Centering guide, guide apparatus, and welding system including the same

Abstract

A guide device according to the present invention comprises a centering guide having a guide hole extending to guide the movement of a pin, and a housing on which the centering guide is mounted. The housing comprises an opening configured to allow the pin to enter or exit the guide hole in a passing direction that crosses the extension direction of the guide hole.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a centering guide, a guide device, and a welding system. More specifically, it relates to a centering guide that facilitates the entry and exit of a welding pin, a guide device, and a welding system including the same. Background Technology

[0002] A secondary battery may be provided to generate electricity.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch types depending on the type of battery case. Among these, a cylindrical secondary battery may be formed by positioning a wound electrode assembly inside a cylindrical battery case and welding the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly to the cylindrical battery case. Accordingly, the cylindrical battery case may be configured to act as an electrode lead to supply electricity to an object in contact with the battery case.

[0004] A welding pin may be provided to weld the electrode tab of the electrode assembly to the battery case. The pin may be provided to enter toward the lower surface of the battery case through a space formed in the center of the electrode assembly so as to weld the electrode assembly and the battery case together.

[0005] A guide device having a guide hole may be provided so that the pin can be moved toward a precise point on the battery case and the electrode assembly. The pin can be inserted into the guide hole and moved to a precise position on the battery case.

[0006] However, there was an inconvenient problem in that if one wanted to replace the pin inserted in the guide device, the entire guide device had to be disassembled to replace the pin.

[0007] The aforementioned background technology is one that the inventor possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the contents of the disclosure of the present application, and it cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application. The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a guide device that facilitates the easy detachment of a pin.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] A guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a centering guide having a guide hole extending to guide the movement of a pin, and a housing on which the centering guide is mounted. The housing includes an opening configured to allow the pin to enter or exit the guide hole in a passing direction that crosses the extension direction of the guide hole.

[0011] The opening is located on the passing direction side with respect to the guide hole and may have a passing slit through which a pin can pass.

[0012] The pass-through slit can be extended in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the guide hole so that the pin can exit the guide hole and pass through by parallel movement.

[0013] The housing is positioned to enclose at least a portion of the centering guide, and the passing direction in which the passing slit is positioned relative to the guide hole can be defined as radially outward with respect to the guide hole.

[0014] The centering guide may have a centering guide slit located between the guide hole and the pass slit so that the pin can move between the guide hole and the pass slit.

[0015] The centering guide slit can be connected to the guide hole.

[0016] It may further include a linear bush inserted into the centering guide and the housing to limit the relative rotation of the housing and the centering guide.

[0017] The linear bush can fix the housing and the centering guide so that the through slit and the centering guide slit are aligned.

[0018] The housing includes a main housing that accommodates a centering guide and has an opening through which the centering guide can enter and exit, and an end cap that covers the opening of the main housing, and the opening may be provided in the main housing.

[0019] The end cap may include a through hole that overlaps with the guide hole so that a pin can be inserted into the guide hole, and an end cap slit provided so that the pin can enter and exit the through hole in the passing direction.

[0020] The end cap can be coupled to the main housing by means of a fastening member so as to prevent rotation relative to the main housing.

[0021] The linear bush assembly member and main housing are further configured to limit relative rotation of the centering guide and the end cap, wherein the linear bush is positioned between the centering guide and the end cap and the assembly member slit is formed therein, and the linear bush can be inserted into the centering guide, inserted into the linear bush assembly member such that the through slit and the assembly member slit are aligned, and inserted into the end cap such that the through slit and the end cap slit are aligned.

[0022] A fixing groove that is concave inwardly is formed on the outer surface of the linear bush, and a position fixing member that is inserted into the fixing groove may be further included to prevent the linear bush from detaching from the linear bush assembly member.

[0023] The centering guide can be configured to slide relative to the housing.

[0024] The centering guide includes a battery guide rib that is spaced apart from the center axis at the bottom and protrudes downward, and the battery guide rib may have a guide inclined surface that is inclined toward the center axis with respect to the upper side on the side facing the center axis.

[0025] A welding system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a welding device comprising a pin configured to enable welding at an end, and a guide device having a guide hole formed therein for inserting the pin to guide the position of the pin, wherein the pin is configured to move in the direction of extension of the guide hole so as not to deviate from the guide device, and the guide device includes an opening configured to allow the pin to enter and exit the guide hole in a passing direction traversing the direction of extension of the guide hole.

[0026] The guide device includes a housing and a centering guide mounted on the housing, wherein a guide hole is formed, and an opening may be formed in the housing.

[0027] The housing is located outside the centering guide, and the opening may be located radially outside the guide hole.

[0028] The opening can form a through slit parallel to the direction in which the guide hole is extended.

[0029] A centering guide according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a centering guide body, a guide hole extending through the centering guide body to guide the insertion movement of a pin, and a centering guide slit extending from the guide hole in a passing direction so that the pin can enter and exit the guide hole in a passing direction across the extension direction of the guide hole. Effects of the invention

[0030] A guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an opening configured to allow a pin to enter and exit a guide hole in a passing direction that crosses the extension direction of the guide hole, thereby facilitating easy entry and exit of the pin in the guide device.

[0031] A guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a through slit formed in a housing, a centering guide slit formed in a centering guide, and an end cap slit formed in an end cap are aligned, thereby making it easy for a pin to enter and exit the guide device.

[0032] A centering guide according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be capable of sliding movement relative to the housing, so that it can be deformed in correspondence with the height of the secondary battery even if the height of the secondary battery changes.

[0033] A centering guide according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a guide rib having a guide inclined surface on the lower side, so that a secondary battery can move along the guide inclined surface and be easily aligned with the centering guide.

[0034] The effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0035] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a welding system according to a first embodiment of the present invention for welding a battery case and an electrode assembly of a secondary battery illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a welding system illustrated in FIG. 2 with a secondary battery mounted thereon, and an enlarged view of the portion adjacent to the secondary battery. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the pin of the welding system illustrated in FIG. 3 inserted into the interior of the secondary battery. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the guide device shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing the guide device illustrated in FIG. 5 disassembled. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a pin inserted into the upper side of the guide device shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a secondary battery approaching the guide device from the lower side of the guide device shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a secondary battery in contact with the lower side of the guide device shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the centering guide of the guide device illustrated in FIG. 9 moved upward by a predetermined distance relative to the main housing. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the pin shown in FIG. 10 penetrating the centering guide and entering the inside of the secondary battery. FIG. 12 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the main housing shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 13 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the centering guide shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 14 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the linear bush assembly member shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the position fixing member shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 16 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the end cap shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a guide device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a guide device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0037] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art that are irrelevant to the explanation or that may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention have been omitted. Furthermore, when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, identical or similar reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components throughout the entire specification.

[0038] Furthermore, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0039] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0040] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0041] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0043] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0044] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0045] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0046] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0047] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0048] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0049] Meanwhile, terms such as "up-and-down direction," "downward side," and "front-backward direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] First Examples

[0052] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a secondary battery (B) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of a welding system (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention for welding a battery case (B_10) and an electrode assembly (B_20) of the secondary battery (B) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the secondary battery (B) mounted on the welding system (1) shown in FIG. 2, and an enlarged view of the part adjacent to the secondary battery (B). FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the pin (11) of the welding system (1) shown in FIG. 3 inserted into the secondary battery (B).

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a welding system (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a cylindrical secondary battery (B) may be provided. The secondary battery (B) may include a battery case (B_10) and an electrode assembly (B_20) located inside the battery case (B_10). The electrode assembly (B_20) includes electrodes and separators that are alternately stacked, and the electrodes and separators may be wound to form the electrode assembly (B_20). Accordingly, the electrode assembly (B_20) may have a hollow cylindrical shape. An unoccupied portion where an electrode active material, etc. is not located may be formed at one end of the wound electrode assembly (B_20) to form an electrode tab (B_21). The electrode tab (B_21) may be electrically connected to the battery case (B_10) by welding or the like. Accordingly, the battery case (B_10) conducts electricity, allowing components requiring electricity to come into contact with the battery case (B_10) and receive the necessary electricity. In a cylindrical secondary battery (B), the battery case (B_10) can function as a type of electrode lead. The battery case (B_10) may be composed of several parts, and the electrode tab (B_21) may be combined with one of the several parts of the battery case (B_10). The welding system (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be used in the welding process of the electrode tab (B_21) of the secondary battery (B) and the battery case (B_10) described above. For reference, although the present disclosure describes a cylindrical secondary battery (B) as an example of a secondary battery (B), the concept of the present invention may be applied regardless of the type, such as pouch type or prismatic type, as long as there is welding between the electrode tab (B_21) and the battery case (B_10). Furthermore, even in cases where welding is not required, the concept of the present invention can be applied to a structure provided with a guide device (GA) that requires the detachment of the pin (11), as described below.

[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a welding system (1) may be provided. The welding system (1) may include a welding device (10) for welding and a guide device (GA) configured to guide the movement of the welding device (10) for smooth welding. Furthermore, the welding system (1) may include a battery holder (20) configured to secure a secondary battery (B). The battery holder (20) is configured to hold the secondary battery (B) and be movable at the same time, so that the position of the secondary battery (B) can be changed.

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the welding system (1) may include a pin (11). Based on FIG. 3, the pin (11) may be configured to extend downward. The pin (11) is guided to move up and down by a guide device (GA), thereby preventing unintended left-right movement or vibration. The pin (11) is moved downward and can be received inside the secondary battery (B), as illustrated in FIG. 4. At this time, the end of the pin (11) emits high energy to weld the battery case (B_10) and the electrode tab (B_21). At this time, for convenience of explanation, the pin (11) in this disclosure is described as being for welding, but even if the pin (11) is not applied to welding, the concept of the present invention may be applied as long as it has a shape that extends in one direction. At this time, the pin (11) is inserted into the empty space formed in the center of the electrode assembly (B_20) as shown in FIG. 1, so that the battery case (B_10) and the electrode tab (B_21) can be welded together.

[0057] The guide device (GA) will be explained in more detail below.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the guide device (GA) illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustrating the guide device (GA) illustrated in FIG. 5 disassembled. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the pin (11) illustrated in FIG. 10 penetrating the centering guide (300) and entering the interior of the secondary battery (B). FIG. 12 is a plan view and cross-sectional view of the main housing (100) illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 13 is a plan view and cross-sectional view of the centering guide (300) illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 14 is a plan view and cross-sectional view of the linear bush assembly member (600) illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the position fixing member (500) illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 16 is a plan view and cross-sectional view of the end cap (200) illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0059] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 6 and FIGS. 11 to 16, a guide device (GA) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a hole may be formed in the center of the guide device (GA). Through the hole, the pin (11) can be moved, and the movement of the pin (11) can be guided. More specifically, the hole formed in the center of the guide device (GA) may be extended in the vertical direction to guide the vertical movement of the pin (11). At this time, a pin slit (PS) may be formed on the side of the guide device (GA) to facilitate the pin (11) entering and exiting the inside of the guide device (GA) through the pin slit (PS). If the space where the welding system (1) is installed is limited, the vertical movement range of the pin (11) may be limited. Accordingly, even if the pin (11) moves upward, it may be difficult to completely detach from the upper side of the guide device (GA). If the pin slit (PS) is not formed, the guide device (GA) may have to be disassembled in order to separate the pin (11) from the guide device (GA). This can cause a problem that takes a considerable amount of time to separate the pin (11). In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide device (GA) can allow the pin (11) to be easily removed from the hole formed in the guide device (GA) by forming a pin slit (PS).

[0061] The pin slit (PS) is explained in more detail below.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the guide device (GA) may include a housing (HS) comprising an end cap (200) and a main housing (100), a position fixing member (500), a linear bush (400), a linear bush (400) fixing member and / or a centering guide (300). The position fixing member (500), the linear bush (400), the linear bush (400) fixing member, and the centering guide (300) may be accommodated in the housing (HS). In this case, the main housing (100) may accommodate the centering guide (300) and may have an opening through which the centering guide (300) can enter and exit, and the end cap (200) may cover the opening of the main housing (100).

[0063] The main housing (100) has an internal housing space (101S) formed in the center with a cross-section that is approximately circular, so as to accommodate the above configuration. A centering guide (300) can be positioned in the space formed in the center of the main housing (100). The centering guide (300) has a guide hole (310H) (see FIG. 7) formed in the center, so as to guide the movement of a pin (11) inserted into the guide hole (310H). The lower part of the centering guide (300) is supported by the main housing (100), so that it can be prevented from moving downward relative to the main housing (100). In other words, the centering guide (300) has a guide hole (310H) that extends to guide the movement of the pin (11), and the housing (HS) can be equipped with the centering guide (300).

[0064] At this time, the housing (HS) may include an opening (110) configured to allow the pin (11) to enter and exit the guide hole (310H) in a passing direction that crosses the extension direction of the guide hole (310H). More specifically, the opening (110) may be formed in the main housing (100). The pin (11) may be able to enter and exit the housing (HS) through the opening (110) rather than through the internal space (101S) of the housing. As shown in FIG. 12, the opening (110) may be located on the passing direction side with respect to the guide hole (310H) and may have a passing slit (120S) through which the pin (11) can pass. In other words, the opening (110) may be composed of two pieces facing each other and may include a passing slit (120S) between them. Based on FIG. 12, the pin (11) can exit the housing (HS) through a through slit (120S) located on the left side, rather than facing the internal space (101S) of the housing. The through slit (120S) can be in communication with the internal space (101S) of the housing.

[0065] At this time, the passing slit (120S) can be extended in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the guide hole (310H) so that the pin (11) can be separated from the guide hole (310H) and pass through by parallel movement, as shown in FIG. 6. If the guide hole (310H) is extended in an up-and-down direction, the passing slit (120S) can also be extended in an up-and-down direction.

[0066] The housing (HS) may be positioned to enclose at least a portion of the centering guide (300). The direction of passage in which the passing slit (120S) is positioned with respect to the guide hole (310H) may be defined as radially outward with respect to the guide hole (310H). This may be designed considering that the direction in which the pin (11) exits from the guide hole (310H) is radially outward with respect to the guide hole (310H), with respect to the guide hole (310H) being positioned on the center side of the guide device (GA).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 13, the centering guide (300) may have a centering guide slit (320S) located between the guide hole (310H) and the pass slit (120S) so that the pin (11) can move between the guide hole (310H) and the pass slit (120S). The centering guide slit (320S) is in communication with the guide hole (310H), so that the pin (11) inserted into the guide hole (310H) can move to the outside of the centering guide (300) through the centering guide slit (320S).

[0068] To summarize, it can be organized as follows.

[0069] The centering guide (300) may include a centering guide body (301), a guide hole (310H) that extends through the centering guide body (301) to guide the insertion movement of a pin (11), and a centering guide slit (320S) that extends from the guide hole (310H) in a passing direction so that the pin (11) can enter and exit the guide hole (310H) in a passing direction that crosses the extension direction of the guide hole (310H).

[0070] The centering guide (300) may include an insertion protrusion (340) that forms a guide hole (310H). The insertion protrusion (340) may protrude downward.

[0071] A recess that is concave inwardly can be formed surrounding the insertion protrusion (340). The upper end of the battery case (B_10) of the secondary battery (B) can be received in the formed recess. A battery guide rib (330) that protrudes downward and surrounds the edge of the formed recess can be provided. In other words, the centering guide (300) may include a battery guide rib (330) that protrudes downward and is spaced apart from the center axis at the bottom. The battery guide rib (330) may have a guide inclined surface (331A) that is inclined toward the center axis on the upper side facing the center axis. The guide inclined surface (331A) can guide the movement of the battery case (B_10) by contacting the top of the battery case (B_10) so that the top of the battery case (B_10) moves toward the recess surrounding the insertion protrusion (340).

[0072] A centering guide (300) may have a third linear bush insertion hole (350H) formed adjacent to the guide hole (310H). The third linear bush insertion hole (350H) may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged circumferentially with respect to the guide hole (310H). Despite being called a hole, the third linear bush insertion hole (350H) may be formed as a groove as needed.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, the linear bush (400) fixing member may be positioned between the end cap (200) and the centering guide (300). As shown in FIG. 14, the linear bush (400) fixing member may have an assembly member hole (610H) formed to overlap with the guide hole (310H). An assembly member slit (620S) may be formed radially outside the assembly member hole (610H). The assembly member slit (620S) may be configured to communicate with the assembly member hole (610H).

[0075] The linear bush (400) fixing member may include an assembly protrusion (640) forming an assembly member hole (610H). The assembly protrusion (640) may be configured to protrude upward so that at least a portion is inserted into the end cap (200).

[0076] A second linear bush insertion hole (650H) may be formed adjacent to the assembly member hole (610H) in the linear bush (400) fixing member. The second linear bush insertion hole (650H) may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged circumferentially with respect to the guide hole (310H). Despite being called a hole, the second linear bush insertion hole (650H) may be formed as a groove as needed.

[0077] The linear bush (400) fixing member may include a fixing member insertion part (630) that is concavely formed to position the position fixing member (500). The fixing member insertion part (630) is positioned adjacent to the second linear bush insertion hole (650H) and can guide the position of the position fixing member (500) so that the position fixing member (500) contacts the linear bush (400) inserted into the second linear bush insertion hole (650H). The fixing member insertion part (630) may extend radially outward with respect to the assembly member hole (610H).

[0078] As shown in FIG. 16, the end cap (200) may include a through hole (210H) that overlaps with the guide hole (310H) so that the pin (11) can be inserted into the guide hole (310H), and an end cap slit (220S) provided so that the pin (11) can enter and exit the through hole (210H) in the passing direction. At this time, the through hole (210H) formed in the end cap (200) is formed with a larger diameter than the guide hole (310H), so that the pin (11) intended to enter the guide hole (310H) can be easily inserted into the through hole (210H) while passing through the through hole (210H).

[0079] In the end cap (200), a first linear bush insertion hole (250H) may be formed adjacent to the through hole (210H) to allow the linear bush (400) to be inserted. A plurality of third linear bush insertion holes (350H) may be provided and arranged circumferentially with respect to the guide hole (310H). Despite being called holes, the third linear bush insertion holes (350H) may be formed as grooves as necessary.

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the end cap (200), the linear bush assembly member (600), and the main housing (100) can be joined by being penetrated by a fastening member (FM). The end cap (200), the linear bush assembly member (600), and the main housing (100) may have holes or grooves formed therein into which the fastening member (FM) is inserted, so that the fastening member (FM) can be inserted into the holes or grooves. At this time, the holes or grooves formed in the end cap (200), the linear bush assembly member (600), and the main housing (100) may be aligned with each other to facilitate the insertion of the fastening member (FM). A plurality of fastening members (FM) may be provided to prevent the end cap (200), the linear bush assembly member (600), and the main housing (100) from being separated from each other. In other words, the end cap (200) can be coupled to the main housing (100) by a fastening member (FM) so as to prevent relative rotation with respect to the main housing (100).

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the guide device (GA) may include a linear bush (400) provided to be inserted into a linear bush assembly member (600). The linear bush (400) extends in an upward and downward direction and can be inserted into the linear bush assembly member (600), the end cap (200), and the centering guide (300). Accordingly, the positions of the linear bush assembly member (600), the end cap (200), and the centering guide (300) can be fixed. In other words, the linear bush (400) can be inserted into the centering guide (300) and the housing (HS) to limit the relative rotation of the housing (HS) and the centering guide (300).

[0082] As described above, for the removal of the pin (11), the main housing (100) may have a pass slit (120S), the centering guide (300) may have a centering guide slit (320S), the linear bush assembly member (600) may have an assembly member slit (620S), and the end cap (200) may have an end cap slit (220S). The pass slit (120S), centering guide slit (320S), assembly member slit (620S), and end cap slit (220S) may form a pin slit (PS) through which the pin (11) can enter and exit, and in order for the pin (11) to easily pass through the pin slit (PS), the pass slit (120S), centering guide slit (320S), assembly member slit (620S), and end cap slit (220S) need to be aligned. And, the alignment needs to be fixed. The linear bush (400) can fix the position of the through slit (120S), the centering guide slit (320S), the assembly member slit (620S), and the end cap slit (220S) in an aligned state. In other words, the linear bush (400) can fix the housing (HS) and the centering guide (300) so that the through slit (120S) and the centering guide slit (320S) are aligned. More specifically, the linear bush (400) can be inserted into the centering guide (300), the linear bush assembly member (600), and the end cap (200) so as to prevent rotation from each other. At this time, the main housing (100) is rotatably fixed by the end cap (200) and the previously described fastening member (FM), so that, as a result, the centering guide (300), the linear bush assembly member (600), the end cap (200), and the centering guide (300) can be rotatably fixed to each other.More specifically, the third linear bush insertion hole (350H) formed in the centering guide (300), the second linear bush insertion hole (650H) formed in the linear bush assembly member (600), and the first linear bush insertion hole (250H) formed in the end cap (200) are aligned with each other, and the linear bush (400) can be inserted into the first linear bush insertion hole (250H) to the third linear bush insertion hole (350H). In other words, the linear bush (400) can be inserted into the centering guide (300), inserted into the linear bush assembly member (600) such that the through slit (120S) and the assembly member slit (620S) are aligned, and inserted into the end cap (200) such that the through slit (120S) and the end cap slit (220S) are aligned.

[0083] At this time, the linear bush (400) may be provided in multiple numbers to restrict rotational movement between members that were previously passed through the linear bush (400). For example, the linear bush (400) may be provided in pairs, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0084] At this time, the linear bush (400) may include an outer linear bush (410) located on the outside and an inner linear bush (420) inserted into the inner side of the outer linear bush (410), as shown in FIG. 6. The outer linear bush (410) may have the shape of a short tube with a hollow formed therein. The inner linear bush (420) may have the shape of a rod penetrating the hollow formed in the outer linear bush (410). Accordingly, the inner linear bush (420) may slide relative to the outer linear bush (410).

[0085] The outer linear bush (410) can be inserted into the linear bush assembly member (600). The inner linear bush (420) is extended longer than the outer linear bush (410), so that its ends may be exposed to the upper and lower sides of the outer linear bush (410). The exposed ends of the inner linear bush (420) can be inserted into the end cap (200) and the centering guide (300), respectively.

[0086] A fixing groove (410H) that is concave inwardly may be formed on the outer surface of the linear bush (400). A position fixing member (500) may be inserted into the fixing groove (410H) to prevent the linear bush (400) from detaching from the linear bush assembly member (600). At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, the position fixing member (500) may have a curved surface formed at one end of a plate-shaped flat plate that corresponds to the outer circumference of the linear bush (400). Here, the linear bush (400) in which the fixing groove (410H) is formed may be an outer linear bush (410).

[0087] The centering guide (300) may be configured to be sliding relative to the housing (HS). More specifically, the centering guide (300) may be configured to be sliding relative to the main housing (100). This will be explained in more detail below while describing the operation of the welding system (1).

[0088] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a pin (11) inserted into the upper side of the guide device (GA) shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a secondary battery (B) approaching the guide device (GA) from the lower side of the guide device (GA) shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the secondary battery (B) in contact with the lower side of the guide device (GA) shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the centering guide (300) of the guide device (GA) shown in FIG. 9 moved a predetermined distance upward relative to the main housing (100).

[0089] With reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, a welding method of a welding system (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0090] First, as shown in FIG. 7, the pin (11) can be inserted into the guide device (GA). At this time, the pin (11) may be positioned above the guide hole (310H) rather than being inserted into the guide hole (310H) of the centering guide (300).

[0091] After that, as shown in FIG. 8, the secondary battery (B) can be moved toward the guide device (GA). A centering guide (300) may be located at the bottom of the guide device (GA). It may also be said that the secondary battery (B) is moved toward the centering guide (300).

[0092] After that, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper edge of the battery case (B_10) of the secondary battery (B) is positioned along the guide inclined surface (331A) of the centering guide (300) so as to come into contact with the centering guide (300). At this time, the insertion protrusion (340) of the centering guide (300) can be inserted into the hollow of the electrode assembly (B_20) of the secondary battery (B).

[0093] After that, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the centering guide (300) can be moved further upward by a predetermined distance relative to the main housing (100). The centering guide (300) can be moved until it comes into contact with the linear bush assembly member (600). Since the linear bush assembly member (600) is coupled with the outer linear bush (410) and the movement of the outer linear bush (410) is restricted by the position fixing member (500), the position of the linear bush assembly member (600) can be fixed in the vertical direction. At this time, the inner linear bush (420) can move vertically relative to the outer linear bush (410), and since the centering guide (300) is coupled with the inner linear bush (420), the centering guide (300) can be moved relative to the linear bush assembly member (600). The movement of the centering guide (300) may be a movement to compensate for the height difference for each secondary battery (B) in order to bring the centering guide (300) into contact with the secondary batteries (B) having different heights when the secondary batteries (B) having different heights each come into contact with the centering guide (300). Furthermore, as the centering guide (300) moves, it may be easier for the battery case (B_10) of the secondary battery (B) to move along the guide inclined surface (331A) mentioned earlier.

[0094] After that, as shown in FIG. 11, the pin (11) can be moved toward the welding portion where the electrode tab (B_21) and the battery case (B_10) meet. The pin (11) can weld the battery case (B_10) and the electrode tab (B_21).

[0095] After the welding process described above is repeated for multiple secondary batteries (B), if a situation arises where the pin (11) needs to be replaced, the pin (11) can be easily replaced by separating it from the guide device (GA) through the pin slit (PS) as described above.

[0096] The first embodiment and other embodiments are described below. Content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible, and the other embodiments will be described focusing on the differences. In other words, it is obvious that if content not explained in the other embodiments is necessary, it can be supplemented through the content of the first embodiment.

[0097] The second Examples

[0098] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a guide device (GA) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 17, a pin slit (PS-1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0100] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the shape of the pin slit (PS-1) is different.

[0101] Despite its name, the pin slit (PS-1) in the second embodiment may not have the shape of a slit. The pin slit (PS-1) may be defined as a space having an opening that communicates with a hole formed in the guide device (GA). Since the pin slit (PS-1) only needs to provide a space through which the pin (11) can pass, it may not be limited to the shape of a slit.

[0102] The third Examples

[0103] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a guide device (GA) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 18, a pin slit (PS-2) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0105] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the degree of extension of the pin slit (PS-2) is different.

[0106] The pin slit (PS-2) can be extended so as not to penetrate the guide device (GA). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the pin slit (PS-2) can be extended from the upper side to the lower side of the guide device (GA) but not to completely penetrate the lower side of the guide device (GA). Accordingly, the pin (11) can be raised to a certain height in the guide device (GA), then move to the pin slit (PS-2) and be separated from the guide device (GA).

[0107] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the embodiments described above may be combined with other embodiments. Alternatively, unless explicitly limited in the combination of any embodiment with another, it should be considered that combinations between embodiments are possible. Any combination of any embodiment with another embodiment is deemed to be disclosed herein.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations 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. Explanation of the symbols

[0109] B: Secondary battery B_10: Battery case B_20: Electrode assembly B_21: Electrode tab 1: Welding System 10: Welding device 11: Pin 20: Battery holder GA: Guide device HS: Housing 100: Main Housing 101S: Internal housing space 110: Opening 120S: Pass-through slit PS: Pin slit 200: End Cap 210H: Through hole 220S: End cap slit 250H: 1st linear bush insertion hole 300: Centering Guide 301: Centering Guide Body 310H: Guide hole 320S: Centering guide slit 330: Battery guide rib 331A: Guide slope surface 340: Insertion protrusion 350H: 3rd linear bush insertion hole 400: Linear Bush 410: Outer Linear Bush 410H: Fixed groove 420: Inner Linear Bush 500: Position fixing member 600: Linear bush assembly member 610H: Assembly member hole 620S: Assembly member slit 630: Fixed member insertion part 640: Assembly protrusion 650H: Second linear bush insertion hole FM: Fastening member

Claims

Claim 1 A guide device comprising: a centering guide having a guide hole extending to guide the movement of a pin; and a housing on which the centering guide is mounted, wherein the housing includes an opening configured to allow the pin to enter or exit the guide hole in a passing direction across the extension direction of the guide hole. Claim 2 A guide device according to claim 1, wherein the opening is located on the passing direction side with respect to the guide hole and has a passing slit through which the pin can pass. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the passing slit is a guide device that extends in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the guide hole so that the pin can be disengaged from the guide hole and pass through by parallel movement. Claim 4 A guide device according to paragraph 2, wherein the housing is positioned to surround at least a portion of the centering guide, and the passing direction in which the passing slit is positioned with respect to the guide hole is defined as radially outward with respect to the guide hole. Claim 5 In paragraph 2, the centering guide is a guide device having a centering guide slit positioned between the guide hole and the through slit so that the pin can move between the guide hole and the through slit. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the centering guide slit is a guide device communicating with the guide hole. Claim 7 A guide device according to claim 5, further comprising a linear bush inserted into the centering guide and the housing to limit the relative rotation of the housing and the centering guide. Claim 8 In claim 7, the linear bush is a guide device that fixes the housing and the centering guide so that the through slit and the centering guide slit are aligned. Claim 9 In paragraph 5, the housing comprises: a main housing that accommodates the centering guide and has an opening through which the centering guide can enter and exit; and an end cap that covers the opening of the main housing, wherein the opening is a guide device provided in the main housing. Claim 10 In claim 9, the guide device comprises: a through hole overlapping with the guide hole so that the pin can be inserted into the guide hole; and an end cap slit provided so that the pin can enter and exit the through hole in the passing direction. Claim 11 In claim 9, the end cap is a guide device coupled to the main housing by a fastening member so as to prevent relative rotation with respect to the main housing. Claim 12 A guide device according to claim 10, further comprising: a linear bush assembly member positioned between the centering guide and the end cap and having an assembly member slit formed therein; and a linear bush configured to limit relative rotation of the main housing, the end cap and the centering guide, wherein the linear bush is inserted into the centering guide, inserted into the linear bush assembly member such that the through slit and the assembly member slit are aligned, and inserted into the end cap such that the through slit and the end cap slit are aligned. Claim 13 A guide device according to claim 12, wherein an inwardly concave fixing groove is formed on the outer surface of the linear bush, and further comprising a position fixing member inserted into the fixing groove to prevent the linear bush from detaching from the linear bush assembly member. Claim 14 In claim 1, the centering guide is a guide device configured to be sliding relative to the housing. Claim 15 In claim 14, the centering guide comprises a battery guide rib that is spaced apart from the center axis and protrudes downward at the lower end, and the battery guide rib has a guide inclined surface that is inclined toward the center axis on the upper side facing the center axis. Claim 16 A welding device comprising a pin configured to enable welding at an end; and a guide device comprising a guide hole formed to allow the pin to be inserted for guiding the position of the pin, wherein the pin is configured to move so as not to deviate from the guide device with respect to the extension direction of the guide hole, and the guide device comprises an opening configured to allow the pin to enter and exit the guide hole in a passing direction across the extension direction of the guide hole. Claim 17 In claim 16, the guide device comprises a housing; and a centering guide mounted on the housing, wherein the guide hole is formed therein, and the opening is formed in the housing. Claim 18 A welding system according to claim 17, wherein the housing is located outside the centering guide and the opening is located radially outside with respect to the guide hole. Claim 19 In claim 16, the above-mentioned opening forms a passing slit parallel to the direction in which the guide hole is extended. Claim 20 A centering guide comprising: a centering guide body; a guide hole extending through the centering guide body to guide the insertion movement of a pin; and a centering guide slit extending from the guide hole in the passing direction so that the pin may enter or exit the guide hole in the passing direction across the extension direction of the guide hole.

Images