Welding apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a welding apparatus comprising: a jig unit having a guide hole defining an accommodation space for individually accommodating a weld portion of an object; a protective gas supply unit which is provided on the inner wall surface of the guide hole and supplies protective gas into the accommodation space; and a suction pressure application unit which applies suction pressure to the accommodation space from the outside of the guide hole, thus enabling advantageous effects of improving stability and reliability.

Description

welding device

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0009705 filed on January 22, 2025, 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 welding device, and more specifically, to a welding device capable of improving stability and reliability.

[0005] With the advancement of technologies such as electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), and portable electronic devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing.

[0006] Secondary batteries can be classified into pouch type and can type depending on the material of the case (exterior material) housing the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly can be classified into wound type (jelly roll type), stacked type (stack type), stack and lamination type, or stack and folding type depending on the manufacturing method and form.

[0007] Generally, a secondary battery can be manufactured by applying an electrode active material slurry to a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector to produce a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and then stacking them on both sides of a separator to form an electrode assembly of a predetermined shape, after which the electrode assembly is housed in a case and an electrolyte is injected.

[0008] Meanwhile, the components constituting a secondary battery can be electrically connected by a welding process (for example, electrode leads extending from an electrode assembly are electrically connected to an external device by laser welding). However, if oxidation reactions or short-circuit defects (short-circuit defects caused by spatter) occur at the welded joint of the secondary battery, the welding quality of the welded joint deteriorates, which leads to a problem of reduced performance and quality of the secondary battery.

[0009] To this end, various studies have recently been conducted to improve the welding quality of welded joints in secondary batteries and to enhance stability and reliability; however, these efforts are still insufficient, and further development is required.

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a welding device capable of improving stability and reliability.

[0011] In particular, the embodiments of the present invention aim to improve the welding quality of the welded portion of a secondary battery and to improve the performance and quality of the secondary battery.

[0012] Above all, the embodiments of the present invention aim to extend the residence time of the shielding gas on the weld of a secondary battery and to effectively inhale (remove) fumes and spatter generated in the weld.

[0013] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention aim to reduce the amount of shielding gas used and to reduce costs.

[0014] The problems intended to be solved in the embodiments are not limited thereto, and may also include objectives or effects that can be identified from the means of solving the problems or the embodiments described below.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the objectives of the present invention described above, the welding device comprises a jig portion including a guide hole that defines a receiving space in which a welded part of an object is individually received, a shielding gas supply portion provided on the inner wall surface of the guide hole and supplying shielding gas to the receiving space, and a suction pressure application portion that applies suction pressure to the receiving space from the outside of the guide hole.

[0016] This is intended to improve the welding quality of the secondary battery weldment and enhance stability and reliability.

[0017] In other words, in order to improve the welding quality of the welded part of a secondary battery, it is necessary to minimize oxidation reactions and short-circuit defects (short-circuit defects caused by spatter) in the welded part. However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to improve the welding quality of the welded part of the secondary battery because it is difficult to sufficiently retain shielding gas in the welded part and it is difficult to effectively inhale fumes and spatter generated in the welded part.

[0018] In particular, conventionally, as direct suction pressure is applied to the surrounding space of the weld, there is a problem in that the shielding gas supplied to the weld does not stay sufficiently in the surrounding area of ​​the weld and is sucked in immediately, which leads to a deterioration in the welding quality of the weld.

[0019] However, in the embodiment of the present invention, by supplying a protective gas from the inner wall surface of a guide hole in which a welded part is individually received, and by applying suction pressure to the receiving space from the outside of the guide hole rather than the inside of the guide hole, the welding quality of the welded part of the secondary battery can be improved, and the performance and quality of the secondary battery can be improved.

[0020] Above all, the embodiment of the present invention allows the shielding gas remaining in the receiving space to be sucked in by the suction pressure applied to the outside of the guide hole rather than being directly sucked in from the receiving space; in other words, the embodiment of the present invention allows the supply and discharge (suction) of the shielding gas to be performed at different points separated from each other, thereby extending the residence time of the shielding gas in the weld and reducing the amount of shielding gas used.

[0021] The jig part can be provided in various structures including guide holes.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the jig portion may include a first jig body having a guide hole and a first through-hole communicating with the guide hole, and a second jig body having a second through-hole formed therein that is laminated on the first jig body and has a cross-sectional area reduced compared to the first through-hole.

[0023] In this way, the embodiment of the present invention provides a first through-hole and a second through-hole having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first through-hole in the jig portion, thereby allowing fumes and spatter discharged along each guide hole to be concentrated in the second through-hole, thus obtaining an advantageous effect of improving the discharge (suction) efficiency of fumes and spatter.

[0024] As a shielding gas, various gases capable of protecting the workpiece (e.g., preventing oxidation) during the welding process can be used.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shielding gas may include at least one of nitrogen, argon, and helium.

[0026] The shielding gas supply unit can be configured to supply shielding gas at various points (locations) of the guide hole.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a shielding gas supply unit may be provided adjacent to one end of a guide hole adjacent to the welded part.

[0028] In this way, the embodiment of the present invention can obtain the advantageous effect of minimizing the phenomenon in which the protective gas supplied to the receiving space is immediately discharged (inhaled by the suction pressure application part) by providing the protective gas supply part adjacent to one end of the guide hole adjacent to the welded part, and maximizing the protective effect of the protective gas on the welded part.

[0029] The shielding gas supply unit can be provided in various structures capable of supplying shielding gas from the inner wall surface of the guide hole.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective gas supply unit may include a supply pipe formed on the side of the jig unit so as to be in communication with the guide hole.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of guide holes may be provided in the jig portion at a predetermined interval, and supply pipes may be individually connected to each of the guide holes.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective gas supply unit may include a connecting pipe connecting a plurality of supply pipes.

[0033] In this way, the embodiment of the present invention simplifies the structure for supplying protective gas to each supply pipe and obtains the advantageous effect of improving design freedom and space utilization by connecting a plurality of supply pipes continuously through a connecting pipe.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the supply pipe may be formed at an angle with respect to a reference line passing through the center of the guide hole along the radial direction of the guide hole.

[0035] In this way, the embodiment of the present invention forms the supply pipe at an angle with respect to a reference line passing through the center of the guide hole along the radial direction of the guide hole, so that the protective gas supplied to the guide hole along the supply pipe can form a swirling vortex inside the guide hole (accommodation space), thereby obtaining the advantageous effect of minimizing the phenomenon in which the protective gas remains concentrated in a specific area within the accommodation space.

[0036] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, by ensuring that the protective gas supplied to the inside (receiving space) of the guide hole is not discharged immediately but forms a vortex before being discharged, the time the protective gas stays in the receiving space can be increased, thereby further enhancing the protective effect on the welded part by the protective gas and obtaining the advantageous effect of further reducing the amount of protective gas used.

[0037] In addition, the embodiment of the present invention forms a swirling vortex inside the guide hole (accommodating space), thereby minimizing the phenomenon where spatter generated during the welding process of the workpiece adheres to the inner wall surface of the guide hole or the workpiece, thus obtaining an advantageous effect of further improving welding stability and welding quality.

[0038] The suction pressure application part can be provided in various structures capable of applying suction pressure to the receiving space from the outside of the guide hole.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the suction pressure application part may include a duct member having a communication part communicating with a guide hole, an inlet part provided in the duct member through which outside air is introduced, and an outlet part provided in the duct member through which negative pressure is applied, and a suction airflow may be formed inside the duct member from the inlet part toward the outlet part.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the duct member may be formed along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide hole.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion may be provided between the inlet portion and the outlet portion.

[0042] Preferably, the shielding gas supply unit may be configured to supply shielding gas along a direction parallel to the intake airflow. In this way, the embodiment of the present invention supplies shielding gas along a horizontal direction rather than in the direction in which the shielding gas is discharged from the guide hole (the axial direction of the guide hole), and by ensuring that the intake airflow is formed along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide hole, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of suppressing the rapid discharge of the shielding gas supplied to the receiving space and further extending the residence time of the shielding gas.

[0043] In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can form a smoother air flow (a stronger suction airflow) by reducing the air pressure difference in the duct member through the formation of an inlet portion into which outside air is introduced in the duct member. Accordingly, fumes and spatter generated in the weld can be sucked (removed) more effectively, and advantageous effects can be obtained such as minimizing shot defects caused by spatter and improving the welding quality of the weld.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to form a duct member along the axial direction of a guide hole.

[0045] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an advantageous effect of improving stability and reliability can be obtained.

[0046] In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an advantageous effect can be obtained to improve the welding quality of the welded part of a secondary battery and to improve the performance and quality of the secondary battery.

[0047] Above all, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the residence time of the protective gas on the weld of a secondary battery can be extended, and the advantageous effect of effectively sucking (removing) fumes and spatter generated in the weld can be obtained.

[0048] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the use of shielding gas can be reduced, and the advantageous effect of reducing costs can be obtained.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a shielding gas supply unit as a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a connecting pipe as a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a suction pressure application part of a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a modified example of a supply pipe as a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a modified example of a duct member as a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted.

[0057] In addition, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. Terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in advance, may be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0059] In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and when described as "at least one of A and B and C (or more than one)," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed from A, B, and C.

[0060] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] These terms are intended merely to distinguish a component from other components and are not limited by the essence, order, sequence, etc. of the component.

[0062] And, where it is stated that a component is 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, combined, or connected to the other component, but also cases where it is 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' due to another component located between the component and the other component.

[0063] Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above or below," it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a welding device (10) (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a jig part (100) including a guide hole (102) that defines a receiving space (102a) in which a weldable part (32) of an object is individually received, a shielding gas supply part (140) provided on the inner wall surface of the guide hole (102) and supplying shielding gas to the receiving space (102a), and a suction pressure application part (130) that applies suction pressure to the receiving space (102a) from the outside of the guide hole (102).

[0065] For reference, the welding device (10)(10) according to the embodiment of the present invention may be used to weld the workpiece (32) of various objects according to required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the workpiece and the workpiece (32).

[0066] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which a welding device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention welds a component constituting a secondary battery (30). As an example, the welding device (10) may be used to weld an electrode lead extending from an electrode assembly to an external device.

[0067] For reference, the secondary battery (30) may include an electrode assembly (not shown) and a case (not shown) provided to surround the electrode assembly.

[0068] The electrode assembly may include an electrode and a separator laminated to the electrode, and an electrode lead extending from the electrode assembly may be electrically connected to an external device by a welding process by a welding device (10).

[0069] For example, the electrode may include a first electrode (e.g., a positive electrode) laminated on one side (e.g., the top surface) of the separator, and a second electrode (e.g., a negative electrode) laminated on the other side (e.g., the bottom surface) of the separator.

[0070] The first electrode (anode) and the second electrode (cathode) can be formed by applying a slurry, which is a mixture of an electrode active material, a binder, and a plasticizer, to the positive current collector and the negative current collector.

[0071] The positive current collector is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive without causing chemical changes in the battery. For example, as a positive current collector, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or aluminum or stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. may be used.

[0072] The negative electrode current collector is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive without causing chemical changes in the battery. For example, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or aluminum or stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. may be used as the negative electrode current collector. As an example, a copper thin film (e.g., electrolytic copper foil or zinc copper foil) may be used as the negative electrode current collector.

[0073] The separator is provided to separate the negative electrode and the positive electrode and to provide a passage for the movement of lithium ions, and can be used without special restrictions as long as it is used as a separator in a lithium secondary battery (30).

[0074] As an example, as a separator, a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin-based polymer such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, and an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, or a laminated structure of two or more layers thereof may be used.

[0075] Alternatively, it is also possible to use a conventional porous nonwoven fabric as a separator, such as a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fibers or polyethylene terephthalate fibers, or to use a coated separator containing ceramic components or polymer materials to ensure heat resistance or mechanical strength.

[0076] The case may be provided in various structures capable of accommodating an electrode assembly internally, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the battery case.

[0077] For example, the case may include a case body having a roughly hollow cylindrical shape and a cap that seals the opening of the case body.

[0078] According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the case to have a square block shape (e.g., a square can), a pouch shape, or other shapes.

[0079] The case may be formed from various materials depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the type and characteristics of the case material.

[0080] For example, the case may be configured with a structure including a metal layer, such as an aluminum thin film, to protect components such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte injected into the interior of the case, while also improving the electrochemical properties of the electrode assembly and the electrolyte and enhancing heat dissipation.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 1, the jig portion (100) includes a guide hole (102) that defines a receiving space (102a) in which a welded portion (32) of an object (e.g., an electrode lead of a secondary battery) is individually received.

[0082] Here, the statement that the welded part (32) is individually accommodated in the receiving space (102a) can be defined as that only one welded part (32) is individually accommodated in only one receiving space (102a).

[0083] The guide hole (102) may be provided in various structures capable of defining the receiving space (102a), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the guide hole (102).

[0084] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the guide hole (102) is configured to have a roughly trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the guide hole to have a circular cross-section, a square cross-section, or other cross-sectional shapes.

[0085] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of guide holes (102) may be provided in the jig portion (100) at a predetermined interval.

[0086] For example, a total of four guide holes (102) may be provided in the jig portion (100) spaced apart along the circumferential direction. According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to form three or fewer guide holes in the jig portion, or to form five or more guide holes. Alternatively, it is also possible to form a plurality of guide holes spaced apart along the straight direction in the jig portion.

[0087] The jig portion (100) may be provided in various structures including a guide hole (102), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the jig portion (100).

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the jig portion (100) may include a first jig body (110) having a guide hole (102) and a first through-hole (112) communicating with the guide hole (102), and a second jig body (120) having a second through-hole (122) formed therein, which is laminated on the first jig body (110) and has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first through-hole (112).

[0089] The first jig body (110) may be provided in various structures having a guide hole (102) and a first through-hole (112), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the first jig body (110).

[0090] For example, the first jig body (110) may be formed to have a roughly circular block shape, and the bottom of the first jig body (110) (based on FIG. 1) may be positioned in close contact with the target body.

[0091] In the first jig body (110), a plurality of guide holes (102) (e.g., four) may be formed to penetrate along the vertical direction so as to be arranged radially with respect to the center (arranged spaced apart along the circumferential direction), and a first penetration part (112) may be formed at the top (based on FIG. 1) of the first jig body (110) to communicate with the plurality of guide holes (102). For example, the first penetration part (112) may be formed in the shape of a circular hole having a first diameter.

[0092] The second jig body (120) may be provided with various structures having a guide hole (102) and a second through-hole (122), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the second jig body (120).

[0093] For example, the second penetration part (122) may be formed in the shape of a circular hole having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and may be arranged coaxially with the first penetration part (112).

[0094] Preferably, the second penetration (122) may be formed to have a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases from one end (bottom in Fig. 1) adjacent to the first jig body (110) to the other end (top in Fig. 1).

[0095] In this way, an embodiment of the present invention provides a first penetration part (112) and a second penetration part (122) having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first penetration part (112) in the jig part (100), so that fumes and spatter discharged along each guide hole (102) can be concentrated in the second penetration part (122), thereby obtaining an advantageous effect of improving the discharge (suction) efficiency of fumes and spatter.

[0096] In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the jig part (100) is described as including a first jig body (110) and a second jig body (120), but according to other embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the jig part to consist of only one jig body or to include three or more jig bodies.

[0097] In addition, although the embodiments of the present invention described above and illustrated are described as examples in which fumes and spatter generated from the welded part (32) move along the guide hole (102) and are discharged through the first penetration part (112) and the second penetration part (122), according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the system so that fumes and spatter generated from the welded part are discharged directly from the guide hole by excluding the separate first penetration part and the second penetration part.

[0098] A protective gas supply unit (140) is provided on the inner wall surface of the guide hole (102) to supply protective gas to the receiving space (102a).

[0099] As a shielding gas, various gases capable of protecting (e.g., preventing oxidation) the welded part (32) during the welding process of the welded part (32) may be used, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the type and characteristics of the shielding gas.

[0100] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shielding gas may include at least one of nitrogen, argon, and helium.

[0101] The protective gas supply unit (140) may be configured to supply protective gas at various points (locations) of the guide hole (102), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the protective gas supply locations of the protective gas supply unit (140).

[0102] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a protective gas supply unit (140) may be provided adjacent to one end of a guide hole (102) adjacent to the welded part (32) (the bottom of the guide hole (102) based on FIG. 4).

[0103] In this way, the embodiment of the present invention can obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing the phenomenon in which the protective gas supplied to the receiving space (102a) is immediately discharged (inhaled by the suction pressure application unit) and maximizing the protective effect of the protective gas on the welded part (32) by the protective gas by providing the protective gas supply unit (140) adjacent to one end of the guide hole (102) adjacent to the welded part (32).

[0104] According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the protective gas supply unit to supply protective gas at the central or upper part of the guide hole.

[0105] The protective gas supply unit (140) may be provided in various structures capable of supplying protective gas to the inner wall surface of the guide hole (102), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the protective gas supply unit (140).

[0106] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective gas supply unit (140) may include a supply pipe (142) formed on the side of the jig unit (100) so as to be in communication with the guide hole (102).

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 4, the supply pipe (142) may be provided in various structures that can communicate with the guide hole (102), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the supply pipe (142).

[0108] For example, the supply pipe (142) may be formed in a roughly straight shape along the radial direction of the guide hole (102). According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to form the supply pipe in a curved shape or in other shapes.

[0109] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of guide holes (102) may be provided spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the jig part (100), and supply pipes (142) may be individually connected to each guide hole (102).

[0110] In the embodiments of the present invention described above, protection gas is supplied individually to each of the plurality of supply pipes (142), but according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to supply protection gas to the plurality of supply pipes (142) through a connecting pipe (144).

[0111] Referring to FIG. 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective gas supply unit (140) may include a supply pipe (142) formed on the side of the jig unit (100) to communicate with the guide hole (102), and a connecting pipe (144) connecting a plurality of supply pipes (142).

[0112] The connecting pipe (144) can be provided in various structures capable of continuously connecting a plurality of supply pipes (142), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the connecting pipe (144).

[0113] For example, the connecting pipe (144) can be formed in a roughly ring shape that wraps around the outer surface of the jig part (100), and each supply pipe (142) can be connected at one end (inlet end) to the connecting pipe (144).

[0114] In this way, the embodiment of the present invention can obtain advantageous effects by simplifying the structure for supplying protective gas to each supply pipe (142) and improving design freedom and space utilization by connecting a plurality of supply pipes (142) continuously through a connecting pipe (144).

[0115] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a modified example of a supply pipe (142) as a welding device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same or equivalent reference numerals are assigned to parts identical to the above-described configuration, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0116] In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the supply pipe (142) is formed along the radial direction of the guide hole (102), but according to other embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to form the supply pipe (142) at an angle with respect to the radial direction of the guide hole (102).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 5, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective gas supply unit (140) includes a supply pipe (142) formed on the side of the jig unit (100) so as to be in communication with the guide hole (102), wherein the supply pipe (142) may be formed at an angle with respect to a reference line (CL) passing through the center (x) of the guide hole (102) along the radial direction of the guide hole (102).

[0118] The angle of inclination (θ) of the supply pipe (142) can be varied within a range that allows for the forced formation of a swirling vortex inside the guide hole (102), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the angle of inclination (θ) of the supply pipe (142).

[0119] In this way, the embodiment of the present invention forms the supply pipe (142) at an angle with respect to the reference line (CL) passing through the center (x) of the guide hole (102) along the radial direction of the guide hole (102), so that the protective gas supplied to the guide hole (102) along the supply pipe (142) can form a swirling vortex inside the guide hole (102) (accommodation space), thereby obtaining the advantageous effect of minimizing the phenomenon in which the protective gas remains concentrated in a specific area in the accommodation space (102a).

[0120] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the protective gas supplied to the inside (receiving space) of the guide hole (102) is not discharged immediately but forms a vortex before being discharged, thereby increasing the time the protective gas stays in the receiving space (102a), so that the protective effect of the welded part (32) by the protective gas is further improved and the amount of protective gas used is further reduced, thereby obtaining an advantageous effect.

[0121] In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can minimize the phenomenon where spatter generated during the welding process of the workpiece (32) adheres to the inner wall surface of the guide hole (102) or the workpiece (32) by forming a swirling vortex inside the guide hole (102) (accommodation space), thereby obtaining an advantageous effect of further improving welding stability and welding quality.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 4, the suction pressure application part (130) is provided to apply suction pressure to the receiving space (102a) from the outside of the guide hole (102).

[0123] Here, the statement that the suction pressure applying part (130) applies suction pressure to the receiving space (102a) from the outside of the guide hole (102) is defined as the suction pressure applying part (130) not applying suction pressure directly to the inside of the guide hole (102), but applying suction pressure from the outside of the end of the guide hole (102).

[0124] For example, the suction pressure application part (130) may be configured to apply suction pressure to the receiving space (102a) from the outside of the guide hole (102) in a manner similar to an ejector.

[0125] The suction pressure application part (130) may be provided in various structures capable of applying suction pressure to the receiving space (102a) from the outside of the guide hole (102), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the suction pressure application part (130).

[0126] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the suction pressure application part (130) may include a duct member (132) having a communication part (132a) communicating with a guide hole (102), an inlet part (134) provided in the duct member (132) for external air to flow in, and an outlet part (136) provided in the duct member (132) for negative pressure to be applied, and a suction airflow (CS) may be formed inside the duct member (132) from the inlet part (134) toward the outlet part (136).

[0127] The duct member (132) may be formed in various structures having a connecting portion (132a) communicating with the guide hole (102), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the duct member (132).

[0128] For example, the duct member (132) may be formed in a roughly straight duct shape along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide hole (102) (left and right directions based on FIG. 4), and the intake airflow (CS) may be defined along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide hole (102). According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to form the duct member in a curved shape or other shapes.

[0129] The connecting portion (132a) can be formed in various structures capable of communicating with the guide hole (102), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the connecting portion (132a).

[0130] For example, the connecting portion (132a) may be formed in the shape of a hole corresponding to the guide hole (102) (or the second through portion). According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to form the connecting portion in the shape of a pipe or other shapes.

[0131] An inlet (134) is provided in the duct member (132) so that outside air can be introduced into the interior of the duct member (132).

[0132] The inlet section (134) may be provided with various structures through which outside air can be introduced, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the inlet section (134).

[0133] For example, the inlet portion (134) may be formed entirely at one end of the duct member (132) (left end based on FIG. 4) (formed with a cross-sectional area corresponding to one end of the duct member (132)). According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to form the inlet portion partially at one end of the duct member, or to form the inlet portion using a separate member or pipe.

[0134] The outlet section (136) is provided in the duct member (132) so that negative pressure (negative pressure) is applied by a suction pressure generating means (e.g., suction fan).

[0135] The outlet section (136) may be provided with various structures to which negative pressure can be applied, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the outlet section (136).

[0136] For example, the outlet section (136) may be formed entirely at the other end of the duct member (132) (the right end in Fig. 4). Preferably, the outlet section (136) may be formed to have a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases from one end adjacent to the center of the duct member (132) to the other end.

[0137] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion (132a) may be provided between the inlet portion (134) and the outlet portion (136).

[0138] With this structure, an intake airflow (CS) can be formed from the inlet (134) to the outlet (136) inside the duct member (132), and the protective gas supplied to the receiving space (102a), fumes and spatter generated during the welding process can be discharged along the intake airflow (CS) formed along the duct member (132).

[0139] Preferably, the protective gas supply unit (140) may be configured to supply protective gas along a direction parallel to the intake airflow (CS). That is, based on FIG. 4, the intake airflow (CS) may be formed along a horizontal direction, and the supply pipe (142) may supply protective gas along a horizontal direction from the inner wall surface of the guide hole (102).

[0140] In this way, the embodiment of the present invention supplies the protective gas along the inner wall surface of the guide hole (102) along a horizontal direction rather than the direction in which the protective gas is discharged from the guide hole (102) (the axial direction of the guide hole (102)), and by forming the intake airflow (CS) along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide hole (102), the rapid discharge of the protective gas supplied to the receiving space (102a) can be suppressed and the residence time of the protective gas can be further extended.

[0141] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention can form a smoother air flow (more powerful suction airflow) by forming an inlet (134) into which outside air is introduced in the duct member (132), thereby reducing the air pressure difference in the duct member (132). Accordingly, fumes and spatter generated in the weldment can be sucked (removed) more effectively, and advantageous effects can be obtained to minimize shot defects caused by spatter and improve the welding quality of the weldment.

[0142] For reference, a through-hole (not shown) may be provided on the upper surface of the duct member (132) to allow a laser generated from a welding machine (e.g., a laser welding machine) (20) to pass through. As an example, the through-hole may be formed to be connected to the connecting part along the upper and lower directions.

[0143] In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the duct member (132) is formed along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide hole (102) (horizontal direction), but according to other embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to form the duct member in a direction other than the horizontal direction.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 6, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the suction pressure application part (130) includes a duct member (132'), an inlet part (134'), and an outlet part (136'), wherein the duct member (132') may be formed along the axial direction of the guide hole (102) and the suction airflow (CS) may be defined along the axial direction (up and down direction) of the guide hole (102).

[0145] According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to form the duct member inclined with respect to the axial direction of the guide hole, or to form the duct member bent into an "L" shape or the like.

[0146] Although the invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified and implemented. Furthermore, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0147] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0148] 10: Welding device

[0149] 20 : Welder

[0150] 30 : Secondary battery

[0151] 32 : Workpiece

[0152] 100 : Zigbu

[0153] 102 : Guide hole

[0154] 102a : Reception space

[0155] 110 : 1st jig body

[0156] 112: First penetration

[0157] 120 : 2nd jig body

[0158] 122 : Second penetration part

[0159] 130 : Suction pressure application part

[0160] 132,132' : Duct member

[0161] 132a : Connecting part

[0162] 134,134' : Entrance

[0163] 136,136' : Exit section

[0164] 140: Shielding gas supply unit

[0165] 142 : Supply piping

[0166] 144 : Connecting pipe

Claims

1. A jig part including a guide hole that defines a receiving space in which the welded part of the object is individually received; A protective gas supply unit provided on the inner wall surface of the guide hole and supplying protective gas to the receiving space; and A suction pressure applying part that applies suction pressure to the receiving space from the outside of the guide hole; A welding device including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned shielding gas supply unit is a welding device comprising a supply pipe formed on the side of the jig portion to communicate with the guide hole.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above guide holes are provided in multiple spaced-apart locations, and The above supply pipe is a welding device that is individually connected to each of the above guide holes.

4. In Paragraph 3, A welding device further comprising a connecting pipe connecting a plurality of the above-mentioned supply pipes.

5. In Paragraph 2, A welding device in which the above supply pipe is formed at an angle with respect to a reference line passing through the center of the guide hole along the radial direction of the guide hole.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned shielding gas supply unit is a welding device provided adjacent to one end of the guide hole adjacent to the weldment.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above jig part is, A first jig body having a guide hole and a first through-hole communicating with the guide hole; and A second jig body that is laminated to the first jig body and has a second through-hole formed therein having a cross-sectional area reduced compared to the first through-hole; A welding device including 8. In Paragraph 1, The above suction pressure application unit is, A duct member having a connecting portion communicating with the above guide hole; An inlet portion provided in the above-mentioned duct member through which outside air flows in; and Includes an outlet portion provided in the above-mentioned duct member and to which negative pressure is applied; A welding device in which an intake airflow is formed from the inlet to the outlet inside the above duct member.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned connecting part is a welding device provided between the above-mentioned inlet part and the above-mentioned outlet part.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above duct member is a welding device formed along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide hole.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above-mentioned shielding gas supply unit is a welding device that supplies the shielding gas along a direction parallel to the above-mentioned intake airflow.

12. In Paragraph 8, The above duct member is a welding device formed along the axial direction of the guide hole.

13. In Paragraph 1, A welding device in which the shielding gas comprises at least one of nitrogen, argon, and helium.

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