Electrode tracking device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode tracking device that forms markings on the electrode tabs of electrodes that are moved in one direction or that identifies the markings formed on the electrode tabs, and includes: a tracking unit that is movable in at least one of horizontal and vertical directions and includes at least one tracking unit of a marking machine and a reader; a guide unit that includes a first guide that has an inclined surface at one end and supports one side of the electrode, and a second guide that has an inclined surface at a position corresponding to the inclined surface of the first guide and supports the other side of the electrode; an interlocking unit that includes a first support member that has one end connected to the first guide and the other end connected to the tracking unit so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and a second support member that has one end connected to the second guide and the other end connected to the tracking unit so as to be slidable in the vertical direction; and a foreign object storage unit that is open at the top, and the foreign object storage unit is connected to either the tracking unit or the interlocking unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode tracking device for forming a marking on an electrode tab of an electrode transferred in one direction or identifying a marking formed on the electrode tab, and the electrode tracking device of the present invention is characterized by including a foreign matter accommodating part capable of removing fine foreign matters generated during driving or position change.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0090256 filed on July 12, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries have attracted much attention as energy sources in various product groups such as mobile devices and electric vehicles. Such secondary batteries are a powerful energy resource that can replace the use of existing products using fossil fuels, do not generate by-products associated with energy use, and are in the spotlight as an environmentally friendly energy source.

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries or prismatic batteries in which a jelly roll is built into a cylindrical or prismatic metal can according to the shape of the battery case, and pouch-type batteries in which the jelly roll is built into a pouch-type case of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0005] Among the secondary batteries as described above, before being shipped as a product, the outer shape of the electrode tab of the pouch-type battery cell is measured by vision inspection for the pouch-type battery. Also, in order to ensure the traceability of each electrode, a marking label can be left on the electrode tab attached to each electrode, and similarly, the movement of the electrode can be tracked by vision inspection or the like. At this time, a structure for supporting the electrode tab so that it does not shake while inspecting a marking label or the like on the electrode tab is required.

[0006] Figure 1 shows a typical tab guide unit 10 that can guide an electrode tab T. According to Figure 1, a conventional tab guide unit 10 is provided with a pair of guides 20 arranged side by side at a predetermined distance apart in the vertical direction. An opening O can be formed in the guides 20 so that the electrode tab T passing between them can be exposed to the outside.

[0007] Figure 2 shows a conventional electrode E tracking device including the tab guide unit 10 and tracking unit 30 shown in Figure 1, wherein the tracking unit 30 is provided at a position corresponding to the opening O of the tab guide unit 10.

[0008] The electrode E passing through the pair of guides 20 moves such that the electrode tab T is exposed to the opening O. The tracking unit 30 may be a marking machine that forms a marking on the electrode tab T, or a reader machine that identifies the marking formed on the tab. The tracking unit 30 provided as described above leaves a marking on the electrode tab T or inspects the marking when the electrode tab T of the electrode E passing between the guides 20 is exposed to the opening O.

[0009] The conventional tab guide unit 10 can be fluidly adjusted in position when the width, thickness, and position of the electrode tab T being transported are changed.

[0010] During the process of adjusting the position of the tab guide unit 10 as described above, friction occurs between mechanical parts, which may cause minute foreign matter to float around. If such foreign matter adheres to the electrode tab T, it can cause a decrease in the quality of the electrode E. This decrease in the quality of the electrode E ultimately leads to a decrease in the performance of the secondary battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1605229 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] Therefore, the present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an electrode tracking device that can effectively collect foreign matter generated by friction and the like.

[0013] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly seen from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof as set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present invention provides an electrode tracking device that forms a marking on an electrode tab of an electrode being transported in one direction, or identifies a marking formed on the electrode tab.

[0015] The electrode tracking device is movable in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions and includes a tracking unit which is at least one of a marking machine and a reader machine; a guide unit which includes a first guide which has an inclined surface at one end and supports one side of the electrode tab and a second guide which has an inclined surface at a position corresponding to the inclined surface of the first guide and supports the other side of the electrode tab; an interlocking unit which includes a first support member which has one end connected to the first guide and the other end connected to the tracking unit which is slidable in the vertical direction and a second support member which has one end connected to the second guide which is slidable in the vertical direction and the other end connected to the tracking unit which is slidable in the vertical direction; and a foreign matter storage unit which is open at the top, wherein the foreign matter storage unit is connected to either the tracking unit or the interlocking unit.

[0016] The electrode is transported such that the electrode tab passes between the first guide and the second guide, and the first and second guides can be positioned so that the incoming electrode tab faces the inclined surface.

[0017] At least one of the first guide and the second guide included in the guide portion includes an opening, and the electrode can be transported so that the electrode tab is exposed through the opening.

[0018] The tracking unit may include a main body containing a tracking unit inside and a first guide rail on one side which is coupled to the first support member, and a protruding member attached to one side of the main body and a second guide rail on one side which is coupled to the second support member.

[0019] The tracking unit is positioned so that the electrode being transported passes underneath it, and the guide unit is provided below the tracking unit to guide the electrode tab of the electrode being transported.

[0020] The foreign object containment section can be connected to the support member located closer to the tracking section among the first and second support members of the interlocking section.

[0021] The first guide is positioned below the electrode being transported, and the second guide is positioned between the first guide and the main body, and the second guide may include an opening at a position corresponding to the tracking unit.

[0022] The second support member is coupled to the protruding member so as to slide relative to the second guide rail and includes a sliding portion formed extending downward along the longitudinal direction of the main body, a fixing portion provided at the lower part of the sliding portion and coupled to the second guide, and a connecting portion connecting the sliding portion and the fixing portion, and the foreign object containment portion can be coupled to the fixing portion.

[0023] The foreign object housing part and the second guide are respectively coupled to both sides of the fixing part. The second guide is disposed at a position corresponding to the tracking unit of the main body, and the foreign object housing part can be disposed at a position corresponding to the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

[0024] The foreign object housing part includes a bottom plate and side plates arranged so as to stand along the edge of the bottom plate. The foreign object housing part can be coupled such that the side plates are fixed to the second support member.

[0025] The tracking part is arranged such that the electrode being transferred passes through the upper part, and the guide part is provided above the tracking part and can guide the electrode tab of the electrode being transferred.

[0026] The foreign object housing part can be coupled to the protruding member included in the tracking part.

[0027] The first guide is disposed above the electrode being transferred, and the second guide is disposed so as to be interposed between the first guide and the main body. The second guide can include an opening at a position corresponding to the tracking unit.

[0028] The foreign object housing part can be disposed at a position corresponding to the first guide rail.

[0029] The foreign object housing part includes a bottom plate and side plates arranged so as to stand along the edge of the bottom plate. The foreign object housing part can be coupled such that the side plates are fixed to the protruding member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively remove foreign objects generated during the process of forming a marking on the electrode tab or identifying the marking formed on the electrode tab, and prevent deterioration of the quality of the electrode.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] This shows a conventional tab guide unit. [Figure 2] The above Figure 1 shows the tab guide unit and tracking unit. [Figure 3] This invention relates to an electrode tracking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This shows the electrode passing through the electrode tracking device in Figure 3 above. [Figure 5] This shows a disassembled portion of the electrode tracking device shown in Figure 3 above. [Figure 6] This shows the arrangement of the tracking unit and the second guide of the electrode tracking device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This shows a foreign matter containment section included in the electrode tracking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This shows the second support member of the interlocking section and the foreign object containment section connected to the second support member. [Figure 9] This shows the arrangement of the foreign object containment section and the second guide. [Figure 10] This shows an embodiment of raising and lowering the second support member of the electrode tracking device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This shows an embodiment of raising and lowering the first support member of the electrode tracking device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This shows an embodiment of raising and lowering the first support member and the second support member of the electrode tracking device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This shows an electrode tracking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This shows the electrode passing through the electrode tracking device in Figure 13 above. [Figure 15] This shows a disassembled portion of the electrode tracking device shown in Figure 13 above. [Figure 16] This shows the arrangement of the tracking unit and the second guide of the electrode tracking device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17]This shows a foreign matter containment section included in the electrode tracking device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This shows a protruding member and a foreign object containment section connected to the protruding member. [Figure 19] This shows an embodiment of raising and lowering the second support member of the electrode tracking device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] This shows an embodiment of raising and lowering the first support member of the electrode tracking device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] This shows an embodiment in which both the first support member and the second support member of the electrode tracking device according to the second embodiment are raised and lowered. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Before that, however, terms and words used herein and in the claims shall not be interpreted to be limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but rather as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that an inventor may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe his own invention.

[0033] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention; there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0034] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function would likely obscure the gist of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0035] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to an ordinary person, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect their actual sizes and proportions.

[0036] The present invention relates to an electrode tracking device that forms a marking on an electrode tab of an electrode being transported in one direction, or identifies a marking formed on the electrode tab.

[0037] Figures 3 to 12 relate to an electrode tracking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 13 to 21 relate to an electrode tracking device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The electrode tracking device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0039] (First Embodiment) Figure 3 relates to an electrode E tracking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 shows the passage of electrode E in the electrode E tracking device of Figure 3, and Figure 5 shows a disassembled part of the electrode E tracking device of Figure 3.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention includes a tracking unit 100, a guide unit 200, and an interlocking unit 300.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the tracking unit 100 is positioned so that the electrode E being transported passes through its lower section.

[0042] The tracking unit 100 includes a tracking unit 111 that forms a marking on the electrode tab T of the electrode E being transported, or identifies the formed marking.

[0043] The tracking unit 111 may also function as a marking machine that marks the electrode tab T with a laser, or as a reader machine that identifies the markings formed on the electrode tab T. If necessary, the tracking unit 100 may include both a marking machine and a reader machine.

[0044] The tracking unit 100 is provided so as to be movable in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0045] The tracking unit 100 includes a tracking unit 111 inside and a main body 110 that includes a first guide rail 112 on one side.

[0046] The main body 110 has an opening at the bottom, and the tracking unit 111 is provided inside the main body 110 so as to be exposed through the opening O.

[0047] The tracking unit 111 is positioned downward so as to be able to form or identify markings on electrode tabs T that pass through the lower part of the open body 110.

[0048] The first guide rail 112 is formed in a straight line. More specifically, the first guide rail 112 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body 110, that is, in the vertical direction on the drawing.

[0049] The tracking section 100 further includes a second guide rail 121 which is formed to extend while maintaining a horizontal position with respect to the first guide rail 112.

[0050] The second guide rail 121 is formed in a straight line, similar to the first guide rail 112, and maintains a predetermined distance from the first guide rail 112 while remaining horizontal to the first guide rail 112.

[0051] The tracking section 100 may further include a protruding member 120 attached to one side of the main body 110, as shown in Figure 3.

[0052] The protruding member 120 is connected to one side of the main body 110 where the first guide rail 112 is formed.

[0053] The protruding member 120 is applied to avoid interference between the operating parts and serves to create a height difference between the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 121.

[0054] Therefore, the second guide rail 121 may be formed on the main body 110, similar to the first guide rail 112, or it may be formed on a protruding member 120 connected to the main body 110.

[0055] The electrode E tracking device of the present invention includes a guide unit 200 that can guide the electrode tab T of the electrode E to the position of the tracking unit 111 during the process of forming a marking on the electrode tab T of the electrode E or identifying the marking.

[0056] The guide section 200 is located below the tracking section 100 and guides the electrode tab T of the electrode E being transported.

[0057] The guide portion 200 includes a first guide 200a that has an inclined surface at one end and supports one surface of the electrode E, and a second guide 200b that has an inclined surface at a position corresponding to the inclined surface of the first guide 200a and supports the other surface of the electrode tab T.

[0058] According to Figures 3 and 4, the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b are positioned opposite each other at the bottom of the main body 110. The first guide 200a and the second guide 200b are spaced apart by a predetermined distance so that the electrode tab T can pass between them.

[0059] The first guide 200a is positioned below the electrode E to be transported, and the second guide 200b is positioned between the first guide 200a and the main body 110.

[0060] The first guide 200a and the second guide 200b are positioned such that the electrode tab T that enters faces the inclined surface.

[0061] The electrode E moves horizontally such that the electrode tab T passes between the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b located at the bottom of the main body 110. At this time, the electrode tab T enters in the direction in which the inclined surfaces of the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b are located. That is, the electrode tab T moves to the bottom of the main body 110 on the inclined surfaces of the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b.

[0062] At least one of the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b includes an opening O.

[0063] The second guide 200b of the electrode E tracking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an opening O.

[0064] The second guide 200b described above includes an opening O at a position corresponding to the tracking unit 111 described above.

[0065] The electrode E passing between the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b is transported in such a position that the electrode tab T is exposed to the opening O.

[0066] The tracking unit 111 of the tracking section 100 forms a mark on the electrode tab T exposed in the opening O of the guide section 200, or identifies the mark on the electrode tab T.

[0067] Figure 6 shows the arrangement of the tracking unit 100 and the second guide 200b. For ease of understanding, the tracking unit 100 refers only to the tracking unit 111 located within the main body 110.

[0068] According to Figure 6 above, the opening O of the second guide 200b is formed at a position corresponding to the tracking unit 111, and the tracking unit 111 is positioned toward the opening O of the second guide 200b.

[0069] If the tracking unit 111 is a marking machine, it can form a marking on the electrode tab T that passes through the opening O. Alternatively, if the tracking unit 111 is a reader machine, it can identify the marking formed on the electrode tab T that passes through the opening O.

[0070] The first guide 200a and the second guide 200b of the guide section 200 can be connected to the tracking section 100 by the interlocking section 300.

[0071] The interlocking unit 300 plays the role of ensuring that the guide unit 200 moves back and forth, guided by the guide rail included in the tracking unit 100.

[0072] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the interlocking section 300 includes a first support member 300a which is coupled to the first guide 200a and whose other end is coupled to the tracking section 100 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and a second support member 300b which is coupled to the second guide 200b and whose other end is coupled to the tracking section 100 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction.

[0073] Specifically, the first support member 300a is connected to the first guide rail 112 so as to be slidable relative to the main body 110, and the second support member 300b is also connected to the second guide rail 121 so as to be slidable relative to the main body 110.

[0074] When the first support member 300a is slid upward on the first guide rail 112, the first guide 200a connected to the first support member 300a rises. Conversely, when the first support member 300a is slid downward on the first guide rail 112, the first guide 200a connected to the first support member 300a descends.

[0075] Furthermore, when the second support member 300b slides upward on the second guide rail 121, the second guide 200b connected to the second support member 300b rises. Conversely, when the second support member 300b slides downward on the second guide rail 121, the second guide 200b connected to the second support member 300b descends.

[0076] The second support member 300b described above is composed of a sliding portion 300b1, a fixing portion 300b3, and a connecting portion 300b2.

[0077] Specifically, the second support member 300b includes a sliding portion 300b1 that connects to the protruding member 120 so as to slide relative to the second guide rail 121, a fixing portion 300b3 that connects to the second guide 200b, and a connecting portion 300b2 whose ends are connected to the sliding portion 300b1 and the fixing portion 300b3, respectively.

[0078] More specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the second support member 300b is coupled to the protruding member 120 so as to slide relative to the second guide rail 121 and includes a sliding portion 300b1 formed to extend downward along the longitudinal direction of the main body 110, a fixing portion 300b3 provided at the lower part of the sliding portion 300b1 and coupled to the second guide 200b, and a connecting portion 300b2 that connects the sliding portion 300b1 and the fixing portion 300b3.

[0079] When the first support member 300a and the second support member 300b are slid on the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 121, friction may occur on each support member 300a, 300b and on the guide rails 112, 121.

[0080] Friction generated at the contact points between the support members 300a, 300b and the guide rails 112, 121 may cause fine foreign matter such as metal powder to float, and if this foreign matter falls onto the electrode E, it may cause a decrease in the quality and defects of the secondary battery.

[0081] The electrode E tracking device of the present invention is characterized by the application of a foreign matter containment section 400 that can collect foreign matter generated in the area where the above-mentioned friction occurs.

[0082] The foreign object containment section 400 is open at the top and serves to contain foreign objects that fall from the open top.

[0083] Figure 7 shows the foreign matter containment section 400 of the present invention, which includes a bottom plate 410 and a side plate 420 arranged to stand upright along the edge of the bottom plate 410, as shown in Figure 7.

[0084] Floating foreign objects can be collected by accumulating them on the bottom plate 410 of the foreign object containment section 400.

[0085] The foreign object containment section 400 can be connected to either the tracking section 100 or the interlocking section 300.

[0086] The electrode E tracking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the foreign matter containment section 400 is coupled to the interlocking section 300. More specifically, the foreign matter containment section 400 is coupled to the support member of the interlocking section 300, which is located closer to the tracking section 100, among the first support member 300a and the second support member 300b.

[0087] According to Figures 3 to 5, the foreign object containment section 400 is connected to the second support member 300b.

[0088] Figure 8 shows the second support member 300b of the interlocking section 300 and the foreign object containment section 400 connected to the second support member 300b.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, the foreign object containment section 400 is connected to the second support member 300b so as to be fixed thereto. More specifically, the foreign object containment section 400 has its side plate fixed to one side of the fixing section 300b3.

[0090] Figure 9 shows the arrangement of the foreign object containment section 400 and the second guide 200b, which are connected to both sides of the fixing section 300b3, as shown in Figure 9. At this time, the second guide 200b is positioned in a location corresponding to the tracking unit 111 of the main body 110, and the foreign object containment section 400 is connected to the opposite side of the fixing section 300b3 to which the second guide 200b is connected.

[0091] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the foreign object containment section 400 is positioned to correspond to the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 121.

[0092] Therefore, the foreign matter containment section 400 can effectively collect foreign matter generated from the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 121.

[0093] The electrode E tracking device of the present invention can adjust the position of the tracking unit 100 and the positions and spacing of the first guide 200a and second guide 200b included in the guide unit 200, in response to changes in the thickness and width of the target electrode E.

[0094] In order to adjust the positions of the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b, the first support member 300a and the second support member 300b included in the interlocking part 300 are slid relative to the main body 110, and any foreign matter generated at this time accumulates in the foreign matter containment part 400 connected to the fixing part 300b3.

[0095] Figure 10 shows an embodiment in which the second support member 300b is raised and lowered, Figure 11 shows an embodiment in which the first support member 300a is raised and lowered, and Figure 12 shows an embodiment in which both the first support member 300a and the second support member 300b are raised and lowered.

[0096] As shown in Figure 10 above, friction is generated at the contact point between the second support member 300b and the second guide rail 121 as the second support member 300b moves up and down along the second guide rail 121. Due to this friction, fine foreign matter may be generated on the surface of the second support member 300b or the second guide rail 121, but the foreign matter containment section 400 provided at the bottom collects the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can prevent the electrode E and the electrode tab T surface from being contaminated by the foreign matter.

[0097] As shown in Figure 11 above, friction is generated at the contact point between the first support member 300a and the first guide rail 112 as the first support member 300a moves up and down along the first guide rail 112. Due to this friction, fine foreign matter may be generated on the surface of the first support member 300a or the first guide rail 112, but the foreign matter containment section 400 provided at the bottom collects the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can prevent the electrode E and the electrode tab T surface from being contaminated by the foreign matter.

[0098] As shown in Figure 12 above, friction is generated as the first support member 300a and the second support member 300b move up and down along the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 121, respectively. Due to this friction, fine foreign matter may be generated on the surfaces of the first support member 300a, the second support member 300b, the first guide rail 112, and the second guide rail 121, but the foreign matter containment section 400 provided at the bottom collects the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can prevent the electrode E and the electrode tab T surfaces from being contaminated by the foreign matter.

[0099] (Second Embodiment) The electrode E tracking device of the present invention can also be used with the tracking unit 100, guide unit 200, and interlocking unit 300 inverted vertically.

[0100] The electrode E tracking device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the electrode E tracking device according to the first embodiment, the tracking unit 100, the guide unit 200, and the interlocking unit 300 are inverted vertically, and the foreign matter containment unit 400 is coupled to the tracking unit 100.

[0101] Figure 13 shows an electrode E tracking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 14 shows the passage of electrode E in the electrode E tracking device of Figure 13, and Figure 15 shows a disassembled part of the electrode E tracking device of Figure 13.

[0102] As shown in Figure 13, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention includes a tracking unit 100, a guide unit 200, and an interlocking unit 300.

[0103] As shown in Figure 14, the tracking unit 100 is positioned so that the electrode E being transported passes over its upper section.

[0104] The tracking unit 100 includes a tracking unit 111 that forms a marking on the electrode tab T of the electrode E being transported, or identifies the formed marking.

[0105] The tracking unit 111 may also function as a marking machine that marks the electrode tab T with a laser, or as a reader machine that identifies the markings formed on the electrode tab T. If necessary, the tracking unit 100 may include both a marking machine and a reader machine.

[0106] The tracking unit 100 is provided so as to be movable in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0107] The tracking unit 100 includes a tracking unit 111 inside and a main body 110 that includes a first guide rail 112 on one side.

[0108] The main body 110 has an opening at the top, and the tracking unit 111 is provided inside the main body 110 so as to be exposed through the opening O.

[0109] The tracking unit 111 is positioned upward so as to be able to form or identify markings on the electrode tab T that passes over the open top of the main body 110.

[0110] The first guide rail 112 is formed in a straight line. More specifically, the first guide rail 112 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body 110, that is, in the vertical direction on the drawing.

[0111] The tracking section 100 further includes a second guide rail 121 which is formed to extend while maintaining a horizontal position with respect to the first guide rail 112.

[0112] The second guide rail 121 is formed in a straight line, similar to the first guide rail 112, and maintains a predetermined distance from the first guide rail 112 while remaining horizontal to the first guide rail 112.

[0113] The tracking section 100 may further include a protruding member 120 attached to one side of the main body 110, as shown in Figure 13.

[0114] The protruding member 120 is connected to one side of the main body 110 where the first guide rail 112 is formed.

[0115] The protruding member 120 is applied to avoid interference between the operating parts and serves to create a height difference between the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 121.

[0116] Therefore, the second guide rail 121 may be formed on the main body 110, similar to the first guide rail 112, or it may be formed on a protruding member 120 connected to the main body 110.

[0117] The electrode E tracking device of the present invention includes a guide unit 200 that can guide the electrode tab T of the electrode E to the position of the tracking unit 111 during the process of forming a marking on the electrode tab T of the electrode E or identifying the marking.

[0118] The guide section 200 is located above the tracking section 100 and guides the electrode tab T of the electrode E being transported.

[0119] The guide portion 200 includes a first guide 200a that has an inclined surface at one end and supports one surface of the electrode E, and a second guide 200b that has an inclined surface at a position corresponding to the inclined surface of the first guide 200a and supports the other surface of the electrode tab T.

[0120] According to Figures 13 and 14, the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b are positioned opposite each other at the top of the main body 110. The first guide 200a and the second guide 200b are spaced apart by a predetermined distance so that the electrode tab T can pass between them.

[0121] The first guide 200a is positioned above the electrode E to be transported, and the second guide 200b is positioned between the first guide 200a and the main body 110.

[0122] The first guide 200a and the second guide 200b are positioned such that the electrode tab T that enters faces the inclined surface.

[0123] The electrode E moves horizontally such that the electrode tab T passes between the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b located on the upper part of the main body 110. At this time, the electrode tab T enters in the direction in which the inclined surfaces of the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b are located. That is, the electrode tab T moves to the upper part of the main body 110 by riding on the inclined surfaces of the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b.

[0124] At least one of the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b includes an opening O.

[0125] The second guide 200b of the electrode E tracking device according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an opening O.

[0126] The second guide 200b described above includes an opening O at a position corresponding to the tracking unit 111 described above.

[0127] The electrode E passing between the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b is transported in such a position that the electrode tab T is exposed to the opening O.

[0128] The tracking unit 111 of the tracking section 100 forms a mark on the electrode tab T exposed in the opening O of the guide section 200, or identifies the mark on the electrode tab T.

[0129] Figure 16 shows the arrangement of the tracking unit 100 and the second guide 200b. For ease of understanding, the tracking unit 100 refers only to the tracking unit 111 located within the main body 110.

[0130] According to Figure 16 above, the opening O of the second guide 200b is formed at a position corresponding to the tracking unit 111, and the tracking unit 111 is positioned toward the opening O of the second guide 200b.

[0131] If the tracking unit 111 is a marking machine, it can form a marking on the electrode tab T that passes through the opening O. Alternatively, if the tracking unit 111 is a reader machine, it can identify the marking formed on the electrode tab T that passes through the opening O.

[0132] The first guide 200a and the second guide 200b of the guide section 200 can be connected to the tracking section 100 by the interlocking section 300.

[0133] The interlocking unit 300 plays the role of ensuring that the guide unit 200 moves back and forth, guided by the guide rail included in the tracking unit 100.

[0134] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the interlocking section 300 includes a first support member 300a which is coupled to the first guide 200a and whose other end is coupled to the tracking section 100 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and a second support member 300b which is coupled to the second guide 200b and whose other end is coupled to the tracking section 100 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction.

[0135] Specifically, the first support member 300a is connected to the first guide rail 112 so as to be slidable relative to the main body 110, and the second support member 300b is also connected to the second guide rail 121 so as to be slidable relative to the main body 110.

[0136] When the first support member 300a is slid upward on the first guide rail 112, the first guide 200a connected to the first support member 300a rises. Conversely, when the first support member 300a is slid downward on the first guide rail 112, the first guide 200a connected to the first support member 300a descends.

[0137] Furthermore, when the second support member 300b slides upward on the second guide rail 121, the second guide 200b connected to the second support member 300b rises. Conversely, when the second support member 300b slides downward on the second guide rail 121, the second guide 200b connected to the second support member 300b descends.

[0138] The second support member 300b described above is composed of a sliding portion 300b1, a fixing portion 300b3, and a connecting portion 300b2.

[0139] Specifically, the second support member 300b includes a sliding portion 300b1 that connects to the protruding member 120 so as to slide relative to the second guide rail 121, a fixing portion 300b3 that connects to the second guide 200b, and a connecting portion 300b2 whose ends are connected to the sliding portion 300b1 and the fixing portion 300b3, respectively.

[0140] More specifically, as shown in Figure 15, the second support member 300b is coupled to the protruding member 120 so as to slide relative to the second guide rail 121 and includes a sliding portion 300b1 formed to extend upward along the longitudinal direction of the main body 110, a fixing portion 300b3 provided on the upper part of the sliding portion 300b1 and coupled to the second guide 200b, and a connecting portion 300b2 connecting the sliding portion 300b1 and the fixing portion 300b3.

[0141] When the first support member 300a and the second support member 300b are slid on the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 121, friction may occur on each support member 300a, 300b and on the guide rails 112, 121.

[0142] Friction generated at the contact points between the support members 300a and 300b and the guide rails 112 and 121 may cause fine foreign matter such as metal powder to float, and if this foreign matter falls onto the electrode E, it may cause a decrease in the quality and defects of the secondary battery.

[0143] The electrode E tracking device of the present invention is characterized by the application of a foreign matter containment section 400 that can collect foreign matter generated in the area where the above-mentioned friction occurs.

[0144] The foreign object containment section 400 is open at the top and serves to contain foreign objects that fall from the open top.

[0145] Figure 17 shows a foreign matter containment section 400 of the present invention, which includes a bottom plate 410 and a side plate 420 arranged to stand upright along the edge of the bottom plate 410, as shown in Figure 17.

[0146] Floating foreign objects can be collected by accumulating them on the bottom plate 410 of the foreign object containment section 400.

[0147] The foreign object containment section 400 can be connected to either the tracking section 100 or the interlocking section 300.

[0148] An electrode E tracking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the foreign matter containment section 400 is coupled to the tracking section 100. More specifically, the foreign matter containment section 400 is coupled to a protruding member 120 included in the tracking section 100.

[0149] According to Figures 13 to 15, the foreign object containment section 400 is located on the side of the protruding member 120.

[0150] Figure 18 shows the protruding member 120 and the foreign object receiving section 400 connected to the protruding member 120.

[0151] As shown in Figure 18, the foreign object containment section 400 is coupled to one side of the protruding member 120 so as to be fixed thereto. More specifically, the side plate of the foreign object containment section 400 is fixed to the side of the protruding member 120.

[0152] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the foreign object containment section 400 is positioned in a location corresponding to the first guide rail 112.

[0153] Therefore, the foreign matter containment section 400 can effectively collect foreign matter generated from the first guide rail 112.

[0154] The electrode E tracking device of the present invention can adjust the position of the tracking unit 100 and the positions and spacing of the first guide 200a and second guide 200b included in the guide unit 200, in response to changes in the thickness and width of the target electrode E.

[0155] In order to adjust the positions of the first guide 200a and the second guide 200b, the first support member 300a and the second support member 300b included in the interlocking part 300 are slid relative to the main body 110, and any foreign matter generated at this time accumulates in the foreign matter containment part 400 connected to the protruding member 120.

[0156] Figure 19 shows an embodiment in which the second support member 300b is raised and lowered, Figure 20 shows an embodiment in which the first support member 300a is raised and lowered, and Figure 21 shows an embodiment in which both the first support member 300a and the second support member 300b are raised and lowered.

[0157] As shown in Figure 19 above, friction is generated at the contact point between the second support member 300b and the second guide rail 121 as the second support member 300b moves up and down along the second guide rail 121. Due to this friction, fine foreign matter may be generated on the surface of the second support member 300b or the second guide rail 121, but the foreign matter containment section 400 provided at the bottom collects some of the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can minimize contamination of the electrode E and electrode tab T surfaces by the foreign matter.

[0158] As shown in Figure 20 above, friction is generated at the contact point between the first support member 300a and the first guide rail 112 as the first support member 300a moves up and down along the first guide rail 112. Due to this friction, fine foreign matter may be generated on the surface of the first support member 300a or the first guide rail 112, but the foreign matter containment section 400 provided at the bottom collects the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can prevent the electrode E and the electrode tab T surface from being contaminated by the foreign matter.

[0159] As shown in Figure 21 above, friction is generated as the first support member 300a and the second support member 300b move up and down along the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 121, respectively. Due to this friction, fine foreign matter may be generated on the surfaces of the first support member 300a, the second support member 300b, the first guide rail 112, and the second guide rail 121, but the foreign matter containment section 400 provided at the bottom collects the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can prevent the electrode E and the electrode tab T surfaces from being contaminated by the foreign matter.

[0160] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 10: (Conventional Technology) Tab Guide Unit 20: (Conventional Technology) Guide 30: (Conventional Technology) Tracking Unit 100: Tracking Department 110: Main unit 111: Tracking Unit 112: First guide rail 120: Protruding member 121: Second guide rail 200: Guide Section 200a: First guide 200b: Guide 2 300: Interlocking section 300a: First support member 300b: Second support member 300b1: Slide section 300b2:Connection part 300b3: Fixed part 400: Foreign object containment section 410: Bottom plate 420: Side panel E: Electrode T: Electrode tab O: Opening

Claims

1. An electrode tracking device for forming a marking on an electrode tab of an electrode being transported in one direction, or for identifying a marking formed on the electrode tab, A tracking unit is provided to be movable in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions, and includes a tracking unit which is at least one of a marking machine and a reader machine, A guide portion including a first guide that has an inclined surface at one end and supports one side of the electrode tab, and a second guide that has an inclined surface at a position corresponding to the inclined surface of the first guide and supports the other side of the electrode tab, An interlocking section including a first support member, one end of which is connected to the first guide and the other end of which is connected to the tracking section so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and a second support member, one end of which is connected to the second guide and the other end of which is connected to the tracking section so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, It includes a foreign object containment section that is open at the top, The aforementioned foreign object containment section is coupled to either the tracking section or the interlocking section, in an electrode tracking device.

2. The electrode is moved such that the electrode tab passes between the first guide and the second guide. The electrode tracking device according to claim 1, wherein the first guide and the second guide are arranged such that the electrode tab entering faces the inclined surface.

3. At least one of the first guide and the second guide included in the guide portion includes an opening, The electrode tracking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode is transported such that the electrode tab is exposed through the opening.

4. The aforementioned tracking unit is A main body including a tracking unit inside and a first guide rail on one side which is coupled to the first support member, The electrode tracking device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a protruding member attached to one side of the main body and including a second guide rail on one side which is coupled to the second support member.

5. The tracking unit is arranged such that the electrode being transported passes through the lower part. The electrode tracking device according to claim 4, wherein the guide portion is provided below the tracking portion and guides the electrode tab of the electrode being transported.

6. The electrode tracking device according to claim 5, wherein the foreign matter containment section is coupled to the support member of the interlocking section that is located closer to the tracking section than the first support member and the second support member of the interlocking section.

7. The first guide is positioned below the electrode being transported, and the second guide is positioned between the first guide and the main body. The electrode tracking device according to claim 5, wherein the second guide includes an opening at a position corresponding to the tracking unit.

8. The second support member is, A sliding portion is formed that is coupled to the protruding member so as to slide relative to the second guide rail and extends downward along the longitudinal direction of the main body, A fixing part provided at the lower part of the slide portion and connected to the second guide, It includes a connecting portion that connects the sliding portion and the fixed portion, The electrode tracking device according to claim 5, wherein the foreign matter containment portion is coupled to the fixing portion.

9. The foreign object receiving section and the second guide are each connected to both sides of the fixing section. The second guide is positioned on the main body at a location corresponding to the tracking unit, The electrode tracking device according to claim 8, wherein the foreign matter containment section is arranged at a position corresponding to the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

10. The aforementioned foreign matter containment section is The base plate and It includes side plates that are positioned to stand upright along the edge of the base plate, The electrode tracking device according to claim 5, wherein the foreign matter containment section is coupled such that the side plate is fixed to the second support member.

11. The tracking unit is arranged such that the electrode being transported passes over its upper section. The electrode tracking device according to claim 4, wherein the guide portion is provided on the upper part of the tracking portion and guides the electrode tab of the electrode being transported.

12. The electrode tracking device according to claim 11, wherein the foreign matter containment section is coupled to the protruding member included in the tracking section.

13. The first guide is positioned above the electrode being transported, and the second guide is positioned between the first guide and the main body. The electrode tracking device according to claim 11, wherein the second guide includes an opening at a position corresponding to the tracking unit.

14. The electrode tracking device according to claim 12, wherein the foreign matter containment section is positioned to correspond to the first guide rail.

15. The aforementioned foreign matter containment section is The base plate and It includes side plates that are positioned to stand upright along the edge of the base plate, The electrode tracking device according to claim 11, wherein the foreign matter containment section is coupled such that the side plate is fixed to the protruding member.

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