Supply material automatic replacement device and automatic replacement method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a supply material automatic replacement device and an automatic replacement method, and a supply material automatic replacement device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: an ejection unit that ejects a supply material to the outside; a pair of supply units that are disposed adjacent to the ejection unit and are provided with a supply roller on which the supply material is wound; and a pair of material connection units that are respectively disposed in the pair of supply units and are connected to a front end of a first supply material that is waiting in a first supply unit that is one of the pair of supply units and a rear end of a second supply material that is being transferred to the ejection unit in a second supply unit that is the remaining one of the pair of supply units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic material supply replacement device and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing development and demand for technologies such as mobile devices and electric vehicles, the demand for secondary battery cells as energy sources is also increasing dramatically. The interconversion between chemical energy and electrical energy in a secondary battery cell is reversible, therefore, a secondary battery cell is a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0003] This secondary battery unit includes electrode components such as a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte, which are the main components of the secondary battery, as well as a battery unit body component consisting of a multilayered film case for protecting the electrode components.

[0004] In order to manufacture the secondary battery cell, it is necessary to supply electrode plates such as positive and negative electrodes, and these electrode plates are supplied continuously.

[0005] Therefore, when the electrode material supplied by winding it onto the supply roller is exhausted, a new supply roller needs to be replaced.

[0006] However, in the existing technology, in order to replace the electrode material, the operator needs to personally drag the electrode material to be replaced to the equipment that supplies the electrode material for replacement. Therefore, it consumes too much operation time and the production equipment is shut down for a long time during the replacement process, resulting in a decrease in productivity.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to study the automatic material replacement device and method to improve the above-mentioned problems or limitations. Summary of the Invention

[0008] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic material changing device and method that can automatically change the supply roller used for supplying electrode raw materials and other supply materials.

[0010] On the other hand, the object of the present invention is to provide an automatic material changing device and method that can minimize the loss of material when changing the supply roller.

[0011] (II) Technical Solution

[0012] An automatic material supply changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a discharge unit for discharging supply material to the outside; a pair of supply units disposed adjacent to the discharge unit and provided with supply rollers on which the supply material is wound; and a pair of material connecting units respectively disposed in the pair of supply units and connecting the front end of a first supply material waiting in the first supply unit (which is one of the pair of supply units) and the end of a second supply material being conveyed to the discharge unit in the second supply unit (which is the other of the pair of supply units).

[0013] Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the material connection unit of the automatic material supply replacement device may include: a support block portion having a front plate on which the supply material is disposed and the front plate having a plurality of adsorption holes for creating negative pressure; a clamp having one end hinged to one end of the front plate and the other end rotatably movable to be fixed to the other end of the front plate; and a separation portion being accommodated in the front plate and having one end hinged to the center of the front plate and the other end rotatably movable in an outward direction to protrude from the front plate.

[0014] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the separating portion of the automatic material supply changing device can separate the front end of the first supply material from the front plate, such that a portion of the adhesive tape is attached to the inner surface of the front end of the first supply material facing the front plate.

[0015] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the material connection unit of the automatic material supply changing device may include: a block conveying part connected to the support block part, and moving the support block part toward the direction of the second supply material, such that the remaining portion of the adhesive tape is attached to the end of the second supply material.

[0016] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the front plate of the automatic material supply changing device may be provided with a first buffer pad on the outer side that contacts the supply material.

[0017] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamp of the automatic material changing device may be provided with a fixing magnet at the other end and is magnetically attached to the front plate of the metal material.

[0018] In addition, the clamp of the automatic material supply changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a second buffer pad covering the fixed magnet.

[0019] Furthermore, the material connection unit of the automatic material supply changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a cutting section that passes through a hole formed in the front plate and moves in the width direction of the supply material to cut the supply material.

[0020] Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the supply unit of the automatic material changing device may include: a support frame to which the supply roller is coupled; and a position adjustment unit to which the support frame is coupled, and which causes the support frame to rotate.

[0021] An automatic material replacement method according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: a first attaching step, attaching a portion of adhesive tape to the front end of a first supply material waiting in a first supply unit; a position adjustment step, moving the first supply unit to position the first supply unit parallel to a second supply unit; a first cutting step, cutting a second supply material being conveyed from a second supply unit to a discharge unit to form an end of the second supply material; and a second attaching step, moving the first supply unit toward the second supply unit to attach the remaining portion of the adhesive tape to the end of the second supply material, such that the first supply material and the second supply material are joined.

[0022] Specifically, the first attachment step of the automatic material replacement method according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: a first fixing step, wherein the first supply material is disposed on the support block portion of the first supply unit, and a negative pressure is formed on the front plate of the support block portion to fix the front end of the first supply material; a second fixing step, wherein the clamp of the first supply unit rotates to fix the connecting portion of the first supply material adjacent to the front end of the first supply material to the front plate; a front end fixing release step, wherein the negative pressure on the front plate is released to release the fixing of the front end of the first supply material; a front end separation step, wherein a portion of the separation portion of the first supply unit is rotated to the outward direction to separate the front end of the first supply material from the front plate; and an adhesive tape application step, wherein a portion of adhesive tape is applied to the inner surface of the front end of the first supply material facing the front plate.

[0023] Furthermore, the first attachment step of the automatic material replacement method according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: a second cutting step, performed after the first fixing step or the second fixing step and before the front end fixing release step, wherein a portion of the front end of the first supply material is cut to a length that connects with the end of the second supply material.

[0024] Additionally, at least one of the first cutting step and the second cutting step in the automatic material replacement method according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: a passing step, wherein the cutting portion passes through the center portion of the supply material; a first cutting movement step, wherein, in the state where the cutting portion passes through the supply material, the cutting portion is moved to one end of the supply material; and a second cutting movement step, wherein, in the state where the cutting portion passes through the supply material, the cutting portion is moved from one end of the supply material to the other end.

[0025] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0026] The automatic material changing device and method of the present invention have the advantage of being able to automatically change the supply rollers used for supplying electrode raw materials and other supply materials.

[0027] On the other hand, the automatic material changing device and method of the present invention have the advantage of minimizing the loss of material when changing the supply roller.

[0028] However, the various beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to the above description, and can be more easily understood in the process of describing the specific embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a side view showing an automatic material replacement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a plan view showing the supply unit of an automatic material changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the material connection unit of an automatic material supply changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figures 4 to 9 This is a side view illustrating the process of connecting the front end of a first supply material and the end end of a second supply material through the material connection unit of the automatic supply material changing device of the present invention according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a plan view illustrating the process of cutting supply material by the cutting section of an automatic supply material changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an automatic material replacement method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the first and second cutting steps in an automatic material replacement method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0037] 100: Discharge unit; 110: Main frame section

[0038] 120: Guide roller section; 200: Supply unit

[0039] 210: Supply roller; 220: Support frame

[0040] 230: Position adjustment part; 231: Rotating column

[0041] 232: Rotary drive unit; 300: Material connection unit

[0042] 310: Support block section; 311: Front panel

[0043] 320: Fixture; 321: Fixing magnet

[0044] 322: Second buffer pad; 330: Separation section

[0045] 331: Connecting arm; 332: Crossbar

[0046] 333: Rotary shaft; 340: Block conveyor section

[0047] 341: Conveyor guide unit; 342: Linear drive unit

[0048] 350: Cutting section Detailed Implementation

[0049] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention are provided to provide a more complete explanation of the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the accompanying drawings, the shapes and dimensions of components may be enlarged for clearer illustration.

[0050] Furthermore, in this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form, and throughout the specification, the same reference numerals or reference numerals assigned in a similar manner refer to the same components or corresponding components.

[0051] The automatic material M replacement device and method of the present invention can replace the supply material M, such as electrode raw material used to produce electrode plates and current collector raw material used to produce current collectors.

[0052] That is, the automatic replacement device and method for supplying material M of the present invention can automatically replace electrode raw materials used to manufacture secondary battery cells and can minimize the loss of supplying material M during replacement.

[0053] Furthermore, the automatic material supply M replacement device and automatic replacement method of the present invention can minimize the thickness deviation that may occur due to the overlap between the supplied material and the material to be replaced when replacing the supply material M.

[0054] Here, the secondary battery cell may include: an electrode assembly, including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, etc.; and a battery cell body component that covers the electrode assembly. The battery cell body component may include a receiving portion for accommodating the electrode assembly and a sealing portion for sealing the area around the receiving portion.

[0055] The electrode assembly essentially comprises an electrolyte and is used together within the main body of the battery cell. The electrolyte may contain lithium salts such as LiPF6 or LiBF4 in organic solvents such as ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC), or dimethyl carbonate (DMC). Furthermore, the electrolyte may be liquid, solid, or gel-like.

[0056] Furthermore, the battery cell body component is configured to protect the electrode assembly and contain the electrolyte. For example, the battery cell body component can be configured as a pouch-type component or a can-type component. The pouch-type component has a shape that seals and contains the electrode assembly on three or four sides. Typically, with the electrode assembly contained internally, it is folded and sealed, covering the upper surface and two side surfaces, excluding the lower surface. The can-type component has a shape that seals and contains the electrode assembly on one surface. Typically, with the electrode assembly contained internally, it seals the upper surface.

[0057] However, the pouch-type secondary battery unit and the can-type secondary battery unit are merely examples of the secondary battery units produced, and are not limited thereto.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a side view showing an automatic material supply M changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a plan view showing the supply unit 200 of the automatic material supply M changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to the accompanying drawings, an automatic material supply M changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a discharge unit 100, a pair of supply units 200, and a pair of material connection units 300.

[0060] Here, the discharge unit 100 serves to discharge the supply material M to the outside. That is, the discharge unit 100 receives the supply material M from the supply unit 200 and delivers it to the manufacturing process that requires the supply material M. For example, the discharge unit 100 can deliver the supply material M to a process for manufacturing electrode plates or current collectors.

[0061] Therefore, the discharge unit 100 may include a main frame portion 110 and a guide roller portion 120. The main frame portion 110 serves as a supporting body for moving the supply material M. That is, the guide roller portion 120, the supply unit 200, and the material connecting unit 300 can be coupled to the main frame portion 110. Furthermore, the guide roller portion 120 is coupled to the main frame portion 110 to guide the movement of the supply material M. Therefore, the guide roller portion 120 can be configured as a rotating roller. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the guide roller 120 refers to the component located at the inflection point where the path of the supplied material M changes.

[0062] A pair of supply units 200 are disposed adjacent to the discharge unit 100, and may be provided with supply rollers 210 on which the supply material M is wound. That is, the supply unit 200 serves to provide the supply material M. For this purpose, the supply unit 200 includes the supply rollers 210.

[0063] The supply roller 210 is configured such that the supply material M is wound around the supply roller 210, and the supply material M is released by rotation and conveyed to the discharge unit 100.

[0064] In addition, the supply unit 200 can be divided into a first supply unit 200a including a first supply material M1 waiting to be replaced and a second supply unit 200b including a second supply material M2 being supplied to the discharge unit 100.

[0065] Furthermore, the supply unit 200 can be configured to rotate about the height direction y-axis to replace the supply roller 210, etc. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the supply unit 200 of the automatic material supply M changing device may include a support frame 220 and a position adjustment unit 230.

[0066] The support frame 220 serves to connect the supply roller 210 to the support frame 220. That is, the support frame 220 supports the supply roller 210 so that the supply material M is supplied by the rotation of the supply roller 210.

[0067] Furthermore, the support frame 220 is integrated with the position adjustment part 230, and the position adjustment part 230 can rotate the support frame 220. That is, the position adjustment part 230 can rotate the support frame 220, to which the supply roller 210 is attached, about the height direction y-axis to adjust the position of the supply roller 210.

[0068] For example, the position adjustment unit 230 may be configured to include a rotating column 231 attached to the lower end of the support frame 220, and a rotary drive unit 232 for rotating the rotating column 231. That is, the rotary drive unit 232 can adjust the rotational position of the supply roller 210 by rotating the rotating column 231. Here, the rotary drive unit 232 may be configured as a motor for transmitting rotary driving force or include a cam and hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder, etc., to convert linear drive into rotary drive.

[0069] A pair of material connection units 300 are respectively disposed in a pair of supply units 200, and can be connected to the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 waiting in the first supply unit 200a, which is one of the pair of supply units 200, and the end Me of the second supply material M2 being conveyed to the discharge unit 100 in the second supply unit 200b, which is the other one of the pair of supply units 200.

[0070] That is, the material connecting unit 300 connects the first supply material M1 and the second supply material M2, so that the structure for conveying the supply material M to the discharge unit 100 can be automatically changed from the second supply unit 200b to the first supply unit 200a.

[0071] Furthermore, the material connection unit 300 connects the first supply material M1 and the second supply material M2, thereby minimizing the thickness deviation of the connection portion between the first supply material M1 and the second supply material M2 when the supply material M is replaced.

[0072] Therefore, the material joining unit 300 may include a support block portion 310, a clamp 320, and a separating portion 330. (See below for further details.) Figure 3 We will explain this in detail later.

[0073] Figure 3This is a side view showing the material connection unit 300 of the automatic material supply M changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] in addition, Figure 4 This is a side view showing the state in which the first supply material M1 is adsorbed and fixed to the material connecting unit 300 provided in the first supply unit 200a during the process of connecting the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 and the end Me of the second supply material M2 by the material connecting unit 300 of the automatic supply material M changing device of the present invention according to an embodiment. Figure 9 This is a side view showing the state in which the material connecting unit 300 provided in the first supply unit 200a moves in the horizontal direction x to the material connecting unit 300 provided in the second supply unit 200b and attaches the end Me of the second supply material M2 to the adhesive tape T.

[0075] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the material connection unit 300 of the automatic material supply M changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a support block 310, a clamp 320, and a separation part 330.

[0076] Here, the support block portion 310 may be provided with a front plate 311, the supply material M is disposed on the front plate 311, and the front plate 311 is formed with a plurality of adsorption holes 311a to create negative pressure. Therefore, the support block portion 310 can adsorb and fix the supply material M to the outer surface of the front plate 311 where the adsorption holes 311a are formed. In addition, the support block portion 310 may be provided with the clamp 320, the separation portion 330, etc.

[0077] The front plate 311 is provided with a plurality of adsorption holes 311a, and the adsorption holes 311a can be further divided into upper adsorption holes 311a provided at the upper end of the front plate 311, central adsorption holes 311a provided at the center of the front plate 311, and lower adsorption holes 311a provided at the lower end of the front plate 311, so as to individually control the negative pressure formation of each adsorption hole 311a.

[0078] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the front plate 311 of the automatic material supply M changing device may be provided with a first buffer pad 311b on its outer side that contacts the material supply M. The first buffer pad 311b can prevent damage to the material supply M that is tightly attached and fixed to the front plate 311. For this purpose, the first buffer pad 311b can be formed of a material such as rubber or sponge that is shape-changeable and can return to its original shape.

[0079] One end of the clamp 320 is hinged to one end of the front plate 311, and the other end can be rotated to be fixed to the other end of the front plate 311. Therefore, the clamp 320 can fix the supply material M tightly against the front plate 311, and can also fix the supply material M even if no negative pressure is formed in the front plate 311.

[0080] For this purpose, the clamp 320 may also include a fixing magnet 321 and a second buffer pad 322. (See below for further details.) Figure 6 It will be explained in detail.

[0081] Additionally, the clamp 320 can be configured to allow passage through the separation portion 330, so that a portion of the supply material M can be separated from the front plate 311 through the separation portion 330. For example, the clamp 320 can be configured as a flat "U"-shaped frame with an open top.

[0082] The separation portion 330 is housed in the front plate 311, with one end hinged to the center of the front plate 311 and the other end rotating outward to protrude from the front plate 311.

[0083] Here, one end of the separation portion 330 attached to the front plate 311 can refer to the complete end of the separation portion 330, or it can refer to the portion of the separation portion 330 near the center of the separation portion 330.

[0084] The separation section 330 allows a portion of the supply material M, which is fixed to the outer surface of the front plate 311, to be separated from the front plate 311. For this purpose, the separation section 330 may include a connecting arm 331, a crossbar 332, and a rotating shaft 333. (See below for further details.) Figure 7 and Figure 8 It will be explained in detail.

[0085] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the material connection unit 300 of the automatic material supply M changing device may include a block conveying unit 340.

[0086] The block conveying part 340 is connected to the support block part 310 and can move the support block part 310 in the direction x of the second supply material M2, so that the remaining part of the adhesive tape T is attached to the end Me of the second supply material M2.

[0087] Therefore, the block conveying unit 340 may include a conveying guide unit 341 and a linear drive unit 342. The conveying guide unit 341 may be provided with a guide rail or the like for accommodating and guiding the movement of the support block 310. The linear drive unit 342 is disposed in the conveying guide unit 341 and is coupled to the support block 310 so that the support block 310 can move linearly in a parallel direction x to approach the second supply material M2. For example, the linear drive unit 342 may be configured as a hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder for transmitting linear driving force or include a cam and motor structure that converts rotary drive into linear drive.

[0088] in addition, Figure 5 This is a side view showing the state in which a portion of the first supply material M1 adsorbed onto the material connecting unit 300 provided in the first supply unit 200a is cut by the cutting part 350 during the process of connecting the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 and the end Me of the second supply material M2 by the material connecting unit 300 of the automatic supply material M changing device of the present invention according to an embodiment. Additionally, Figure 10 This is a plan view illustrating the process of cutting the supply material M by the cutting section of the automatic supply material M changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the material connection unit 300 of the automatic material supply M changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the cutting section 350.

[0090] The cutting part 350 passes through the hole 311c formed in the front plate 311 and can move in the width direction of the supply material M to cut the supply material M.

[0091] That is, the cutting part 350 cuts a portion of the supply material M so that the two supply materials M on both sides can be joined together.

[0092] The cutting portion 350 of the material connecting unit 300 in the first supply unit 200a can cut a portion of the front end Mf of the first supply material M1. Additionally, the cutting portion 350 of the material connecting unit 300 in the second supply unit 200b can cut the second supply material M2 to form the end Me of the second supply material M2.

[0093] Therefore, the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 and the end Me of the second supply material M2 can be connected.

[0094] Furthermore, the cutting portion 350 protrudes from the hole 311c formed in the front plate 311 and moves in the width direction of the supply material M to cut the supply material M. For this purpose, the hole 311c may extend in the length direction z of the front plate 311, which is the width direction of the supply material M. For example, the hole 311c may have a slit shape.

[0095] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the state in which the clamp 320 rotates and moves to fix the connecting portion Mc of the first supply material M1 to the material connecting unit 300 provided in the first supply unit 200a during the process of connecting the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 and the end Me of the second supply material M2 by the material connecting unit 300 of the automatic supply material M changing device of the present invention according to an embodiment.

[0096] Referring to the accompanying drawings, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the other end of the clamp 320 of the automatic material supply M changing device may be provided with a fixing magnet 321 to magnetically attach to the front plate 311 of the metal material.

[0097] That is, the clamp 320 includes the fixing magnet 321, so that the clamp 320 can rotate and be fixed to the front plate 311 by magnetic force. Therefore, the supply material M can also be fixed to the front plate 311. For this purpose, the front plate 311 is also formed of a metal material that is magnetically attached.

[0098] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamp 320 of the automatic material supply M changing device may be provided with a second buffer pad 322 covering the fixed magnet 321.

[0099] By providing the second cushioning pad 322, damage to the supply material M located on the front plate 311 can be prevented when the clamp 320 is magnetically secured to the front plate 311. For this purpose, the second cushioning pad 322 can be formed of a material such as rubber or sponge that is shape-changeable and can return to its original shape.

[0100] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the state in which the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 is separated from the front plate 311 in the material connection unit 300 provided in the first supply unit 200a during the process of connecting the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 and the end Me of the second supply material M2 by the material connection unit 300 of the automatic material supply M changing device of the present invention according to an embodiment. Figure 8It is a side view showing a state in which an adhesive tape T is provided between the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 and the front plate 311 in the material connection unit 300 provided in the first supply unit 200a, and the separation unit 330 attaches the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 to a part of the adhesive tape T while returning to the original position.

[0101] Referring to the drawings, the separation unit 330 of the supply material M automatic replacement device according to an embodiment of the present invention can separate the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 from the front plate 311 so that a part of the adhesive tape T adheres to the inner surface of the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 facing the front plate 311.

[0102] That is, the separation unit 330 is accommodated in the front plate 311 and rotates and moves to protrude to the outside of the front plate 311, so that the first supply material M1 can be separated from the front plate 311. To this end, the separation unit 330 may include a connection arm 331, a cross bar 332, and a rotation shaft 333.

[0103] The rotation shaft 333 is provided inside the front plate 311 and can be hinged to the front plate 311 to rotate. In addition, the connection arm 331 is configured to be coupled to both end portions of the rotation shaft 333 and the cross bar 332. To this end, the connection arm 331 may be provided on both sides of the front plate 311. The cross bar 332 is provided in a receiving hole formed in the outer surface of the front plate, and when the connection arm 331 rotates around the rotation shaft 333, it can move and protrude to the outside of the front plate 311. For example, the combined shape of the connection arm 331, the cross bar 332, and the rotation shaft 333 may be a horizontally lying "匚" shape with an open upper end or a "口" shape.

[0104] Figure 11 It is a flowchart showing an automatic replacement method of the supply material M according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Referring to the drawings, the automatic replacement method of the supply material M according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a first attachment step, a position adjustment step, a first cutting step, and a second attachment step. That is, through the above steps, the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 waiting in the first supply unit 200a, which is one of the pair of supply units 200, and the end Me of the second supply material M2 being transferred to the discharge unit 100 in the second supply unit 200b, which is the other of the pair of supply units 200, can be connected.

[0106] In the first attaching step, a portion of the adhesive tape T is attached to the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 waiting in the first supply unit 200a. That is, in order to connect with the second supply material M2, the adhesive tape T is first attached to the front end Mf of the first supply material M1.

[0107] Therefore, the first attachment step of the automatic replacement method for supply material M according to another embodiment of the present invention may include specific steps such as a first fixing step, a second fixing step, a front-end fixing release step, a front-end separation step, and an adhesive tape attachment step.

[0108] In the first fixing step, a first supply material M1 is provided in the support block portion 310 of the first supply unit 200a, and a negative pressure is formed on the front plate 311 of the support block portion 310 to fix the front end Mf of the first supply material M1. This example can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 .

[0109] In the second fixing step, the clamp 320 of the first supply unit 200a rotates to fix the connecting portion Mc of the first supply material M1 adjacent to the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 to the front plate 311.

[0110] In the front-end fixing release step, the negative pressure of the front plate 311 is released to release the fixing of the front end Mf of the first supply material M1.

[0111] Examples of the second fixing step and the front-end fixing release step can be found in [reference]. Figure 6 In the second fixing step, the adsorption hole 311a of the front plate 311 forms a negative pressure, while in the front-end fixing release step, the adsorption hole 311a of the front plate 311 does not form a negative pressure.

[0112] In the front-end separation step, a portion of the separation section 330 of the first supply unit 200a is rotated outward to separate the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 from the front plate 311. This example can be found by referring to... Figure 7 Additionally, during the front-end separation step, the adhesive tape T can be placed in the space separating the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 from the front plate 311.

[0113] In the tape application step, a portion of the adhesive tape T is applied to the inner surface of the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 facing the front panel 311. This example can be found by referring to... Figure 8Furthermore, during the tape application step, the separating portion 330 returns to its original position. Therefore, the first supply material M1, separated from the front plate 311, can also return to its original position. That is, the first supply material M1 returns to its original position through the elastic restoring force of the first supply material M1 maintaining its original shape. Additionally, the front plate 311 can again create negative pressure to tightly adhere and fix the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 to the adhesive tape T, and the clamp 320 can also return to its original position.

[0114] Furthermore, the first attachment step of the automatic replacement method for supply material M according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a second cutting step, which is performed after the first fixing step or the second fixing step and before the front end fixing release step, and cuts a portion of the front end Mf of the first supply material M1 to a length that connects with the end Me of the second supply material M2. This example can be referred to... Figure 5 .

[0115] In the position adjustment step, the first supply unit 200a is moved to position it parallel to the second supply unit 200b. That is, the position of the first supply unit 200a is adjusted so that after a portion of the adhesive tape T is attached to the front end Mf of the first supply material M1, the end Me of the second supply material M2 is attached to the remaining portion of the adhesive tape T.

[0116] In the first cutting step, the second supply material M2 being conveyed from the second supply unit 200b to the discharge unit 100 is cut to form the end Me of the second supply material M2. That is, the second supply material M2 wound on the supply roller 210 of the second supply unit 200b is cut at the position of the material connecting unit 300 to form the end Me of the supply material M2, such that the end Me of the second supply material M2 is positioned at the position of the material connecting unit 300.

[0117] In the second attaching step, the first supply unit 200a is moved toward the second supply unit 200b to attach the remaining portion of the adhesive tape T to the end Me of the second supply material M2, thereby connecting the first supply material M1 and the second supply material M2. This example can be found by referring to... Figure 9 .

[0118] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the first and second cutting steps in an automatic material supply M replacement method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to the accompanying drawings, at least one of the first cutting step and the second cutting step in the automatic material supply M replacement method according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a passing step, a first cutting movement step, and a second cutting movement step.

[0120] During the passing step, the cutting portion 350 passes through the center of the supply material M. This example can be found by referring to... Figure 10 (a)

[0121] In the first cutting movement step, with the cutting part 350 passing through the supply material M, the cutting part 350 is moved to one end of the supply material M. This example can be found by referring to... Figure 10 (b)

[0122] In the second cutting movement step, with the cutting part 350 passing through the supply material M, the cutting part 350 is moved from one end of the supply material M to the other end. This example can be found by referring to... Figure 10 (c)

[0123] in addition, Figure 10 (d) shows the state in which the cutting part 350 is detached from the supply material M.

[0124] As described above, by cutting the supply material M through the passing step, the first cutting movement step, and the second cutting movement step, the problem of the ends of the supply material M being squeezed or wrinkled can be improved.

[0125] That is, when the cutting part 350 moves from one end of the supply material M to the other end and cuts the supply material M without the passing step, due to the friction between the cutting part 350 and one end of the supply material M, one end of the supply material M may not be cut and may be squeezed to one side or wrinkled. However, the present invention improves these problems by including the passing step, the first cutting moving step and the second cutting moving step.

[0126] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic material supply changing device, comprising: The discharge unit discharges the supplied materials to the outside; A pair of supply units are disposed adjacent to the discharge unit and are provided with supply rollers on which supply material is wound; as well as A pair of material connection units are respectively disposed in a pair of supply units, and are connected to the front end of the first supply material waiting in the first supply unit (one of the pair of supply units) and the end of the second supply material being conveyed to the discharge unit in the second supply unit (the other of the pair of supply units). The material bonding unit includes: The support block is provided with a front plate, the supply material is disposed on the front plate and the front plate is formed with a plurality of adsorption holes to form a negative pressure; A clamp, coupled to the front plate, one end of the clamp hinged to one end of the front plate, and the other end of the clamp rotates to be fixed to the other end of the front plate; and A separation section is housed in the front panel, with one end of the separation section hinged to the center of the front panel and the other end of the separation section rotating outward to protrude from the front panel.

2. The automatic material changing device according to claim 1, wherein, The separation section separates the front end of the first supply material from the front plate, such that a portion of the adhesive tape adheres to the inner surface of the front end of the first supply material facing the front plate.

3. The automatic material changing device according to claim 2, wherein, The material bonding unit includes: A block conveying unit is connected to the support block unit and moves the support block unit toward the second supply material, such that the remaining portion of the tape is attached to the end of the second supply material.

4. The automatic material changing device according to claim 1, wherein, The front plate has a first cushioning pad on its outer side that contacts the supplied material.

5. The automatic material changing device according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp includes a fixing magnet and is magnetically attached to the front plate of the metal material.

6. The automatic material changing device according to claim 5, wherein, The clamp includes a second buffer pad that covers the fixed magnet.

7. The automatic material changing device according to claim 1, wherein, The material bonding unit includes: The cutting section passes through a hole formed in the front plate and moves in the width direction of the supply material to cut the supply material.

8. The automatic material changing device according to claim 1, wherein, The supply unit includes: Support frame, to which the supply roller is coupled; and A position adjustment part is provided, to which the support frame is attached, and to which the support frame is rotated and moved.

9. A method for automatically changing supply materials using the automatic supply material changing device according to claim 1, comprising: The first attaching step involves attaching a portion of the adhesive tape to the front end of the first supply material waiting in the first supply unit; The position adjustment step involves moving the first supply unit to position it parallel to the second supply unit. The first cutting step involves cutting the second supply material being conveyed from the second supply unit to the discharge unit to form the end of the second supply material; as well as The second attaching step involves moving the first supply unit toward the second supply unit to attach the remaining portion of the adhesive tape to the end of the second supply material, thereby connecting the first supply material and the second supply material.

10. The automatic material replacement method according to claim 9, wherein, The first attachment step includes: In the first fixing step, the first supply material is placed on the support block portion of the first supply unit, and a negative pressure is formed on the front plate of the support block portion to fix the front end of the first supply material. In the second fixing step, the clamp of the first supply unit rotates and moves to fix the connecting part of the first supply material adjacent to the front end of the first supply material to the front plate; The front-end fixing release step releases the negative pressure on the front plate to release the fixing of the front end of the first supply material; The front-end separation step involves rotating a portion of the separation section of the first supply unit outward to separate the front end of the first supply material from the front plate; and The tape application step involves attaching a portion of the adhesive tape to the inner surface of the front end of the first supply material facing the front panel.

11. The automatic material replacement method according to claim 10, wherein, The first attachment step includes: The second cutting step is performed after the first fixing step or the second fixing step and before the front end fixing release step, and cuts a portion of the front end of the first supply material to a length that connects with the end of the second supply material.

12. The automatic material replacement method according to claim 11, wherein, At least one of the first cutting step and the second cutting step includes: Through the steps, the cutting section passes through the center of the supplied material; In the first cutting and moving step, with the cutting part passing through the supply material, the cutting part is moved to one end of the supply material; and In the second cutting and moving step, with the cutting part passing through the supply material, the cutting part is moved from one end of the supply material to the other end.

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