Apparatus for automatic cleaning of welding mask

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for automatic cleaning of a welding mask, which improves efficiency of cleaning a welding mask by automatically cleaning the welding mask that is used in welding an electrode assembly and a current collector plate of a cylindrical battery cell, and prevents foreign substances such as spatter generated during the welding process from entering the electrode assembly. The apparatus for automatic cleaning of a welding mask, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises a welding mask cleaning unit provided to clean the welding mask for welding a cylindrical electrode assembly and a current collector plate. The welding mask cleaning unit comprises: a body portion which is movable above the welding mask so as to face the welding mask; a brush portion extending downward from the body portion so as to clean the welding mask; and a driving unit which drives the body portion such that the brush portion moves from above the welding mask, downward toward the welding mask.

Description

Automatic welding mask cleaning device

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic welding mask cleaning device, and more specifically, to an automatic welding mask cleaning device capable of automatically cleaning a welding mask for welding a cylindrical electrode assembly and a current collector plate constituting a cylindrical battery cell.

[0002] Secondary batteries are attracting attention as an energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency because they have high energy density and the advantage of being able to drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels, as well as the advantage of not generating by-products from energy use. Due to these advantages, secondary batteries are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electric power sources.

[0003] A battery cell comprises an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, and a battery housing that accommodates the electrode assembly. Depending on the shape of the battery housing (battery case), lithium secondary batteries can be classified into prismatic secondary batteries and cylindrical secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal battery can (battery housing), and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch case made of an aluminum laminate sheet. Among these, the electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell may be provided in a jelly roll structure.

[0004] To manufacture cylindrical battery cells, a welding process must be performed to weld a cylindrical electrode assembly to a current collector plate. This welding process can be carried out by placing the current collector plate on top of a jelly roll and performing the welding using a welding mask. Spatter generated during the welding process can contaminate the welding mask. Since spatter accumulated on the welding mask can enter the jelly roll and cause defects, periodic cleaning of the welding mask is required.

[0005] Conventionally, the cleaning of welding masks is performed by a worker manually separating and cleaning the masks. Since dozens of welding masks are arranged in the welding equipment, the process of separating, cleaning, and reattaching multiple masks can take several hours. This can reduce the process efficiency of cylindrical battery cells and increase manufacturing costs. The background technology described above is intended to explain the background of the derivation of the present invention and does not imply that it is technology known prior to the filing of the present invention.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an automatic welding mask cleaning device that automatically cleans a welding mask used for welding an electrode assembly and a current collector plate, thereby increasing the efficiency of the welding mask cleaning operation and preventing foreign substances, such as spatter generated during the welding process, from entering the electrode assembly.

[0007] In addition, the present invention is intended to provide an automatic welding mask cleaning device capable of efficiently cleaning a plurality of welding masks arranged in a circular pattern in the perimeter area of ​​a rotating stage.

[0008] In addition, the present invention is intended to provide an automatic welding mask cleaning device capable of effectively removing foreign matter, such as spatter remaining on a welding mask, by means of a brush, a blow unit, and a foreign matter suction part.

[0009] In addition, the present invention is intended to provide an automatic welding mask cleaning device capable of effectively removing foreign substances such as spatter by intensively cleaning the welding hole portion of the welding mask.

[0010] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0011] An automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a welding mask cleaning unit configured to clean a welding mask for welding a cylindrical electrode assembly and a current collector plate. The welding mask cleaning unit comprises: a body portion movably configured to face the welding mask at the upper portion of the welding mask; a brush portion extending downward from the body portion to clean the welding mask; and a driving portion that drives the body portion so that the brush portion moves downward toward the welding mask at the upper portion of the welding mask.

[0012] The above driving unit may include a driving cylinder that moves the brush unit up and down so that the brush unit removes foreign substances accumulated on the welding mask by physical contact with the inner wall including the welding hole of the welding mask.

[0013] An automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a foreign matter collection unit comprising a foreign matter collection container disposed at the bottom of the welding mask to collect foreign matter removed from the welding mask by the brush portion.

[0014] The above foreign matter collection unit may further include a foreign matter suction part that introduces and discharges foreign matter removed from the welding mask into the foreign matter collection container.

[0015] An automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a blow unit that blows air from the upper part of the welding mask toward the foreign matter collection container so that foreign matter removed from the welding mask moves downward toward the foreign matter collection container by the wind.

[0016] The blow unit may include: a blow body having an inlet for blowing air and a blow hole for discharging air blown in through the inlet toward the foreign matter collection container; and a blowing part coupled to the inlet and blowing air to remove foreign matter removed from the welding mask through the inlet.

[0017] The blow body may have a through hole in the center through which the brush part can pass vertically, and may have a plurality of blow holes along the perimeter in the outer area. The plurality of blow holes may be arranged at an angle toward the center of the foreign matter collection container.

[0018] The blow body may be provided with a blowing hole that is in communication with the blowing port and is arranged in a ring shape in the outer region. The plurality of blowing holes may be arranged at an angle downward from the blowing hole and extend to the lower surface of the blow body.

[0019] The welding mask cleaning unit may be positioned on one side of the outer area of ​​a rotating stage in which welding masks for welding the cylindrical electrode assembly and the current collector plate are arranged along a circular ring.

[0020] The welding mask cleaning unit may include a plurality of cleaning units, each having a body part and a brush part, which are provided along the outer arc-shaped region of the rotating stage at positions corresponding to a plurality of welding masks.

[0021] The above driving unit may include a support plate that supports the plurality of cleaning units; and a driving cylinder that drives the support plate to move the plurality of cleaning units simultaneously in an up-and-down direction.

[0022] The brush portion may include a plurality of brush members arranged at the lower part of the body portion. The plurality of brush members may be arranged at positions corresponding to a plurality of welding holes of the welding mask.

[0023] The brush member may include a support rod mounted on the lower part of the body part; and a brush provided on the outer surface of the support rod.

[0024] The welding mask cleaning unit may be configured to clean the welding mask once for each welding of the cylindrical electrode assembly and the current collector plate by the welding mask.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic welding mask cleaning device is provided that automatically cleans a welding mask used for welding an electrode assembly and a current collector plate, thereby increasing the efficiency of the welding mask cleaning operation and preventing foreign substances, such as spatter generated during the welding process, from entering the electrode assembly.

[0026] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic welding mask cleaning device is provided that can efficiently clean a plurality of welding masks arranged in a circular shape in the perimeter area of ​​a rotating stage.

[0027] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic welding mask cleaning device is provided that can effectively remove foreign matter, such as spatter remaining on a welding mask, by means of a brush, a blow unit, and a foreign matter suction unit.

[0028] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic welding mask cleaning device is provided that can effectively remove foreign matter such as spatter by intensively cleaning the welding hole portion of the welding mask.

[0029] The effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell including a cylindrical electrode assembly.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery cell according to FIG. 2.

[0033] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to Figure 2.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a welding mask cleaning unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a welding mask cleaning unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a welding mask cleaning unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the state in which a welding mask is mounted on the plate of a rotating stage.

[0038] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a welding mask.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a blow unit constituting a welding mask cleaning unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid the present invention being interpreted ambiguously. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0041] An automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body portion movably provided to face the welding mask at the upper part of the welding mask for welding a cylindrical electrode assembly and a current collector plate, a brush portion extending downward from the body portion to clean the welding mask, and a driving portion that drives the body portion so that the brush portion moves downward toward the welding mask at the upper part of the welding mask.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the automatic welding mask cleaning device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided to automatically clean a welding mask (230) used for welding a cylindrical electrode assembly and a current collector plate constituting a cylindrical battery cell, and for this purpose, it may include a welding mask cleaning unit (300), a blow unit (400), and a foreign matter collection unit (500).

[0043] A welding mask cleaning unit (300) is provided to clean a welding mask (230) for welding a cylindrical electrode assembly and a collector plate, and, for example, may be placed on one side of the outer area of ​​a rotating stage (200) in which welding masks (230) are arranged along a circular ring shape. After welding of the electrode assembly and the collector plate is performed using the welding mask (230), the welding mask (230) may be rotated by the rotating stage (200) and moved to a lower position of the welding mask cleaning unit (300) in order to remove foreign matter, such as spatter, attached to the welding mask (230) after the welding operation is finished.

[0044] Welding masks (230) can be arranged along a circle in the outer area of ​​a circular plate (210) that constitutes a rotating stage (200). The plate (210) can be rotated by a driving device (220). The driving device (220) can be provided with a driving means such as a driving motor or a driving cylinder. The welding masks (230) arranged on the rotating stage (200) can be automatically cleaned of foreign matter by a welding mask cleaning unit (300) sequentially according to the order in which they are arranged or according to a preset order.

[0045] Although not shown, a welding device for welding a cylindrical electrode assembly and a collector plate using welding masks (230) provided on a plate (210) may be provided in the surrounding area of ​​the rotating stage (200). If the welding mask (230) becomes contaminated due to foreign substances such as spatter generated during the welding of the cylindrical electrode assembly and the collector plate, the welding mask cleaning unit (300) can automatically clean the welding mask (230) so that spatter does not accumulate on it.

[0046] Welding masks (230) can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by a rotating stage (200) and sequentially cleaned by a welding mask cleaning unit (300). Accordingly, foreign substances such as spatter generated on the welding mask (230) during the welding process can be removed immediately before they become fixed, thereby effectively removing foreign substances. Accordingly, the cost and time required for manual cleaning of the welding mask (230) can be reduced and work efficiency improved, and foreign substances can be prevented from entering the cylindrical battery cell during the subsequent welding process by the welding mask (230).

[0047] The blow unit (400) can blow air onto the welding mask (230) so that foreign matter remaining on the welding mask (230) can be effectively separated before, during, and / or after the welding mask (230) is cleaned by the brush part of the welding mask cleaning unit (300), and the foreign matter separated from the welding mask (230) can be fed into the foreign matter collection container. The foreign matter collection unit (500) can suck the foreign matter separated from the welding mask (230) into the foreign matter suction part (530) through the foreign matter suction pipe (520).

[0048] Hereinafter, a cylindrical battery cell is described, and then the detailed structure and operation of an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention are described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell including a cylindrical electrode assembly. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the battery cell according to FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell according to FIG. 2. For convenience of explanation, in this specification, the direction following the longitudinal direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly wound in a jelly roll shape is referred to as the "axial direction," "up-down direction," or "height direction." The direction surrounding the winding axis is referred to as the "circumferential direction" or "peripheral direction." The direction approaching the winding axis or moving away from the winding axis is referred to as the "radial direction." Among the radial directions, the direction approaching the winding axis may be referred to as the "centripetal direction," and the direction moving away from the winding axis may be referred to as the "centrifugal direction."

[0049] The battery cell (1) may include an electrode assembly (10), a battery housing (20), a first current collector plate (30), a battery cap (40), a sealing gasket (50), a second current collector plate (60), a rivet (70), and an insulating part (80). The battery cell including the electrode assembly (10) is not limited to the shape of the battery cell (1) shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and can be applied to batteries of other shapes. The battery cell (1) may be a cylindrical secondary battery (cylindrical battery cell).

[0050] The electrode assembly (10) may be provided in a cylindrical shape having a core and an outer surface, in which a first electrode film (an electrode of either the positive or negative electrode), a second electrode film (e.g., another electrode of the positive and negative electrode), and a separator interposed between these electrode films are wound around a winding axis. The electrode assembly (10) may be a jelly-roll type electrode assembly. An additional separator may be provided on the outer surface of the electrode assembly (10) for insulation from the battery housing (20). The electrode assembly (10) may be provided without limitation to have a winding structure well known in the art of the present invention.

[0051] The first electrode (positive or negative electrode) of the electrode assembly (10) may include a first electrode current collector plate and a first electrode active material applied on one or both sides of the first electrode current collector plate. At one end (upper end) in the width direction (a direction parallel to the height direction of the battery cell) of the first electrode, there may be a non-coated portion where the first electrode active material is not applied. That is, the first electrode may include a first non-coated portion (11) that is not coated with active material at one long end along the winding direction and is exposed to the outside of the separator. The first non-coated portion (11) may be provided at the upper end with respect to the height direction of the electrode assembly (10) housed within the battery housing (20). At least a portion of the first non-coated portion (11) may be used as an electrode tab itself. The first non-coated portion (11) may be, for example, a negative electrode tab.

[0052] The second electrode (positive or negative electrode) of the electrode assembly (10) may include a second electrode current collector plate and a second electrode active material applied on one or both sides of the second electrode current collector plate. Based on the width direction (height direction) of the second electrode, a non-coated portion where the second electrode active material is not applied may exist at the other end. That is, the second electrode may include a second non-coated portion (12) that is not coated with active material at the other long end along the winding direction and is exposed to the outside of the separator. The second non-coated portion (12) may be provided at the bottom based on the height direction of the electrode assembly (10) housed within the battery housing (20). At least a portion of the second non-coated portion (12) may be used as an electrode tab itself. The second non-coated portion (12) may be, for example, a positive electrode tab.

[0053] The battery housing (20) may be a roughly cylindrical receptacle with an opening formed on one side. The battery housing (20) may be provided with a conductive metal material. The battery housing (20) may be configured to accommodate the electrode assembly (10) of a secondary battery. The side of the battery housing (20) and the lower surface located opposite the opening (20a) may be formed integrally. The battery housing (20) may be configured to accommodate the electrode assembly (10) and the electrolyte through the opening (20a) formed on its upper side.

[0054] The battery housing (20) may have a beading portion (21) formed in an end region adjacent to an opening (20a) provided at the top thereof, and a crimping portion (22) formed on the beading portion (21). The beading portion (21) has a shape in which the outer circumference of the battery housing (20) is pressed in to a predetermined depth. The beading portion (21) may have a shape in which it is pressed inward in the region between the opening (20a) of the battery housing (20) and the internal receiving space that accommodates the electrode assembly (10).

[0055] The beading portion (21) provides a support surface on which a sealing gasket (50) and a battery cap (40) can be seated. Additionally, the beading portion (21) may provide a support surface on which at least a portion of the edge perimeter of the first current collector plate (30) can be seated and joined. At least a portion of the edge perimeter of the current collector plate (30), at least a portion of the edge perimeter of the sealing gasket (50), and at least a portion of the edge perimeter of the battery cap (40) can be seated on the upper surface of the beading portion (21). The beading portion (21) may be formed by pressing the outer circumference of the battery housing (20) inward in an area adjacent to the opening (20a) of the battery housing (20) while the electrode assembly (10) is received within the battery housing (20) through the opening (20a).

[0056] In order to stably support the first current collector plate (30), the battery cap (40), and the sealing gasket (50), the upper surface of the beading portion (21) may have a shape that extends along a direction approximately parallel to the lower surface of the battery housing (20), that is, a shape that extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the side wall of the battery housing (20). The beading portion (21) can function as a support portion on which the battery cap (40), etc., is seated, while preventing the electrode assembly (10), which has a size corresponding to the inner diameter of the internal receiving space of the battery housing (20), from coming out through the opening (20a) formed at the top of the battery housing (20).

[0057] The crimping portion (22) extends upward from the beading portion (21) and is formed on the upper part of the beading portion (21). The crimping portion (22) has a bent shape that extends to wrap around the edge perimeter and part of the upper surface of the battery cap (40) placed on the upper part of the beading portion (21). The battery cap (40) is fixed on the beading portion (21) by the crimping portion (22). The crimping portion (22) may have a shape that extends inwardly from the upper perimeter of the battery housing (20) in the radial direction (centripetal direction) of the battery cell (1). The crimping portion (22) is provided in an area corresponding to the edge perimeter of the upper surface of the battery cap (40) to fix the battery cap (40) and prevent the battery cap (40) from moving upward.

[0058] The upper portion of the crimping portion (22) is formed by bending so that it extends inward by a predetermined distance along the radial direction of the battery cell (1) to wrap around a part of the upper surface of the battery cap (40), thereby securing the perimeter of the upper surface of the battery cap (40). The perimeter area of ​​the battery cap (40) is interposed between the upper portion of the crimping portion (22) and the beading portion (21) and is secured to the battery housing (20), covering the opening (20a) of the battery housing (20).

[0059] The first current collector plate (30) is housed inside the battery housing (20). The first current collector plate (30) is made of a conductive metal material and can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10). The first current collector plate (30) can be electrically connected to the battery housing (20). That is, the current collector plate (30) can electrically connect the first electrode of the electrode assembly (10) and the battery housing (20). The first current collector plate (30) may be provided with a support portion (31), a tab coupling portion (32), and a housing coupling portion (33).

[0060] The support portion (31) and the tab connecting portion (32) of the first current collector plate (30) are positioned on the upper part of the electrode assembly (10). The support portion (31) is positioned on one side of the electrode assembly (10). The tab connecting portion (32) extends from the support portion (31) and is connected to the first non-reinforced portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10). The tab connecting portion (32) can be connected to the electrode assembly (10), for example, by welding a certain area while seated on the first non-reinforced portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10). The tab connecting portion (32) of the first current collector plate (30) may be located below the lower surface of the beading portion (21).

[0061] A through hole (not shown) may be formed in the first collector plate (30) to allow flames generated inside the battery cell (1) to escape smoothly. Accordingly, even if a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs on the side of the electrode assembly (10), the flames and venting gas generated from the electrode assembly (10) can be smoothly discharged through the through hole without being blocked by the first collector plate (30) located on the upper side of the electrode assembly (10). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flames from moving toward the beading part (21) located in the vicinity of the electrode assembly (10) and the first collector plate (30) and causing pinholes in the beading part (21), and to prevent the fire from spreading to other battery cells (1) located around the battery cell (1) where the fire occurred.

[0062] The support member (31) may be provided with a current collector hole (H2) formed at a position corresponding to a winding hole (H1) formed approximately in the center of the electrode assembly (10). The winding hole (H1) and the current collector hole (H2), which are in communication with each other, do not need to function as a passage for a welding rod or laser beam for welding between the electrode terminal of the electrode assembly (10) and the current collector plate, or between the electrode terminal and a lead tab (not shown). Therefore, the energy density of the electrode assembly (10) can be increased by reducing the size of the winding hole (H1) and the current collector hole (H2). If the diameter of the current collector hole (H2) is excessively smaller than the diameter of the winding hole (H1), the hole formed in the winding hole (H1) may be obscured, which may reduce liquid injection performance. Accordingly, so that the current collector hole (H2) does not obscure the winding hole (H1) formed in the core of the electrode assembly (10), the winding hole (H1) of the electrode assembly (10) may have a diameter substantially the same as or larger than that of the current collector hole (H2).

[0063] The housing coupling portion (33) extends from the support portion (31) to a periphery area and is coupled to the inner surface of the battery housing (20). The housing coupling portion (33) may extend from the support portion (31) and be electrically coupled to the inner surface of the battery housing (20). For example, the housing coupling portion (33) may be coupled to the upper surface of the beading portion (21) on the inner surface of the battery housing (20).

[0064] The inner diameter of the battery housing (20) in the area where the beading portion (21) is formed may be smaller than the diameter of the electrode assembly (10). For stable contact and connection, the beading portion (21) may have a shape that extends along a direction approximately parallel to the lower surface of the battery housing (20), that is, a direction approximately perpendicular to the side wall of the battery housing (20). The housing connection portion (33) may be welded to the upper surface of the beading portion (21). For welding the connection between the battery housing (20) and the first current collector plate (30), for example, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or spot welding may be applied.

[0065] A battery cap (40) is provided to cover an opening (20a) of a battery housing (20). The battery cap (40) may be coupled to the battery housing (20) to seal the opening (20a) of the battery housing (20) through a crimping process via a sealing gasket (50). The battery cap (40) may be provided with a venting portion (41) formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure caused by gas generated inside the battery housing (20).

[0066] The venting portion (41) may be configured to break when the internal pressure of the battery housing (20) increases above a certain level. The venting portion (41) is formed in a part of the battery cap (40) and may be a structurally weaker area than the surrounding area so that it can easily break when pressure is applied to the inside due to thermal runaway, etc. For example, the venting portion (41) may be an area having a thinner thickness compared to the surrounding area. The venting portion (41) may be formed as a roughly circular closed loop.

[0067] The battery cap (40) covers an opening (20a) formed on one side of the battery housing (20). The battery cap (40) can be secured by a crimping portion (22) formed on the top of the battery housing (20). To improve the fixing force and the sealing of the battery housing (20), a sealing gasket (50) is interposed between the battery housing (20) and the battery cap (40), and between the current collector plate (30) and the battery cap (40). The sealing gasket (50) can seal the top opening of the battery housing (20) between the battery cap (40) and the crimping portion (22) of the battery housing (20), and electrically insulate the battery housing (20) from the battery cap (40). The sealing gasket (50) may include a material having insulating and elastic properties. The sealing gasket (50) may include, for example, a polymer resin.

[0068] Accordingly, a current collector plate (30) may be interposed between the beading portion (21) of the battery housing (20) and the sealing gasket (50). The current collector plate (30) interposed between the beading portion (21) and the sealing gasket (50) may be secured by the bending of the crimping portion (22) extending upward from the beading portion (21). The sealing gasket (50) is provided to surround the battery cap (40) to seal the space between the battery cap (40) and the battery housing (20). The sealing gasket (50) serves to maintain airtightness between the battery housing (20) and the battery cap (40). A rivet (70) is inserted into and joined to an opening formed in the bottom portion (23) of the battery housing (20). An insulating portion (80) may be interposed between the rivet (70) and the opening of the battery housing (20). The insulating part (80) can insulate the rivet (70) from the battery housing (20).

[0069] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a welding mask cleaning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a welding mask cleaning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a welding mask cleaning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which a welding mask is mounted on a plate of a rotating stage. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a welding mask.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 to 9, a welding mask cleaning unit (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of cleaning units (311, 312, 313) and a driving unit (330) that drives the plurality of cleaning units (311, 312, 313) up and down. In one embodiment, the welding mask cleaning unit (300) may perform an operation of cleaning the welding mask (230) once for each welding of the cylindrical electrode assembly and the current collector plate by the welding mask (230).

[0071] A plurality of cleaning units (311, 312, 313) may be provided along the outer arc-shaped region of the rotating stage (200) at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of welding masks (231, 232, 233). Each cleaning unit (311, 312, 313) may have a body portion (310) and a brush portion (320) coupled to the lower part of the body portion (310) and provided to extend downward toward the welding masks (231, 232, 233).

[0072] The body portion (310) may be configured to be movable in a third direction (Z) corresponding to the up-and-down direction so as to face the welding mask (230) from the upper part of the welding mask (230). The brush portion (320) may be extended downward from the body portion (310) so as to be inserted through the welding hole of the welding mask (230) while lowered by the driving portion (330) in order to clean the welding mask (230).

[0073] The driving unit (330) can drive the body unit (310) so that the brush unit (320) moves downward toward the welding mask (230) from the upper part of the welding mask (230). The driving unit (330) may be provided as a driving cylinder that moves the brush unit (320) up and down so that the brush unit (320) removes foreign matter accumulated on the welding mask (230) by physical contact with the inner wall containing the welding hole of the welding mask (230). The brush unit (320) may be, for example, a synthetic fiber brush such as polybutylene terephthalate or nylon, a polypropylene or natural fiber brush, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] The foreign matter collection unit (500) may include a foreign matter collection box (510) and a foreign matter suction unit (530). The foreign matter collection box (510) may be positioned at the bottom of the welding mask (230) to collect foreign matter removed from the welding mask (230) by the brush unit (320). The foreign matter suction unit (530) may form an exhaust flow to allow foreign matter removed from the welding mask (230) to flow into the foreign matter collection box (510), and may remove foreign matter by filtering the foreign matter flowing into the foreign matter collection box (510) with a filter mesh, or discharge air containing foreign matter. The foreign matter suction unit (530) may be provided to be combined with an air conditioning device to suck in foreign matter by the exhaust flow of the air conditioning device.

[0075] The foreign matter collection box (510) may be provided in the shape of a housing having an opening at the top so that foreign matter detached from the welding mask (230) can be collected. The foreign matter collection box (510) may have an incision (511) formed in the upper area facing the plate (210) so as not to interfere with the plate (210) of the rotating stage (200). A foreign matter suction pipe (520) may be connected to a foreign matter discharge port (512) provided at the bottom of the foreign matter collection box (510). Foreign matter collected in the foreign matter collection box (510) may be transferred to a foreign matter suction part (530) through the foreign matter suction pipe (520) and discharged to the outside or removed by a filter, etc.

[0076] The blow unit (400) can blow air from the upper part of the welding mask (230) toward the foreign matter collection box (510) to promote the downward movement of foreign matter removed from the welding mask (230) toward the foreign matter collection box (510) by the wind. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a blow unit constituting a welding mask cleaning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 to 10, the blow unit (400) may include an inlet section (410) for blowing in air and a blow body (420) for discharging the air blown in by the inlet section (410) into a foreign matter collection box (510). The inlet section (410) may be provided as a means capable of performing the function of blowing air into the blow body (420), such as a blower means for supplying high-pressure air.

[0078] The blow body (420) may be provided with an inlet (428) for blowing air and a blow hole (424) for discharging the air blown in through the inlet (428) toward a foreign matter collection box (510). The blowing part (410) may be coupled to the inlet (428) of the blow body (420). The blowing part (410) may blow air to remove foreign matter removed from the welding mask (230) through the inlet (428).

[0079] The blow body (420) may have a through hole (422) in the center through which the brush part (320) can pass vertically, and may have a plurality of blow holes (424) along the perimeter in the outer area. The plurality of blow holes (424) may be provided at an angle toward the center of the foreign matter collection container (510). The blow body (420) may have a blowing hole (423) that communicates with the blowing port (428) and is provided in a ring shape in the outer area. The plurality of blow holes (424) may be provided at an angle downward from the blowing hole (423) and extend to the lower surface of the blow body (420).

[0080] In one embodiment, the blow body (420) may include an inner body (421) and an outer body (427). The inner body (421) may be formed in a cylindrical shape and inserted into the inner surface of the outer body (427) and coupled to the outer body (427) by means of a coupling means (432), such as a bolt. A plurality of blow holes (424) may be formed in the inner body (421), extending from the blowing hole (423) to the lower surface of the inner body (421).

[0081] The outer body (427) can be inserted into the outer surface of the inner body (421) and combined in a manner that wraps around the inner body (421). An inlet (428) may be formed on one side of the upper surface of the outer body (427) to receive air from the inlet part (410). The inlet (428) may be connected to an inlet hole (423) formed in a ring shape by being recessed along the outer surface of the inner body (421). A sealing groove (425) is formed on the outer surface of the inner body (421) that contacts the inner surface of the outer body (427), and a sealing member (426), such as an O-ring, may be inserted into the sealing groove (425).

[0082] The outer body (427) may be provided with a connecting part (431) that is connected to the base plate (335) of the driving part (330). The outer body (427) may be connected to the base plate (335) by means of a fixing means (433), such as a bolt, by means of the connecting part (431). The outside of the communication hole (429), which is provided to communicate with the blower port (428) and the blower hole (423) in the outer body (427), may be sealed by a sealing member (430), such as a rubber packing, to prevent air from leaking out through the gap between the outer body (427) and the base plate (335).

[0083] The blow unit (400) can be configured such that air blown in by the blower (410) is transmitted to a plurality of blow holes (424) through the blower port (428) and the blower hole (423), and is blown toward the welding hole (230a) of the welding mask (230) located at the bottom of the blow unit (400) through the plurality of blow holes (424), as shown in the air injection flow (AB) illustrated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 10. Accordingly, air can be intensively blown toward the welding hole (230a) of the welding mask (230), where there is a high risk of foreign substances such as spatter accumulating during the welding process, so that the foreign substances can be effectively collected in the foreign substance collection container (510).

[0084] Between the inner body (421) and the outer body (427), a sealing member (426) is provided at the upper and lower portions of the blow hole (423) and the blow hole (424), respectively, to prevent air from leaking through the gap between the inner body (421) and the outer body (427), thereby increasing the air injection pressure sprayed into the welding hole (230a) of the welding mask (230). Additionally, an air injection flow can be formed in a funnel shape that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom through a plurality of blow holes (424), thereby preventing foreign substances separated from the welding mask (230) from escaping to the outside of the welding mask (230), and thus preventing the welding mask cleaning unit (300), the blow unit (400), or other surrounding working environment from being contaminated by foreign substances separated from the welding mask (230).

[0085] To increase the efficiency of the cleaning operation of the welding mask (230), the driving unit (330) may include a support plate (333) that supports a plurality of cleaning units (311, 312, 313) and a driving cylinder (331) that drives the support plate (333) to move the plurality of cleaning units (311, 312, 313) simultaneously in an up-and-down direction. The driving cylinder (331) can raise and lower a lifting plate (332) that is supported on a base plate (335) supported by a support (334) and coupled with the support plate (333).

[0086] The body portions (310) of a plurality of cleaning units (311, 312, 313) may be supported on the support plate (333). The support plate (333) may be provided with a through hole through which a brush portion (320) extending downward from the body portion (310) passes. One end of the support plate (333) may be connected to one end of the lifting plate (332) as a vertical connecting plate so that it can be raised and lowered together with the lifting plate (332). Accordingly, a plurality of cleaning units (311, 312, 313) can move up and down simultaneously.

[0087] The brush section (320) may include a plurality of brush members arranged at the lower part of the body section (310). The brush members may include a support rod (321) mounted at the lower part of the body section (310) and a brush (322) provided on the outer surface of the support rod (321). The plurality of brush members may be arranged at positions corresponding to a plurality of welding holes (235) formed through the mask body (234) of a welding mask (230) mounted in the mounting groove (212) of the plate (210) constituting the rotating stage (200).

[0088] The brush (322) may be provided such that its width (horizontal width) is larger than the size of the welding hole (230a) of the welding mask (230). The shape of the brush (322) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the welding hole (230a). The brush (322) may be provided to have a cross-sectional shape such as a circle or an ellipse, for example. The number of brush members attached to the body part (310) may be equal to the number of welding holes in the welding mask (230). For example, if there are four welding holes (230a) in the welding mask (230), four brush members may also be provided in the body part (310) at positions corresponding to the welding holes (230a).

[0089] When the drive unit (330) performs an upward movement, the lower end of the brush unit (320) moves to an upper height located above the upper surface of the welding mask (230), and when the drive unit (330) performs a downward movement, the lower end of the brush unit (320) passes through the welding hole (230a) of the welding mask (230) and moves to a lower height located below the lower surface of the welding mask (230). When cleaning the welding mask (230), the drive unit (330) may perform a reciprocating motion that repeatedly performs the upward and downward movement of the welding mask cleaning unit (300) to perform the operation of cleaning the welding mask (230).

[0090] The operation of the automatic welding mask cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above is as follows. After the welding process of the electrode assembly and the current collector plate is performed, when one or more welding masks (230) corresponding to the objects to be cleaned are moved by the rotating stage (200) to be positioned below the brush section (320) constituting the welding mask cleaning unit (300), the brush section (320) is lowered by the driving unit (330) of the welding mask cleaning unit (300), and accordingly, the brush (322) of the brush section (320) is inserted into the welding hole of the welding mask (230).

[0091] Foreign matter, such as splatter contaminated in the welding holes of the welding mask (230), can be discharged by falling into the foreign matter collection container (510) located at the bottom through contact with the brush (322). At this time, by simultaneously blowing air by the blow unit (400) and sucking in foreign matter by the foreign matter suction part (530) of the foreign matter collection unit (500), foreign matter from the welding mask (230) can be discharged more effectively. After completing the downward movement, the brush unit (320) is raised again by the drive unit (330) and waits to proceed with cleaning the next welding mask.

[0092] According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, cleaning of the welding mask (230) can be performed once per welding session using the welding mask (230) without reducing the equipment operating rate. In addition, the time and manpower consumption associated with manually disassembling and cleaning the welding mask (230) can be reduced, and work efficiency can be improved by automatically cleaning foreign matter such as spatter accumulated on the welding mask (230).

[0093] Accordingly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of welding masks (230) arranged in a circular shape in the perimeter area of ​​a rotating stage (200) can be efficiently cleaned, and foreign matter such as spatter remaining on the welding masks (230) can be effectively removed by a brush unit (320), a blow unit (400), and a foreign matter suction unit (530), and foreign matter such as spatter accumulated on the welding masks (230) can be prevented from entering the interior of the battery cell and degrading the quality and performance of the battery cell.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations 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.

Claims

1. A welding mask cleaning unit provided to clean a welding mask for welding a cylindrical electrode assembly and a current collector plate; comprising, The above welding mask cleaning unit is, A body portion movably provided to face the welding mask at the upper part of the welding mask; A brush portion extending downward from the body portion to clean the welding mask; and A driving unit that drives the body part so that the brush part moves downward from the upper part of the welding mask toward the welding mask; Automatic welding mask cleaning device including 2. In Claim 1, The above driving unit is, A driving cylinder that moves the brush part up and down so that the brush part removes foreign substances accumulated on the welding mask by physical contact with the inner wall including the welding hole of the welding mask; Automatic welding mask cleaning device including 3. In Claim 1, A foreign matter collection unit comprising a foreign matter collection container disposed at the bottom of the welding mask to collect foreign matter removed from the welding mask by the brush portion; Automatic welding mask cleaning device including further 4. In Claim 3, The above foreign matter collection unit is, A foreign matter suction unit that introduces and discharges foreign matter removed from the welding mask into the foreign matter collection container; Automatic welding mask cleaning device including further 5. In Claim 3, A blow unit that blows air from the upper part of the welding mask toward the foreign matter collection container so that foreign matter removed from the welding mask moves downward toward the foreign matter collection container by the wind; Automatic welding mask cleaning device including further 6. In Claim 5, The above blow unit is, A blow body having an inlet for blowing air and a blow hole for discharging the air blown in through the inlet toward the foreign matter collection container; and A blower unit coupled to the blower port and blowing air to remove foreign matter removed from the welding mask through the blower port; Automatic welding mask cleaning device including 7. In Claim 6, The above blow body is, The brush portion is provided with a through hole in the center through which it can pass vertically, and a plurality of blow holes along the perimeter in the outer area. An automatic welding mask cleaning device in which the plurality of blow holes are inclined toward the center of the foreign matter collection container.

8. In Claim 7, The blow body is provided with a blowing hole that communicates with the blowing port and is arranged in a ring shape in the outer region, and A welding mask automatic cleaning device in which the plurality of blow holes are inclined downward from the blowing holes and extend to the lower surface of the blow body.

9. In Claim 1, The above welding mask cleaning unit is, Welding masks for welding the above-mentioned cylindrical electrode assembly and the above-mentioned current collector plate are arranged along a circular ring and positioned on one side of the outer region of a rotating stage. Automatic welding mask cleaning device.

10. In Claim 9, The above welding mask cleaning unit is, A plurality of cleaning units, each having a body part and a brush part, provided along the outer arc-shaped region of the rotary stage at positions corresponding to a plurality of welding masks. Automatic welding mask cleaning device.

11. In Claim 10, The above driving unit is, A support plate supporting the plurality of cleaning units above; and A driving cylinder comprising a plurality of cleaning units that simultaneously move up and down by driving the support plate up and down, Automatic welding mask cleaning device.

12. In Claim 1, The brush portion includes a plurality of brush members arranged at the lower part of the body portion, and A welding mask automatic cleaning device in which the plurality of brush members are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of welding holes of the welding mask.

13. In Claim 12, The brush member above is, A support rod mounted on the lower part of the above body part; and A brush provided on the outer surface of the above-mentioned support rod; An automatic welding mask cleaning device including 14. In Claim 1, The above welding mask cleaning unit is, Configured to clean the welding mask once for each welding of the cylindrical electrode assembly and the current collector plate by the welding mask. Automatic welding mask cleaning device.

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