Auto-cleaning apparatus for welding mask

Abstract

Disclosed is an auto-cleaning apparatus for a welding mask. The apparatus can increase the efficiency of cleaning work for a welding mask by automatically cleaning the welding mask that is used to weld an electrode assembly and a current collector plate constituting a cylindrical battery cell, and prevent foreign substances, such as a spatter generated during a welding process, from entering the electrode assembly.

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 (case), lithium secondary batteries can be classified into prismatic secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a battery can (housing), cylindrical secondary batteries, 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. Metallic debris induced into the battery cell by the spatter accumulated on the welding mask can be a factor causing degradation in battery cell quality.

[0005] As such, periodic cleaning of the welding mask is necessary because spatter accumulated on the welding mask can flow into the jelly roll and cause defects. 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 welding 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 constituting a cylindrical battery cell, 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 aims to provide an automatic welding mask cleaning device capable of ensuring stable operation characteristics of a welding mask cleaning module and shortening the cleaning time of a welding mask by driving a welding mask cleaning module that cleans a welding mask in conjunction with a rotating stage that rotates a plurality of welding masks.

[0008] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an automatic welding mask cleaning device that can effectively clean the mask holes of a welding mask by switching the brush portion of the welding mask cleaning module between arc motion and linear motion, and can increase space utilization by preventing the welding mask cleaning module from causing interference with surrounding equipment.

[0009] 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 around the perimeter of a rotating stage, and capable of effectively removing foreign matter, such as spatter remaining on the welding masks, by means of a brush unit and a foreign matter collection unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention is intended to enable rapid and efficient inspection of welding foreign matter remaining in a welding mask and / or welding mask cleaning module by an inspection unit, and to prevent defects in battery cells caused by welding foreign matter and to streamline equipment maintenance operations by promptly performing subsequent countermeasures upon detection of welding foreign matter.

[0011] 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.

[0012] An automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes 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 includes a plurality of welding mask cleaning modules arranged along the circumference of a rotating stage in which welding masks are arranged along a circular ring shape. Each welding mask cleaning module is configured to rotate and move up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating stage to clean the welding mask.

[0013] The plurality of welding mask cleaning modules can be arranged to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of welding masks arranged along the perimeter of the rotating stage.

[0014] The welding mask cleaning module may include: a brush portion provided for cleaning the welding mask; a lifting portion that converts the rotational motion of the rotating stage into the lifting motion of a lifting member for the rotation of the brush portion; and a rotating portion that converts the lifting motion of the lifting member into the rotational motion of the brush portion to rotate the brush portion.

[0015] The brush portion includes a plurality of brushes, and the plurality of brushes can be arranged at positions corresponding to a plurality of welding holes formed through the mask body of the welding mask.

[0016] The lifting unit may include: a rotating plate installed to rotate in a horizontal direction in conjunction with a rotating stage; a cam support member having a cam coupling member along its outer circumference, wherein the height of the cam coupling member changes continuously along the circumference; and a cam movement member provided on the rotating plate, coupled to the cam coupling member, and moving along the cam coupling member by moving relative to the cam support member.

[0017] The height of the above cam movement part can change according to the position in the circumferential direction due to the shape of the above cam coupling part.

[0018] The above cam movement part can reciprocate up and down at least once for every rotation around the above cam support part.

[0019] The lifting member may further include a lifting guide bar that is coupled to the cam movement member and whose lifting movement is guided by a lifting guide member coupled to the rotating plate.

[0020] The above-mentioned pivoting member may include: a pivoting member that is raised by the above-mentioned pivoting member and is rotatably coupled to a pivoting shaft provided on a brush support of the above-mentioned brush member; a guide member having a guide hole for converting the lifting operation of the above-mentioned pivoting member into a pivoting operation of the above-mentioned brush member; and an operating member having a coupling part on one side coupled to the brush support and the above-mentioned pivoting member, and a guide pin provided on the other side coupled to the guide hole.

[0021] In order to convert the brush portion from arc motion to linear motion during the lifting operation of the lifting member, the guide hole may include a lower guide hole extending in the vertical direction and an upper guide hole extending upward at an angle from the top of the lower guide hole.

[0022] 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, and a blow unit that sprays air from the top of the welding mask toward the foreign matter collection container to promote the downward movement of foreign matter removed from the welding mask toward the foreign matter collection container by wind.

[0023] An automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an inspection unit provided in an inspection area adjacent to the rotating stage and inspecting whether foreign matter remains on the welding mask or the welding mask cleaning module.

[0024] The inspection unit may include a vision sensor that monitors spatter or metallic foreign matter accumulated on 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, by driving a welding mask cleaning module that cleans welding masks in conjunction with a rotating stage that rotates a plurality of welding masks, stable operation characteristics of the welding mask cleaning module can be secured and the cleaning time of the welding masks can be shortened.

[0027] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the brush portion of the welding mask cleaning module can be switched between arc motion and linear motion to effectively clean the mask hole of the welding mask, and the welding mask cleaning module can prevent interference with surrounding equipment, thereby increasing space utilization.

[0028] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of welding masks arranged in a circular pattern in the perimeter area of ​​a rotating stage can be efficiently cleaned, and foreign matter such as spatter remaining on the welding masks can be effectively removed in a double manner by the brush part and the foreign matter collection unit.

[0029] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, welding foreign matter remaining in a welding mask and / or a welding mask cleaning module can be inspected quickly and efficiently by an inspection unit, and subsequent countermeasures can be quickly performed upon detection of welding foreign matter to prevent defects in battery cells caused by welding foreign matter and to streamline equipment maintenance work.

[0030] 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.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell including a cylindrical electrode assembly.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery cell according to FIG. 2.

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to Figure 2.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a welding mask cleaning unit constituting an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cam support and a cam coupling that constitute an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the rotating part of a welding mask cleaning unit constituting an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings for explaining the operation of a welding mask cleaning unit constituting an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the state in which a welding mask is mounted on the plate of a rotating stage.

[0040] Figure 11 is a drawing illustrating a welding mask.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a foreign matter collection unit constituting an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an inspection unit constituting an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 foreign matter collection unit (400), and an inspection unit (500).

[0045] The welding mask cleaning unit (300) may, for example, include a plurality of welding mask cleaning modules (300a) arranged along the circumference of a rotating stage (200) in which welding masks (230) are arranged in a circular ring shape. As the welding masks (230) are arranged in a circular ring shape, the plurality of welding mask cleaning modules (300a) may be arranged along the circumference of the rotating stage (200) in a circular ring shape to clean the corresponding welding masks (230).

[0046] After welding of the electrode assembly and the current collector plate is performed using the welding mask (230), foreign matter such as spatter attached to the welding mask (230) after the welding work is finished can be immediately removed by the welding mask cleaning module (300a). Multiple welding mask cleaning modules (300a) can be arranged to correspond one-to-one with multiple welding masks (230) arranged along the perimeter of the rotating stage (200).

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 or metallic debris 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] The foreign matter collection unit (400) may be installed in a foreign matter collection area (102) provided on one side of the perimeter area of ​​the rotating stage (200). The foreign matter collection unit (400) may spray 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 of the welding mask cleaning unit (300), and the foreign matter separated from the welding mask (230) may be fed into a foreign matter collection container. The foreign matter collection unit (400) may suck the foreign matter separated from the welding mask (230) into a foreign matter suction part through a foreign matter suction pipe.

[0051] The inspection unit (500) can inspect whether foreign matter remains on the welding mask cleaning unit (300) and / or the welding mask (230). The inspection unit (500) may be installed in an inspection area (103) provided on one side of the perimeter area of ​​the rotating stage (200). Accordingly, by immediately inspecting the state of residual welding foreign matter on the welding mask (230) immediately after cleaning is performed on the welding mask (230), subsequent measures, such as performing additional welding mask cleaning work if necessary, can be taken quickly.

[0052] The cleaning operation of a welding mask by the welding mask cleaning module (300a) of the welding mask cleaning unit (300) can be performed in a set cleaning area (101). A plurality of welding mask cleaning modules (300a) can be designed to insert a brush into the mask hole of the welding mask (230) each time they pass through the cleaning area (101) by means of a cam member described later. Accordingly, the welding mask cleaning module (300a) can be mechanically and stably driven toward the mask hole of the welding mask (230).

[0053] 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."

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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).

[0074] Next, the structure of an automatic welding mask cleaning device provided for cleaning a welding mask that welds a current collector plate to a cylindrical electrode assembly will be described. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a welding mask cleaning unit constituting an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, a welding mask cleaning module (300a) constituting a welding mask cleaning unit (300) may include a brush part (310), a lifting part (330) that converts the rotational motion of a rotating stage (200) into a lifting motion for the rotation of the brush part (310), and a rotating part (320) that converts the lifting motion of a lifting member by the lifting part (330) into a rotational motion to rotate the brush part (310).

[0075] The brush portion (310) may include a body portion (310a) and a plurality of brushes (311) arranged to extend from the lower surface of the body portion (310a). The plurality of brushes (311) may be arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of welding holes (235) so as to be inserted into the plurality of welding holes (235) formed through the mask body (234) of the welding mask (230) mounted in the mounting groove (212) of the plate (210) constituting the rotating stage (200). The brushes (311) may be provided such that their width (horizontal width) is equal to or greater than the size of the welding holes of the welding mask (230).

[0076] The shape of the brush (311) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the welding hole of the welding mask (230). The brush (311) may be provided to have a cross-sectional shape such as a circle or an ellipse, for example. The number of brushes (311) attached to the body part (310) may be equal to the number of welding holes of the welding mask (230). For example, if there are four welding holes in the welding mask (230), four brushes (311) may be provided at positions corresponding to the welding holes.

[0077] The rotational movement of the rotating stage (200) is converted into the lifting movement of the lifting member by the lifting member (330), and as the lifting movement of the lifting member is converted into rotational movement by the rotating member (320), the brush part (310) of the welding mask cleaning module (300a) can be rotated. Accordingly, as the welding mask cleaning module (300a) rotates in conjunction with the rotational movement of the rotating stage (200) and the brush part (310) is driven up and down, cleaning of the welding mask (230) can be performed using the rotational movement of the rotating stage (200). Therefore, the mechanism for driving the rotation of multiple welding mask cleaning modules (300a) is minimized, and the welding mask cleaning module (300a) can be rotated at the same speed as the rotational speed of the welding mask (230) by utilizing the rotation mechanism of the rotating stage (200).

[0078] The lifting unit (330) may include a rotating plate (331), a cleaning module support (332), a cam support (333), a cam coupling (334), a cam movement (335), a lifting guide bar (336), and a lifting guide (337). The rotating plate (331) may be supported by the cleaning module support (332) and rotate in a horizontal direction together with the plate (210). The rotating plate (331) may rotate together with the cleaning module support (332) when the cleaning module support (332) is arranged to rotate, or when the cleaning module support (332) is fixed, it may be supported to rotate relative to the cleaning module support (332) via a bearing provided between the rotating plate (331) and the cleaning module support (332). The rotating plate (331) is not limited to the structure shown, and can be applied without special restrictions as long as it can rotate in conjunction with the rotational movement of the rotating stage (200).

[0079] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cam support and a cam coupling that constitute an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the cam support (333), the cam coupling (334), and the cam movement (335) can function to convert the rotational movement of a rotating plate (331) into the up-and-down movement of a lifting guide bar (336) by means of a cam structure. The cam support (333) may be formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape to guide the rotational movement of the welding mask cleaning module (300a). The cam support (333) may be provided with a cam coupling (334) along its outer circumference. For example, the cam coupling (334) may be provided as a cam coupling groove in which the height changes continuously along the circumference of the cam support (333).

[0080] A cam movement member (335) may be coupled to the cam coupling member (334). The cam movement member (335) may move along the cam coupling member (334) while rotating relative to the cam support member (333). For example, the cam support member (333) may be supported in a fixed state by a fixed support member (338) on the upper part of the rotating plate (331). The fixed support member (338) is provided as a fixed structure so as to support the cam support member (333) in a fixed state.

[0081] The cam movement member (335) can be rotated along the circumference of the cam support member (333) while coupled to the cam coupling member (334). Accordingly, the height of the cam movement member (335) can change according to the circumferential position due to the shape (circumferential height change pattern) of the cam coupling member (334). As the cam movement member (335) rotates along the circumference of the cam support member (333), the lifting member described later, coupled to the cam movement member (335), can be lifted.

[0082] The cam movement part (335) may reciprocate up and down once for every rotation around the cam support part (333) or reciprocate two or more times according to the pattern of the cam coupling part (334). For stable rotation and lifting motion of the cam movement part (335), the cam coupling part (334) may be provided in a continuous form, such as a curved form like a wave or a sinusoidal form. When the cam movement part (335) is located in the upper region (334a) of the cam coupling part (334), the lifting member coupled to the cam movement part (335) by the lifting part (330) and the brush part (310) driven by it may rise to the highest height, and when it is located in the lower region (334b) of the cam coupling part (334), the lifting member and the brush part (310) may descend to the lowest height by the lifting part (330).

[0083] The lifting guide bar (336) can be guided for lifting movement by a lifting guide part (337) that is connected to a rotating plate (331) and installed to extend in the vertical direction. The lifting guide part (337) may have a guide groove in the shape of a cylinder or column into which the lifting guide bar (336) is inserted. The lifting guide bar (336) can be connected to the lower surface of the cam movement part (335) and extended downward. Accordingly, as the cam movement part (335) rotates and moves up and down, the lifting guide bar (336) connected to the cam movement part (335) moves up and down while being guided by the lifting guide part (337), thereby converting the rotational movement of the rotating stage (200) into the lifting movement of the lifting guide bar (336).

[0084] A lifting guide bar (336) and a lifting guide section (337) may be provided for each welding mask cleaning module (300a). The lifting guide bar (336) may extend downward through the lifting guide section (337). A lifting member provided in the upper area of ​​the rotating section (320) may be coupled to the lower end of the lifting guide bar (336). A plurality of welding mask cleaning modules (300a) may be driven to have different heights along the circumferential direction of the rotating stage (200). As the plurality of welding mask cleaning modules (300a) sequentially pass through the cleaning area (101), the foreign matter collection area (102), and the inspection area (103), a primary cleaning by the brush section (310), a secondary cleaning by air blowing, and a welding foreign matter inspection process may be performed in sequence.

[0085] The cleaning area (101) where cleaning of the welding mask (230) is performed can be set as a relatively low area by the cam movement part (335) by the cam coupling part (334). The foreign matter collection area (102) for collecting foreign matter from the welding mask (230) by secondary removal by air injection and collecting it in a foreign matter collection container, and the inspection area (103) where welding foreign matter inspection of the welding mask (230) or the welding mask cleaning module (300a) is performed can be set as a relatively high area by the cam movement part (335) by the cam coupling part (334). This is to prevent the welding mask cleaning module (300a) from causing interference when performing subsequent processes such as foreign matter collection and inspection.

[0086] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a rotating part of a welding mask cleaning unit constituting an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings for explaining the operation of a welding mask cleaning unit constituting an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the automatic welding mask cleaning device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 7 to 9.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, 7 through 9, the rotating part (320) may include a lifting member (321), a guide member (322), and an operating member (324). The lifting member (321) is rotatably coupled to a pivot shaft (313) provided on the brush support (312) of the brush part (310) and can be lifted by the lifting part (330). More specifically, the lifting member (321) is coupled to the lower end of the lifting guide bar (336) of the lifting part (330) described above, and can be lifted together with the lifting guide bar (336) as the lifting guide bar (336) moves up and down according to the rotation of the rotating stage (200) and the rotating plate (311).

[0088] The guide member (322) may be provided with a guide hole (323) for converting the lifting motion of the lifting member (321) into a rotational motion of the brush part (310). The guide member (322) may be installed on a rotating stage (200) and rotate together with the rotating stage (200). In order to convert the brush part (310) from an arc motion to a linear motion during the lifting motion of the lifting member (321), the guide hole (323) may include a lower guide hole (323a) extending in the vertical direction and an upper guide hole (323b) extending upward at an angle from the top of the lower guide hole (323a).

[0089] The operating member (324) is coupled with the brush support (312). The lifting motion by the lifting member (330) is converted into the rotational motion of the operating member (324), and the brush part (310) can be driven by rotation of the operating member (324). The operating member (324) may have a coupling part (324a) on one side and a guide pin (324b) on the other side. The coupling part (324a) may be fixed to the brush support (312) and the lifting member (321). The coupling part (324a) may be rotatably coupled to the lifting member (321). The coupling part (324a) may be provided to perform only lifting motion by the lifting member (321) without being constrained by the guide hole (323).

[0090] The guide pin (324b) may be connected to the guide hole (323) and configured to move along the guide hole (323). When the lifting member (321) is lowered from the uppermost height by the lifting unit (330), the connecting part (324a) of the operating member (324) connected to the lifting member (321) descends together with the lifting member (321), and accordingly, the guide pin (324b) provided on the other side of the operating member (324) descends along the upper guide hole (323b).

[0091] At this time, the upper guide hole (323b) is formed to be inclined, so the coupling part (324a) of the operating member (324) only moves downward, and the guide pin (324b) moves downward while simultaneously moving sideways at an inclined angle, so as a result, the operating member (324) rotates according to the position change within the guide hole (323) of the guide pin (324b). Accordingly, the brush part (310) coupled to the operating member (324) rotates together with the operating member (324), and as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of brushes (311) provided in the brush part (310) are positioned on the upper part of the welding mask (230) in a position facing the welding holes of the welding mask (230).

[0092] In this state, when the lifting member (321) of the rotating part (320) is lowered further by the lifting part (330), the guide pin (324b) enters the lower guide hole (323a) from the upper guide hole (323b) and performs only a downward movement together with the coupling part (324a), so the operating member (324) and the brush part (310) coupled thereto perform a downward movement. In this way, as the brush part (310) moves in a straight line and descends, the mask hole (235) penetrating the welding mask (230) in the vertical direction can be effectively cleaned by a plurality of brushes (311) arranged on the lower surface of the body part (310a).

[0093] The welding mask cleaning unit (300) can perform the 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). That is, in the process of the brush part (310) descending and then rising again in the cleaning area (101), the mask hole (235) of the welding mask (230) can be cleaned by the reciprocating motion of the brush part (310). The brush part (310) 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.

[0094] The operation of the automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 7, while the brush part (310) of the welding mask cleaning module (300a) is rotated upward and in a standby state, a welding operation is performed in which a current collector plate is welded to an electrode assembly on a rotating stage (200) by the welding mask (230), and subsequently, a cleaning operation of the mask hole of the welding mask (230) can be performed by the welding mask cleaning unit (300).

[0095] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which a welding mask is mounted on a plate of a rotating stage. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a welding mask. When the welding mask (230) rotates on the rotating stage (200) and moves to the welding mask cleaning area (101), the brush part (310) of the welding mask cleaning module (300a) rotates and descends toward the mask hole (235) of the welding mask (230) by means of the rotating part (320) and the lifting part (330) in conjunction with the rotational movement of the rotating stage (200), and accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, the brush part (310) is inserted into the mask hole of the welding mask (230) to remove welding foreign matter attached to the mask hole.

[0096] The brush section (310) can move in an arc through cam driving as shown in FIG. 8, and then move in a straight line as shown in FIG. 9 to descend. According to this mechanism, when the welding mask (230) does not need to be cleaned, the brush section (310) rotates and folds toward the center of the rotating stage (200), thereby providing the advantage of fully utilizing the upper space of the welding mask (230). Accordingly, the welding mask cleaning module (300a) can be prevented from becoming an obstruction factor during welding operations, collection of foreign matter by air blowing, or inspection of welding foreign matter.

[0097] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a foreign matter collection unit constituting an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, the foreign matter collection unit (400) may include a foreign matter collection box (410) and a blow unit (430). The foreign matter collection box (410) may be positioned at the bottom of the welding mask (230) to collect foreign matter removed from the welding mask (230) by air sprayed by the blow unit (430). A foreign matter suction unit (not shown) may form an exhaust flow to allow foreign matter removed from the welding mask (230) to flow into the foreign matter collection box (410), and may filter the foreign matter flowing into the foreign matter collection box (410) through a filter mesh to remove the foreign matter or discharge air containing foreign matter. The foreign matter suction unit may be combined with an air conditioning device and provided to suck in foreign matter by the exhaust flow of the air conditioning device.

[0098] The foreign matter collection box (410) 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. A foreign matter suction pipe (420) may be connected to a foreign matter discharge port provided at the bottom of the foreign matter collection box (410). Foreign matter collected in the foreign matter collection box (410) may be transferred to a foreign matter suction part through the foreign matter suction pipe (420) and discharged to the outside or removed by a filter, etc.

[0099] The blow unit (430) can blow air from the upper part of the welding mask (230) toward the foreign matter collection box (410) to facilitate the downward movement of foreign matter removed from the welding mask (230) toward the foreign matter collection box (410) by the wind. The blow unit (430) may include a supply pipe (432) for supplying air and a blow member (431) for blowing air delivered through the supply pipe (432) toward the welding mask (230). The blow unit (430) may be provided with a means capable of performing the function of blowing air, such as a blower means for supplying high-pressure air.

[0100] After the welding mask (230) is cleaned by the brush unit (310), the brush unit (310) rotates and rises as the rotating stage (200) continues to rotate. When the welding mask (230) moves to the foreign matter collection area (102) corresponding to the blow area, the brush unit (310) rotates and moves upward. In this way, when the welding mask (230) is rotated by the rotating stage (200) and positioned in the foreign matter collection area (102), the brush unit (310) of the welding mask cleaning module (300a) is in a state of being moved upward from the welding mask (230), so the blow unit (430) can spray air onto the welding mask (230) without interference with the brush unit (310).

[0101] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an inspection unit constituting an automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. After foreign matter is removed from the welding mask (230), the welding mask (230) is subsequently rotated by the rotating stage (200) and moved to the inspection area (103). Then, whether foreign matter remains on the welding mask (230) and / or the welding mask cleaning module (300a) can be inspected by an inspection unit (500) provided around the inspection area (103). At this time, the brush part (310) moves in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating stage (200) and rotates in an up-and-down direction so as to be positioned in an area close to the foreign matter inspection part (520) of the inspection unit (500) as shown in FIG. 13.

[0102] The inspection unit (500) may be provided as a vision sensor that monitors in real time spatter, metallic debris, etc. accumulated on the welding mask (230). For example, the foreign object inspection section (520) of the inspection unit (500) can detect objects corresponding to foreign objects in the foreign object inspection image acquired for the welding mask (230), and analyze the welding foreign object contamination status of the welding mask (230) based on the size, distribution, number, etc. of the foreign object objects. When the welding mask (230) is positioned in the inspection area (103), the welding mask cleaning module (300a) is lifted upward to prevent the welding mask (230) from being obscured, and can effectively detect foreign objects remaining on the welding mask (230). In addition, when the welding mask (230) rotates horizontally in the inspection area (103), the welding mask cleaning module (300a) can prevent interference with the inspection unit support structure (510) that constitutes the inspection unit (500), so the inspection unit (500) can be positioned without being restricted by the welding mask cleaning module (300a).

[0103] As described above, the automatic welding mask cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention is designed with a cam-driven structure in which the brush unit (310) is automatically driven in an arc shape and a straight shape in conjunction with the rotational position of the welding mask (230) on the rotational stage (200). Accordingly, as the welding mask (230) rotates, the cleaning unit can continuously perform foreign matter removal cleaning work on the welding mask, secondary foreign matter removal by the blow unit, and inspection of the foreign matter condition of the welding mask. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the generation of metallic debris that induces quality degradation of the battery cell is detected through real-time monitoring of the welding mask, an alarm can be generated to take immediate countermeasures.

[0104] When performing the cleaning of welding masks manually, several hours of work time are required, including the time for disassembling multiple welding masks, manual cleaning time, time for reassembling the welding masks, and time for laser calibration after reassembling the welding masks. However, according to the welding mask automatic cleaning device of the embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning time for removing foreign matter from welding masks can be reduced, thereby improving the manufacturing process efficiency of battery cells.

[0105] 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).

[0106] 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 and the foreign matter contamination status can be monitored in real time by means of a welding mask cleaning unit (300), a foreign matter collection unit (400), and an inspection unit (500). Accordingly, 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.

[0107] 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 It includes a plurality of welding mask cleaning modules arranged along the circumference of a rotating stage in which welding masks are arranged along a circular ring shape, and Each welding mask cleaning module is configured to rotate and move up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating stage to clean the welding mask. Automatic welding mask cleaning device.

2. In Claim 1, The above plurality of welding mask cleaning modules A plurality of welding masks arranged along the circumference of the above-mentioned rotating stage and positioned to correspond one-to-one with each other Automatic welding mask cleaning device.

3. In Claim 1, The above welding mask cleaning module is A brush portion provided for cleaning the above welding mask; A lifting member that converts the rotational motion of the rotating stage into the lifting motion of the lifting member for the rotation of the brush member; and A rotating member that converts the lifting motion of the lifting member into the rotational motion of the brush member to rotate the brush member; Automatic welding mask cleaning device.

4. In Claim 3, The brush portion above includes a plurality of brushes, and The plurality of brushes are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of welding holes formed through the mask body of the welding mask. Automatic welding mask cleaning device.

5. In Claim 3, The above lifting unit A rotating plate installed to rotate horizontally in conjunction with the above-mentioned rotating stage; A cam support having a cam coupling along the outer circumference, wherein the height of the cam coupling changes continuously along the circumference; and A cam movement member provided on the above-mentioned rotating plate, coupled to the above-mentioned cam coupling member, and moving along the cam coupling member by moving relative to the above-mentioned cam support member; Automatic welding mask cleaning device including 6. In Claim 5, A welding mask automatic cleaning device in which the height of the above-mentioned cam movement part changes according to the position in the circumferential direction by the shape of the above-mentioned cam coupling part.

7. In Claim 5, An automatic welding mask cleaning device in which the above-described cam movement unit reciprocates up and down at least once for every rotation around the above-described cam support unit.

8. In Claim 5, The above lifting unit A lifting guide bar further comprising: a lifting guide bar coupled to the cam movement part and having its lifting movement guided by a lifting guide part coupled to the rotating plate. Automatic welding mask cleaning device.

9. In Claim 3, The above-mentioned rotating part A lifting member that is raised by the lifting member and is rotatably coupled to a pivot shaft provided on the brush support of the brush member; A guide member having a guide hole for converting the lifting operation of the above lifting member into a rotational operation of the brush part; and An operating member having a connecting portion on one side coupled to the brush support and the lifting member, and a guide pin provided on the other side coupled to the guide hole; Automatic welding mask cleaning device including 10. In Claim 9, An automatic welding mask cleaning device that converts the brush portion from arc motion to linear motion during the lifting operation of the lifting member, wherein the guide hole comprises a lower guide hole extending in the vertical direction and an upper guide hole extending obliquely upward from the top of the lower guide hole.

11. In Claim 3, A foreign matter collection unit comprising a foreign matter collection container positioned at the bottom of the welding mask to collect foreign matter removed from the welding mask by the brush portion, and a blow unit that sprays air from the top of the welding mask toward the foreign matter collection container to promote the downward movement of the foreign matter removed from the welding mask toward the foreign matter collection container by wind; Automatic welding mask cleaning device including further 12. In Claim 1, An inspection unit provided in an inspection area adjacent to the above-mentioned rotating stage and inspecting whether foreign matter remains on the welding mask or the welding mask cleaning module; Automatic welding mask cleaning device including further 13. In Claim 12, The above inspection unit is an automatic welding mask cleaning device comprising a vision sensor that monitors spatter or metallic foreign matter accumulated on the welding mask.

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