) when the upper die (130) moves in the upward direction (z-axis direction). Through this, the elastic member (180) can return the guide plate (150) to its original position.

[0066] Additionally, in a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of guide shafts (160) may be spaced apart from each other and coupled to an upper die (130) and a guide plate (150). Furthermore, a plurality of elastic members (180) may be formed so as to be coupled to each of the plurality of guide shafts (160). Through this, a uniform elastic force can be applied to the entire guide plate (150).

[0067] In addition, the guide hole (151) formed in the guide plate (150) in the notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed in a shape corresponding to the upper cutter (140). By doing so, flow in the lateral direction (x-axis direction and y-axis direction) of the upper cutter (140) can be prevented.

[0068] Accordingly, the notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent flow of the upper cutter (140) in the lateral direction (x-axis direction and y-axis direction) through the guide hole (151), thereby minimizing the processing error of the electrode tab (10) being cut and improving the quality of the manufactured product.

[0069] Referring together to FIGS. 1 to 6 and FIG. 13, in a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper cutter (140) can be coupled by having its upper portion inserted into the upper die (130). The upper die (130) may include a first coupling hole (132) for coupling the upper portion of the upper cutter (140). Additionally, the upper die (130) and the upper cutter (140) can be coupled through a first screw (133) inserted into the first coupling hole (132).

[0070] Here, through holes may be formed in the upper cutter (140) at positions corresponding to the first coupling holes (132) of the upper die (130) and in a number corresponding to the first coupling holes (132). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 13, four first coupling holes (132) may be formed in the upper die (130), and four through holes may be formed in the upper cutter (140) at positions corresponding to each of the four first coupling holes (132). Then, the upper die (130) and the upper cutter (140) can be joined through four first screws (133).

[0071] Accordingly, the notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can easily separate and assemble the upper cutter (140) by fastening and separating the first screw (133) on the upper part of the upper die (130), and thereby the operator can easily replace the upper cutter (140) even if it is worn out.

[0072] Referring together to FIGS. 1 to 6 and FIG. 14, a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fixing plate (180) for fixing a lower cutter (120) to the side of a lower die (110). The fixing plate (180) may include a second coupling hole (181) for joining the lower cutter (120) and the side of the lower die (110). Additionally, the fixing plate (180) and the lower cutter (120) may be joined to the side of the lower die (110) through a second screw (182) inserted into the second coupling hole (181).

[0073] Here, through holes may be formed in the lower cutter (120) and the lower die (110) at positions corresponding to the second coupling holes (181) of the fixed plate (180) and in a number corresponding to the second coupling holes (181). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 14, five second coupling holes (181) may be formed in the fixed plate (180), and five through holes may be formed in the lower cutter (120) and the lower die (110) at positions corresponding to each of the five second coupling holes (181). Then, the lower cutter (120) may be fixed to the lower die (110) through five second screws (182).

[0074] Accordingly, the notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can easily separate and assemble the lower cutter (120) by fastening and separating the second screw (182) on the side of the lower die (110), and thereby the operator can easily replace the lower cutter (120) even if it is worn out.

[0075] Referring together to FIGS. 1 to 6 and FIG. 13, a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an inlet port (190) coupled to an upper die (130) to introduce air. The upper cutter (140) may include an air passage (141) formed to discharge the air introduced through the inlet port (190) downwards. Through this, the residue after cutting the electrode tab (10), as shown in FIG. 12, can be easily discharged through the opening (111).

[0076] In addition, to form a structure for easily discharging the residue after cutting the electrode tab (10) through the opening (111), the opening (111) formed in the lower die (110) of the notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have an inclined surface (1112) formed by extending from the cutting surface (1111) and inclined downward (z-axis direction).

[0077] Furthermore, a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of actuators (200), one end of which is coupled to a lower die (110) and the other end of which is coupled to an upper die (130). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, four actuators (200) may be formed at the four corners of the upper die (130) and the lower die (110). Through this, the upper die (130) can be moved in the up-and-down direction (z-axis direction) while maintaining a constant distance between the upper die (130) and the lower die (110) so that the upper die (130) is parallel to the upper surface of the lower die (110).

[0078] Referring together to FIGS. 1 to 6, in a notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of openings (111) may be formed spaced apart on both sides of the lower die (110). A pair of upper cutters (140) may be coupled to the upper die (130) and may be drawn into each of the pair of openings (111) when the upper die (130) moves in the downward direction (z-axis direction). Additionally, a pair of lower cutters (120) may be positioned on each side of the lower die (110), and at least one of the pair of lower cutters (120) may be coupled to the side of the lower die (110).

[0079] That is, a first opening (111a) and a second opening (111b) may be formed on both sides of the lower die (110). The upper cutter (140) may include a first upper cutter (140a) that is inserted into the first opening (111a) and a second upper cutter (140b) that is inserted into the second opening (111b). Additionally, the lower cutter (120) may include a first lower cutter (120a) that is positioned on one side of the lower die (110) where the first opening (111a) is formed, and a second lower cutter (120b) that is positioned on the other side of the lower die (110) where the second opening (111b) is formed.

[0080] And by allowing the cutting process of the electrode tab (10) to be performed on both sides of the notching device (100) of the present invention through a pair of openings (111a, 111b), a pair of upper cutters (140a, 140b), and a pair of lower cutters (120a, 120b), the process efficiency can be improved.

[0081] Additionally, a cutting process of the electrode tab (10) may be performed on one side of the notching device (100) of the present invention. For example, the first upper cutter (140a) may be inserted into the first opening (111a) and come into contact with the first lower cutter (120a) to cut the electrode tab (10). In this case, the second screw (182) may be loosened so that the second lower cutter (120b) is spaced apart from the side of the lower die (110), so that the second upper cutter (140b) inserted into the second opening (111b) does not come into contact with the second lower cutter (120b).

[0082] In addition, the notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be equipped with a plurality of upper cutters (140) that may experience relatively more wear than the lower cutter (120) to improve the efficiency of the electrode tab (10) cutting process.

[0083] As described above, when the cutting process of the electrode tab (10) is performed on one side of the notching device (100) of the present invention, wear may occur on the first upper cutter (140a), and a time may come when replacement is required.

[0084] At this time, without disassembling the notching device (100) of the present invention, the notching device (100) of the present invention can be rotated 180 degrees as shown in FIG. 9, and the fixing pin (131) can be fastened to the position fixing member (300) as described above through FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. Then, the cutting process of the electrode tab (10) can be performed through the second upper cutter (140b).

[0085] Additionally, the second lower cutter (120b) can be connected to the side of the lower die (110) through the second screw (182), and the first lower cutter (120b) can be spaced apart from the side of the lower die (110).

[0086] In addition, the notching device (100) of the present invention can be assembled by separating only the upper die (130) in FIG. 9 using a principle similar to that described above and then rotating only the upper die (130) 180 degrees. Then, as described above through FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the fixing pin (131) is fastened to the position fixing member (300), and the second upper cutter (140b) is inserted into the first opening (111a) so that the first lower cutter (120a) comes into contact with it, thereby allowing the electrode tab (10) cutting process to be performed.

[0087] Furthermore, the notching device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of extending the lifespan of the upper cutter (140) and the lower cutter (120) by using the upper cutter (140) and the lower cutter (120) alternately. In addition, the process efficiency can be improved by extending the replacement cycle of the upper cutter (140) and the lower cutter (120).

[0088] In summary, the notching device according to the present invention can minimize assembly errors and facilitate the replacement of a cutter used to cut electrode tabs in a secondary battery manufacturing process. Additionally, by fastening to a position fixing member via a fixing pin of the upper die, assembly errors can be minimized without the need for a separate alignment operation when replacing the cutter.

[0089] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

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