Automatic rotating shaft adjusting equipment

Abstract

The automatic rotating shaft adjusting device comprises a base frame; a rotating shaft adjuster disposed on the base frame, the rotating shaft adjuster being configured to adjust a rotating shaft mover disposed on the rotating shaft to set a moving range of the rotating shaft corresponding to a target occlusion thickness of the battery cells; a vertical mover provided on the base frame, the vertical mover configured to move the spindle adjuster in a vertical direction; and a horizontal mover disposed on the vertical mover, the horizontal mover coupled to the rotation shaft adjuster and configured to move the rotation shaft adjuster in a front-back direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to an automatic rotation shaft adjusting apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] Unlike primary batteries designed not to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are batteries designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used for portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, and high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources to drive electric motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and for storing electric power (e.g., home and / or utility-scale power storage). A secondary battery generally includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, and an electrode terminal connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] For example, a manufacturing process of a secondary battery can be performed by accommodating an electrode assembly and an electrolyte in a cylindrical case opened on one side, placing an exhaust plate on a crimped portion formed on one side of the case, and then crimping and extruding one end of the case.

[0004] The above-described information disclosed in this BACKGROUND section is to enhance an understanding of the background of the disclosure, and as such, it can include information that does not constitute the related (prior) art. SUMMARY

[0005] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, an automatic rotation shaft adjusting apparatus can include a base frame, a rotation shaft adjusting unit provided on the base frame and configured to adjust a rotation shaft moving unit provided on a rotation shaft to set a moving range of the rotation shaft corresponding to a target engagement thickness of a battery cell, a vertical moving unit provided on the base frame and configured to move the rotation shaft adjusting unit in a vertical direction, and a horizontal moving unit provided on the vertical moving unit, coupled to the rotation shaft adjusting unit, and configured to move the rotation shaft adjusting unit in a horizontal direction.

[0006] In some embodiments, the rotation shaft moving unit can include a rotation shaft rotatably connected to the rotation shaft, a rotation portion coupled to an end of the rotation shaft and rotating together, and having a first gear formed on an outer surface of the rotation portion, and including a slit penetrating a predetermined length along a rotation track, a cam follower bearing eccentrically connected to the rotation shaft and rotating together, and changing a height protruding outward from the rotation shaft according to a rotation angle of the rotation portion to change a moving range of the rotation shaft, a drive gear rotatably coupled to the rotation shaft and engaged with the first gear to rotate the rotation portion, and a locking unit inserted into the slit to be threadedly coupled to the rotation shaft, and restraining the rotation portion from rotating in a tightening direction and releasing the restraint on the rotation portion in a loosening direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the rotation shaft adjusting unit can rotate the locking unit to constrain or release the rotation part, and can rotate the driving gear to change the moving range of the rotation shaft.

[0008] In some embodiments, the rotation shaft adjusting unit can include a wrench to be coupled to the driving gear or the locking unit and to rotate the driving gear or the locking unit, and a driving unit coupled to the wrench and to rotate the wrench.

[0009] In some embodiments, the amount of rotation of the driving gear corresponding to the moving range of the rotation shaft can be preset, and the driving unit can rotate the wrench by the set amount of rotation of the driving gear.

[0010] In some embodiments, the amount of rotation of the locking unit to constrain or release the rotation part can be preset, and the driving unit can rotate the locking unit by the set amount of rotation of the locking unit.

[0011] In some embodiments, the vertical moving unit can move the driving unit to a height at which the wrench can be coupled to the driving gear or the locking unit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the distance between the driving gear and the locking unit can be preset, and the vertical moving unit can move the driving unit such that the wrench can move between a height at which the wrench can be coupled to the driving gear and a height at which the wrench can be coupled to the locking unit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the horizontal moving unit can move the driving unit such that the wrench can be coupled to or decoupled from the driving gear or the locking unit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the horizontal moving unit can move the driving unit such that, in a case in which the vertical moving unit can be operated and the wrench can be located at a height at which the wrench can be coupled to the driving gear, the wrench can be coupled to or decoupled from the driving gear.

[0015] In some embodiments, the horizontal moving unit can move the driving unit such that, in a case in which the vertical moving unit can be operated and the wrench can be located at a height at which the wrench can be coupled to the locking unit, the wrench can be coupled to or decoupled from the locking unit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the automatic rotation shaft adjusting apparatus can further include a control unit to control the driving unit, the vertical moving unit, and the horizontal moving unit so as to release the constraint on the rotation part by rotating the locking unit, to change the moving range of the rotation shaft by rotating the driving gear, and to constrain the rotation part by rotating the locking unit.

[0017] In some embodiments, in a case where the target bite thickness can be set, the control unit can set a movement range of the rotation shaft corresponding to the set target bite thickness, can calculate a rotation amount of the drive gear corresponding to the set movement range of the rotation shaft, and can control the drive unit to rotate the drive gear by the calculated rotation amount.

[0018] In some embodiments, the automatic rotation shaft adjustment apparatus can further include a sensor that measures a height of protrusion of the cam follower bearing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the control unit can set a protrusion height of the cam follower bearing corresponding to the set movement range of the rotation shaft, and can receive, from the sensor, in real time, protrusion height data of the cam follower bearing, and can control the drive unit to protrude to the set protrusion height of the cam follower bearing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control unit can set a protrusion height of the cam follower bearing corresponding to the set movement range of the rotation shaft, and can receive, from the sensor, protrusion height data of the cam follower bearing, and can calculate a difference between the set protrusion height and the received protrusion height.

[0021] In some embodiments, in a case where the difference can be greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit can control the drive unit, the vertical movement unit, and the horizontal movement unit to change the movement range of the rotation shaft.

[0022] In some embodiments, in a case where the difference can be greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit can calculate a rotation amount of the drive gear corresponding to the difference, and can control the drive unit to rotate the drive gear by the calculated rotation amount.

[0023] In some embodiments, the vertical movement unit can include a vertical movement unit body coupled to the base frame, a vertical movement plate slidably coupled to the vertical movement unit body, and a first actuator provided on the vertical movement unit body and moving the vertical movement plate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the horizontal movement unit can include a horizontal movement unit body coupled to the vertical movement plate, a horizontal movement plate slidably coupled to the horizontal movement unit body, a second actuator provided on the horizontal movement unit body and moving the horizontal movement plate, and a drive unit clamp provided on the horizontal movement plate and to which the drive unit of the rotation shaft adjuster can be coupled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The following accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, further serve to explain aspects and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an example of an automatic mandrel adjustment apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of an example of an automatic mandrel adjustment apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a crimping and pressing machine adjusted by an automatic mandrel adjustment apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 and Figure 5 FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of an example of an upper mandrel adjusted by an automatic mandrel adjustment apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figures 6 to 9 FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of an example of an automatic mandrel adjustment apparatus adjusting an upper mandrel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 10 FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of an example of an automatic mandrel adjustment apparatus further provided with a control unit and a sensor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being common or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts based on the technical idea of the present disclosure from the concept of the inventor to describe his / her own invention in the best way. Accordingly, the embodiments described in the present specification and constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all technical spirits of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is to be understood that various equivalents and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made by those skilled in the art in light of the technical idea of the present disclosure.

[0033] The embodiments described in the present specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all technical spirits, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that, at the time of filing the present application, there can be various equivalents and modifications of the embodiments described herein which can be substituted or modified by those skilled in the art.

[0034] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers can also be present. In contrast, when an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. By way of example, when a first element is described as being “coupled” or “connected” to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0035] In the drawings, the size of various elements, layers, etc., can be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. Like reference numerals indicate like elements. As used in herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In addition, use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure indicates that one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Expressions such as “at least one of,” and “one or more of,” when preceding a list of two or more items, cover the same ranges of alternatives as the phrase “one of X, Y, and Z,” or “any of X, Y, and Z.” As used herein, the term “use” and variations thereof are considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and variations thereof. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or computed values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0036] It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0037] In this document, relative spatial terms such as "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like can be used to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatial terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device is turned over, elements described as below other elements or features would then be oriented above the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatial descriptors of terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "one" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0039] Also, any numerical ranges recited herein are intended to include all sub-ranges of the same whole number recited, as well as the range itself. For example, a range of 1.0 to 10.0 is intended to include all sub-ranges, for example, 2.4 to 7.6, 3.5 to 9.0, 3.8 to 6.1, etc., including the minimum and maximum of the range itself, i.e., 1.0 and 10.0, respectively. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations, and any minimum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all higher numerical limitations. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range including any minimum or maximum numerical limitation, as described herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification, such that amending to expressly recite any such sub-ranges would comply with the requirements of the local patent law.

[0040] Reference to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" can mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" can include instances where there is a deviation considered low in the art (e.g., a deviation of 5% or less). Additionally, when a parameter is said to be consistent in a given region, this can mean that it is consistent in terms of average.

[0041] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise indicated, each element can be singular or plural.

[0042] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "above (below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and that another element can also be located between the element and the arbitrary element disposed on (or below) the element.

[0043] Additionally, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to another component, these components can be directly “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to each other, or another component can be “between” these components.

[0044] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is mentioned, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the enumerated items. Unless otherwise stated, when “C to D” is mentioned, it means C and below D.

[0045] Figure 1 The illustration shows a side view of an example of an automatic shaft adjustment device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 The figure shows a rear view of an example of an automatic shaft adjustment device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The illustration shows the perspective of an observer looking from left to right. Figure 1 View at time, Figure 2 Horizontal extension Figure 1 On the page.

[0046] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the automatic shaft adjustment device 100 may include a base frame 110, a shaft mover disposed on the base frame 110 and adjusting a shaft disposed on the shaft (e.g., Figure 3 The upper rotating shaft moving unit in the middle) is used to set the rotating shaft (e.g., Figure 3 The rotating shaft adjustment unit 120 (e.g., rotating shaft adjuster) has a range of motion corresponding to the target engagement thickness of the battery cell (upper rotating shaft), a vertical moving unit 130 (e.g., vertical mover) is provided on the base frame 110 and moves the rotating shaft adjustment unit 120 in the up-down direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction), and a horizontal moving unit 140 (e.g., horizontal mover) is provided on the vertical moving unit 130 and moves the rotating shaft adjustment unit 120 in the front-back direction, the horizontal moving unit 140 being coupled to the rotating shaft adjustment unit 120.

[0047] In some embodiments, the rotation shaft adjusting unit 120 can include a wrench 121 that rotates the following-described driving gear of the rotation shaft moving unit and a driving unit 122 (e.g., a driver) coupled to the wrench 121 and rotating the wrench 121. In some embodiments, the wrench 121 is configured as a hexagonal wrench, and a hexagonal groove is formed in the driving gear to which the wrench 121 is to be coupled, so that the wrench 121 can be coupled to the hexagonal groove of the driving gear to rotate the driving gear. However, the wrench 121 can be formed in any shape as long as it can be coupled to the driving gear to rotate the driving gear.

[0048] The vertical moving unit 130 can be provided on the base frame 110 and can be configured to vertically move the rotation shaft adjusting unit 120 in a height direction (e.g., along the Y-axis direction). In some embodiments, the vertical moving unit 130 can include a vertical moving unit body 131 coupled to the base frame 110, a vertical moving plate 133 slidably coupled to the vertical moving unit body 131, and a first actuator 132 provided on the vertical moving unit body 131 and moving the vertical moving plate 133. For example, see Figure 2 The vertical moving unit body 131 can be between the base frame 110 and the vertical moving plate 133. A guide slit (not shown) can be formed in the vertical moving unit body 131, and the vertical moving plate 133 can be configured to linearly (e.g., linearly and slidingly) move along the guide slit of the vertical moving unit body 131 (e.g., in the Y-axis direction). For example, see Figure 2 The first actuator 132 can move the vertical moving unit body 131 (e.g., in the Y-axis direction), thereby moving the vertical moving plate 133 together with the horizontal moving unit 140 and the driving unit 122 coupled to the horizontal moving unit 140 (e.g., in the Y-axis direction).

[0049] In some embodiments, the first actuator 132 can be provided as a linear actuator and configured to linearly move the vertical moving plate 133. In some embodiments, the first actuator 132 can be configured as a lead screw and a driving motor, and the lead screw can be threadedly coupled to the vertical moving plate 133 to linearly move the vertical moving plate 133 as the lead screw rotates. However, various known configurations can be applied as long as the vertical moving plate 133 can be linearly moved. In some embodiments, the vertical moving unit 130 can be configured as a motor-driven stage and configured to move in a vertical direction (i.e., in a height direction).

[0050] The horizontal moving unit 140 can be provided on the vertical moving plate 133 and can be configured to horizontally move the rotation shaft adjusting unit 120 in a front-rear direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction) toward the driving gear. In some embodiments, the horizontal moving unit 140 can include a horizontal moving body 141 coupled to the vertical moving plate 133, a horizontal moving plate 143 coupled to the horizontal moving body 141 so as to slide (e.g., in the X-axis direction), a second actuator 142 provided on the horizontal moving body 141 and moving the horizontal moving plate 143, and a driving unit clamp 144 provided on the horizontal moving plate 143 to which the driving unit 122 is coupled. For example, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The horizontal moving plate 143 can be between the horizontal moving body 141 and the driving unit clamp 144. A guide slit (not shown) can be formed in the horizontal moving body 141, and the horizontal moving plate 143 can be configured to linearly move along the guide slit. For example, see Figure 1 The second actuator 142 can linearly move the horizontal moving plate 143 (e.g., in the X-axis direction), thereby moving the driving unit clamp 144 (e.g., in the X-axis direction) and the driving unit 122 coupled thereto. The Z-axis can be an axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second actuator 142 can be provided as a linear actuator and configured to linearly move the horizontal moving plate 143. In some embodiments, the second actuator 142 can be configured as a lead screw and a driving motor, and the lead screw can be threadedly coupled to the horizontal moving plate 143 to linearly move the horizontal moving plate 143 in the case where the lead screw is rotated. However, various known configurations can be applied as long as the horizontal moving plate 143 can be linearly moved. In some embodiments, the horizontal moving unit 140 can be configured as a motor-driven stage and configured to move in a horizontal direction, which is a front-rear direction.

[0052] In other embodiments, the vertical moving unit 130 and the horizontal moving unit 140 can be configured as motor-driven stages to simultaneously operate in a vertical direction, which is a height direction, and a horizontal direction, which is a front-rear direction.

[0053] Figure 3 FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a crimping and pressing machine adjusted by an automatic rotation shaft adjusting apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 and Figure 5 FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of an example of an upper rotation shaft adjusted by an automatic rotation shaft adjusting apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring toFigures 3 to 5 The crimping and pressing machine 10 can include a pressing jig 51 configured to bite the battery cell B disposed on the lower die 50, a rotation shaft (e.g., the upper rotation shaft 20) for pressing the pressing jig 51, a forming cam 40 for moving the upper rotation shaft 20, and a rotation shaft mover (e.g., the upper rotation shaft moving unit) provided on the upper rotation shaft 20 and configured to adjust a moving range of the upper rotation shaft 20 by changing a distance between the upper rotation shaft 20 and the forming cam 40.

[0055] For example, referring to FIG. 1, Figure 3 A process sequence using the crimping and pressing machine 10 can include the following. The battery cell B can be placed on the lower die 50, the battery cell B can be equipped with an exhaust plate on a crimped portion of an open side, the forming cam 40 can be rotated (e.g., circumferentially along the arrow in FIG. 1), and a lower protruding portion of the forming cam 40 can press the upper rotation shaft 20 to move the upper rotation shaft 20 downward (e.g., in a direction oriented from the forming cam 40 toward the lower die 50). The upper rotation shaft 20 moving downward can press the pressing jig 51, and the pressing jig 51 can press an open side end of the battery cell B to achieve biting. In this case, the pressure with which the pressing jig 51 is pressed is changed in the case where the moving range of the upper rotation shaft 20 is changed, so that the biting thickness T of the battery cell B can be different. The upper rotation shaft moving unit can adjust the moving range of the upper rotation shaft 20. Figure 3 In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2,

[0056] The upper rotation shaft moving unit (e.g., the upper rotation shaft mover) can include a rotation shaft 32 rotatably coupled to the upper rotation shaft 20, a cam follower bearing 37 eccentrically coupled to the rotation shaft 32 so as to rotate together with the rotation shaft 32 and a height of the cam follower bearing 37 protruding outward from the upper rotation shaft 20 changes depending on a rotation angle to change the moving range of the upper rotation shaft 20, a rotation portion 31 coupled to an end of the rotation shaft 32 so as to rotate together with the rotation shaft 32 and having a first gear 33 formed on an outer surface of the rotation portion 31, and a drive gear 34 rotatably coupled to the upper rotation shaft 20 and engaged with the first gear 33 to rotate the rotation portion 31. For example, the rotation portion 31 can be formed in a semicircular or arc shape, and the first gear 33 can be formed on an outer circumferential surface in a circumferential direction (e.g., the first gear 33 can be at an edge of the rotation portion 31 facing the drive gear 34, and can be opposite to an end of the rotation portion 31 coupled to the rotation shaft 32). Figure 4

[0057] ​In this configuration, when the drive gear 34 rotates (e.g., around its central axis) to rotate the rotating part 31 (e.g., because the teeth of the drive gear 34 mesh with the teeth of the first gear 33 of the rotating part 31), the rotating part 31 rotates together with the rotating shaft 32, and the cam follower bearing 37, which is eccentrically connected to the rotating shaft 32, rotates. In this case, as... Figure 4 As shown, the height by which the cam follower bearing 37 protrudes outward from the upper rotating shaft 20 (e.g., above the upper rotating shaft 20) can vary depending on the rotation angle of the rotating portion 31. In some embodiments, the rotating portion 31 is engaged with the drive gear 34 at its center ( Figure 4 (on the left side), the protrusion height H1 of the cam follower bearing 37 can be the lowest height (e.g., relative to the top of the upper rotating shaft 20). When the rotating part 31 is rotated by the drive gear 34 and one end of the rotating part 31 meshes with the drive gear 34 ( Figure 4 (on the right side), the protrusion height H2 of the cam follower bearing 37 can be the maximum height (e.g., relative to the top of the upper rotating shaft 20). Accordingly, the protrusion height of the cam follower bearing 37 can be adjusted by rotating the rotating part 31 by the drive gear 34.

[0058] When the protrusion height of the cam follower bearing 37 relative to the upper rotating shaft 20 is changed, the range of movement of the upper rotating shaft 20, which is pressed by the forming cam 40 and moves in the height direction, can be changed. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a height difference H3 of the cam follower bearing 37 can occur when the center of the rotating part 31 is engaged with the drive gear 34 and when one end of the rotating part 31 is engaged with the drive gear 34. The downward movement of the upper rotating shaft 20 can increase the protruding height difference H3 of the cam follower bearing 37.

[0059] In this way, by adjusting the rotation angle of the rotating part 31 to adjust the protrusion height of the cam follower bearing 37, the range of movement of the upper rotating shaft 20 can be changed, and the force of the upper rotating shaft 20 to squeeze and press the clamp 51 can be changed, so that the engagement thickness T of the battery cell B can be changed.

[0060] The rotating portion 31 of the upper rotating shaft moving unit can further include a slit 35 extending a predetermined length along a rotation trajectory in the rotating portion 31, and the upper rotating shaft moving unit can include a locking unit 36 (e.g., a locker) inserted into the slit 35 and threadedly coupled to the upper rotating shaft 20 to lock or unlock the rotating portion 31, the locking unit 36 being movable in the slit 35. After the rotating portion 31 is rotated by the driving gear 34, the rotating portion 31 can be restrained by the locking unit 36 such that the rotating portion 31 is not rotated. For example, in the case where the locking unit 36 is rotated in a tightening direction, the rotating portion 31 can be restrained from rotating by being pressed on the upper rotating shaft 20 by the locking unit 36. In the case where the locking unit 36 is rotated in a loosening direction, the restraint of the rotating portion 31 is released such that, in the case where the driving gear 34 is rotated, the rotating portion 31 can be rotated. The rotating shaft adjusting unit 120 can be configured to rotate the locking unit 36 to restrain or release the rotating portion 31.

[0061] Accordingly, in the case where the protrusion height of the cam follower bearing 37 is adjusted, the locking unit 36 is rotated in the loosening direction to release the rotational restraint of the rotating portion 31, and in the case where the adjustment of the protrusion height of the cam follower bearing 37 is completed, the locking unit 36 is rotated in the tightening direction to restrain the rotation of the rotating portion 31, thereby preventing the protrusion height of the cam follower bearing 37 from being arbitrarily changed.

[0062] Figures 6 to 9 FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an example in which the automatic rotating shaft adjusting apparatus adjusts the upper rotating shaft according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0063] Referring to Figures 6 to 9 In the automatic rotating shaft adjusting apparatus 100 according to some embodiments of the disclosure, the wrench 121 of the automatic rotating shaft adjusting apparatus 100 Figures 1 to 2 ) can be coupled to the driving gear 34 of the crimping and pressing machine 10 Figure 3 ) to rotate the driving gear 34 by a desired angle, thereby changing the moving range of the upper rotating shaft 20 (e.g., via the rotating portion 31). Accordingly, the rotating shaft adjusting unit 120 can be configured to rotate the driving gear 34 to change the moving range of the upper rotating shaft 20.

[0064] In some embodiments, in the case where it is necessary to change the moving range of the upper rotating shaft 20, the first actuator 132 operates to move the driving unit 122 to a height at which the wrench 121 can be coupled to the locking unit 36, and the second actuator 142 operates to move the driving unit 122 such that the wrench 121 can be coupled to the locking unit 36.

[0065] In a case where the wrench 121 is coupled to the locking unit 36, the driving unit 122 can operate to rotate the locking unit 36 to release the constraint on the rotating part 31. Here, a rotation amount of the locking unit 36 for the locking unit 36 to release the rotating part 31 can be preset, and the driving unit 122 can release the rotating part 31 by rotating the locking unit 36 by the set rotation amount of the locking unit 36.

[0066] In a case where the constraint on the rotating part 31 is released, the second actuator 142 operates to move the driving unit 122 so that the wrench 121 is spaced apart from (e.g., decoupled from) the locking unit 36.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6 the first actuator 132 operates to cause the vertical movement unit 130 to move the driving unit 122 to a height at which the wrench 121 can be coupled to the driving gear 34, and the second actuator 142 operates to cause the horizontal movement unit 140 to move the driving unit 122 so that the wrench 121 is coupled to the driving gear 34. Here, a distance between the driving gear 34 and the locking unit 36 is preset, and the first actuator 132 can operate to move the driving unit 122 to the preset height. Also, the horizontal movement unit 140 can move the driving unit 122 so that the wrench 121 is decoupled from the driving gear 34. The horizontal movement unit 140 can move the driving unit 122 so that the wrench 121 can be decoupled from the driving gear 34 or be decoupled from the driving gear 34 when the vertical movement unit 130 can be operated and the wrench 121 can be located at the height at which the wrench 121 can be coupled to the driving gear 34.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7 In a case where the wrench 121 is coupled to the driving gear 34, the driving unit 122 can operate to rotate the wrench 121 by a set rotation amount of the driving gear 34. Here, a rotation amount of the driving gear 34 corresponding to a movement range of the upper rotating shaft 20 is preset, and the driving unit 122 can rotate the wrench 121 by the set rotation amount of the driving gear 34.

[0069] In a case where the rotation of the rotating part 31 is completed, as shown in Figure 8 the second actuator 142 and the first actuator 132 sequentially operate to cause the vertical movement unit 130 to move the driving unit 122 to a height at which the wrench 121 is coupled to the locking unit 36.

[0070] As shown in Figure 9As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second actuator 142 operates to move the horizontal moving unit 140 to move the driving unit 122 such that the wrench 121 is coupled to the locking unit 36, and then the driving unit 122 operates to rotate the locking unit 36 by the wrench 121 to restrain the rotation portion 31. Here, the rotation amount of the locking unit 36 for restraining the rotation portion 31 can be preset, and the driving unit 122 can restrain the rotation portion 31 by rotating the locking unit 36 by the set rotation amount of the locking unit 36. Also, the horizontal moving unit 140 can move the driving unit 122 such that the wrench 121 is decoupled from the locking unit 36. The horizontal moving unit 140 can move the driving unit 122 such that the wrench 121 can be decoupled from the locking unit 36 when the vertical moving unit 130 can be operated and the wrench 121 can be located at a height at which the wrench 121 can be coupled to the locking unit 36.

[0071] As described above, the automatic pivot adjustment apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosure can accurately adjust the wrench 121 to change the moving range of the upper pivot 20 after setting the rotation amount of the driving gear 34 by the operation of the driving unit 122. In some embodiments, the position of the driving unit 122 can be automatically moved (e.g., movable) by the vertical moving unit 130 and the horizontal moving unit 140, so that the moving range of the upper pivot 20 can be more accurately and quickly changed.

[0072] Figure 10 FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example in which a control unit and a sensor are further provided in the automatic pivot adjustment apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0073] Referring to Figure 10 The automatic pivot adjustment apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosure can further include a control unit 152 (e.g., a controller) for controlling the driving unit 122, the vertical moving unit 130 (e.g., the first actuator 132 of the vertical moving unit 130), and the horizontal moving unit 140 (e.g., the second actuator 142 of the horizontal moving unit 140).

[0074] In some embodiments, in a case where the target bite thickness is set, the control unit 152 can calculate and set the moving range of the upper pivot 20 corresponding to the set target bite thickness. In some embodiments, the control unit 152 can calculate the rotation amount of the driving gear 34 corresponding to the set moving range of the upper pivot 20, and can control the driving unit 122 to rotate the driving gear 34 by the calculated rotation amount.

[0075] The rotation amount of the locking unit 36 ​​for constraining or releasing the rotating part 31 can be preset in the control unit 152. In some embodiments, height data for moving between the drive gear 34 and the locking unit 36 ​​can be preset in the control unit 152, so that the vertical moving unit 130 moves the drive unit 122, and the wrench 121 is movable between the height at which the wrench 121 is connected to the drive gear 34 and the height at which the wrench 121 is connected to the locking unit 36.

[0076] In this configuration, when it is necessary to change the range of motion of the upper rotating shaft 20, the control unit 152 can use preset data to control the first actuator 132, the second actuator 142 and the drive unit 122 to release the constraint on the rotating part 31 by rotating the locking unit 36, to change the range of motion of the upper rotating shaft 20 by rotating the drive gear 34, and to constrain the rotating part 31 by rotating the locking unit 36.

[0077] The automatic shaft adjustment device according to some embodiments of this disclosure may further include a sensor 151 (e.g., on top of the shaft bearing) for measuring the height of the protrusion of the cam follower bearing 37. In some embodiments, the sensor 151 may be a distance measuring sensor that measures distance by irradiating a laser beam. However, various known measuring sensors may be used, as long as they can measure the height of the protrusion of the cam follower bearing 37.

[0078] Sensor 151 can measure the protrusion height of cam follower bearing 37 in real time, and control unit 152 can receive the data measured in real time by sensor 151 to control the protrusion height of cam follower bearing 37 to be maintained at a set height.

[0079] In some embodiments, the control unit 152 may preset the protrusion height of the cam follower bearing 37 corresponding to a set movement range of the upper rotating shaft 20, and receive the protrusion height data of the cam follower bearing 37 from the sensor 151 in real time. If there is a difference between the received protrusion height of the cam follower bearing 37 and the preset height, the control unit 152 may operate the drive unit 122 to allow the cam follower bearing 37 to protrude to the set height.

[0080] In some implementations, the height of the cam follower bearing 37 is measured in real time by sensor 151, and control unit 152 can adjust the height of the cam follower bearing 37 to a preset height by operating drive unit 122 based on the real-time received height data.

[0081] In other embodiments, the control unit 152 may set the protrusion height of the cam follower bearing 37 corresponding to a set movement range of the upper rotating shaft 20, and receive the protrusion height data of the cam follower bearing 37 from the sensor 151 to calculate the difference between the set protrusion height and the received protrusion height.

[0082] If the difference between the set protrusion height and the received protrusion height is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit 152 can control the drive unit 122, the first actuator 132, and the second actuator 142 to change the movement range of the upper rotating shaft 20. For example, the control unit 152 presets an error range for the difference between the set protrusion height and the received protrusion height, and if the error range is exceeded, the control unit 152 can control and change the movement range of the upper rotating shaft 20.

[0083] If the difference between the set protrusion height and the received protrusion height is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 152 can calculate the rotation amount of the drive gear 34 corresponding to the difference, and control the drive unit to rotate the drive gear 34 by the calculated rotation amount.

[0084] As described above, the protrusion height of the cam follower bearing 37 is measured by sensor 151, and the control unit 152 calculates the rotation amount of the drive gear 34 based on the measured data, and then rotates the drive gear 34 by the calculated rotation amount, thereby changing the range of motion of the upper rotating shaft 20 more accurately and faster.

[0085] The methods, processes, and / or operations described herein can be executed by code or instructions that will be performed by a computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device. The computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device can be the elements described herein or elements other than those described herein. Algorithms, code, or instructions for implementing the operations of the methods described herein can transform a computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device into a dedicated processor for executing the methods described herein.

[0086] Alternatively, another embodiment may include a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, for storing the aforementioned code or instructions. The computer-readable medium may be a volatile or non-volatile memory or other storage device that can be removably or permanently coupled to a computer, processor, or controller for executing the code or instructions for performing the method embodiments described herein.

[0087] Through summarization and review, it was found that after the vent plate is placed on the rolled portion formed on one side of the housing, the crimping and pressing process is designed to prevent electrolyte leakage and air ingress, and the interlocking strength between the housing and the vent plate is important. However, interlocking errors may occur when the operator manually adjusts the interlocking strength between the housing and the vent plate.

[0088] In contrast, this disclosure provides an automatic shaft adjustment device for adjusting the engagement strength between the housing and the vent plate. That is, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the engagement strength (e.g., pressure) can be automatically and precisely adjusted (e.g., without direct human adjustment of the shaft), thereby eliminating engagement errors and settling losses (e.g., caused by human adjustment and / or errors), which in turn reduces manufacturing time and costs. Furthermore, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the engagement strength can be automatically and precisely adjusted, thus reducing settling time and enabling precise fit thickness control within the error range, thereby improving the quality and productivity of the secondary battery.

[0089] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the detailed description above that other aspects and features not mentioned will be present.

[0090] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments and aspects thereof, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the following claims and their equivalents.

[0091] Thus far, exemplary embodiments have been disclosed. Although specific terminology has been used, it is used in a general and descriptive sense only, and is not intended to be limiting. In some cases, as would be apparent to those skilled in the art at the time of filing this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic pivot adjustment apparatus comprising: a base frame; a pivot adjuster disposed on the base frame, the pivot adjuster configured to adjust a pivot mover disposed on a pivot to set a movement range of the pivot corresponding to a target bite thickness of a battery cell; a vertical mover disposed on the base frame, the vertical mover configured to move the pivot adjuster in a vertical direction; and a horizontal mover disposed on the vertical mover, the horizontal mover coupled to the pivot adjuster and configured to move the pivot adjuster in a horizontal direction. The pivot mover comprises:

2. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a rotation shaft rotatably coupled to the pivot; a rotation part coupled to an end of the rotation shaft, the rotation part configured to rotate with the rotation shaft, and the rotation part having a first gear on an outer surface of the rotation part and a slit extending a predetermined length along a rotation trajectory; a cam follower bearing eccentrically coupled to the rotation shaft, the cam follower bearing configured to rotate with the rotation shaft and to change a height protruding outward from the pivot according to a rotation angle of the rotation part to change the movement range of the pivot; a drive gear rotatably coupled to the pivot and engaged with the first gear to rotate the rotation part; and a locker movable in the slit and threadedly coupled to the pivot, the slit configured to constrain the rotation part from rotating when rotated in a tightening direction and to release the constraint on the rotation part when rotated in a loosening direction. The pivot adjuster is configured to rotate the locker to constrain or release the rotation part, and the pivot adjuster is configured to rotate the drive gear to change the movement range of the pivot.

3. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The pivot adjuster comprises:

4. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 3, wherein, a wrench to be coupled to the drive gear or the locker, the wrench configured to rotate the drive gear or the locker; and a driver coupled to the wrench and configured to rotate the wrench. 5.The automatic pivot adjustment apparatus of claim 4, wherein: a rotation amount of the drive gear corresponding to the movement range of the pivot is preset, and the driver is configured to rotate the wrench by the rotation amount of the drive gear. 6.The automatic pivot adjustment apparatus of claim 4, wherein: a rotation amount of the locker to constrain or release the rotation part is preset, and the driver is configured to rotate the locker by the rotation amount of the locker. The vertical mover is configured to move the driver to a height at which the wrench is coupled to the drive gear or the locker.

7. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 4 wherein, 8.The automatic pivot adjustment apparatus of claim 4, wherein: a distance between the drive gear and the locker is preset, and the vertical mover is configured to move the driver such that the wrench is movable between a height at which the wrench is coupled to the drive gear and a height at which the wrench is coupled to the locker. ​ 9. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 4 wherein, The horizontal mover is configured to move the driver such that the wrench is coupled to or decoupled from the driving gear or the locker.

10. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 4 wherein, The horizontal mover is configured to move the driver such that the wrench is coupled to or decoupled from the driving gear or the locker.

11. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 4 wherein, The horizontal mover is configured to move the driver such that the wrench is coupled to or decoupled from the driving gear or the locker.

12. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: The controller is configured to control the driver, the vertical mover, and the horizontal mover to release the constraint on the rotation part by rotating the locker, change the moving range of the rotation shaft by rotating the driving gear, and constrain the rotation part by rotating the locker.

13. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 12, wherein, When the target bite thickness is set, the controller is configured to set the moving range of the rotation shaft corresponding to the set target bite thickness, calculate the rotation amount of the driving gear corresponding to the set moving range of the rotation shaft, and control the driver to rotate the driving gear by the rotation amount.

14. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: A sensor is configured to measure the height at which the cam follower bearing protrudes.

15. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The controller is configured to set the protruding height of the cam follower bearing corresponding to the set moving range of the rotation shaft, receive, from the sensor, protruding height data of the cam follower bearing in real time, and control the driver to protrude to the protruding height of the cam follower bearing.

16. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 14 wherein, The controller is configured to set the protruding height of the cam follower bearing corresponding to the set moving range of the rotation shaft, receive, from the sensor, protruding height data of the cam follower bearing, and calculate the difference between the protruding height and the protruding height data.

17. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 16, wherein, When the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the controller is configured to control the driver, the vertical mover, and the horizontal mover to change the moving range of the rotation shaft.

18. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 17, wherein, When the difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the controller is configured to calculate the rotation amount of the driving gear corresponding to the difference, and control the driver to rotate the driving gear by the rotation amount.

19. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The vertical mover includes: a vertical moving unit body coupled to the base frame; a vertical moving plate slidably coupled to the vertical moving unit body; and a first actuator on the vertical moving unit body and configured to move the vertical moving plate.

20. The automatic kingpin alignment apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The horizontal mover includes: a horizontal moving unit body coupled to the vertical moving plate; a horizontal moving plate slidably coupled to the horizontal moving unit body; a second actuator on the horizontal moving unit body and configured to move the horizontal moving plate; and a third actuator on the horizontal moving unit body and configured to move the horizontal moving plate. A driving unit clamp is on the horizontal moving plate, and a driver of the rotation shaft adjuster is coupled to the driving unit clamp.

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