Battery manufacturing electrode lead alignment device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing, comprising: an alignment support table on which electrode leads are placed; a first direction movement guide that presses the electrode leads on the alignment support table in a first direction to align them; a first direction movement member that moves along the first direction by a set first direction movement stroke and is connected to the first direction movement guide to move the first direction movement guide along the first direction; and a first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism that moves the first direction movement guide backward in a direction opposite to the forward movement of the first direction movement member when the alignment of the electrode leads by the first direction movement guide is completed and the electrode leads stop while the first direction movement member is moving forward in the first direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode lead alignment device for manufacturing batteries, particularly secondary batteries.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0174352 dated December 14, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, secondary batteries that are capable of being charged and discharged have come to be widely used as energy sources for wireless mobile devices.

[0004] In addition, secondary batteries are attracting attention not only for portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and camcorders, but also as energy sources for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, which have been presented as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline-powered and diesel-powered vehicles that use fossil fuels.

[0005] Generally, secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical or rectangular metal can, and pouch batteries, in which a rectangular battery and an electrode assembly are housed in a pouch-type case made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the battery case.

[0006] The electrode assembly contained in the battery case is a power generating element that includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes and is capable of charging and discharging. The electrode assembly can be classified into a jelly roll type electrode assembly and a stack type electrode assembly.

[0007] An electrode tab is provided at an end of an electrode (positive or negative electrode) included in the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead is provided to the electrode tab and welded thereto.

[0008] The electrode lead is aligned with a predetermined electrode lead alignment device before being moved to the electrode tab so that the electrode lead can be moved to a predetermined welding position for welding with the electrode tab.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a process of aligning electrode leads using a conventional electrode lead alignment device.

[0010] As shown in the figure, the electrode lead L is aligned in two directions, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The electrode lead alignment device includes an X-axis direction alignment mechanism 10 and a Y-axis direction alignment mechanism 20. The X-axis direction alignment mechanism 10 includes a moving guide 11 that moves the electrode lead L in the X-axis direction, and a fixed guide 12 that is disposed opposite the moving guide and supports the side surfaces of the electrode lead. The moving guide and the fixed guide together support both side surfaces of the electrode lead in the X-axis direction, and align the electrode lead L in the X-axis direction.

[0011] Moreover, the Y-axis direction alignment mechanism 20 also includes a moving guide 21 and a fixed guide 22, and aligns the electrode leads L in the Y-axis direction.

[0012] When the movable guide 11 of the X-axis alignment mechanism 10 moves a set movement stroke S1, the opposing ends of the movable guide 11 and the fixed guide 12 support one side and the other side of the electrode lead L, thereby completing the alignment of the electrode lead in the X-axis direction.

[0013] However, there is a tolerance in the size of the electrode lead L during the manufacturing process. If the size of the electrode lead L is constant, the moving guide 11 stops in a state where it contacts exactly one side of the electrode lead L (the dotted line part on the left side of the electrode lead in FIG. 1) when the alignment is completed.

[0014] However, in reality, since the electrode lead L has a product tolerance d1, for example, in the case of an electrode lead having a tolerance larger than a certain size, there is a risk of scratches or wrinkles occurring. That is, as shown in Fig. 1, when the moving guide 11 is moved by the same set moving stroke S1, one side of the electrode lead having a size larger than the tolerance d1 (solid line part on the left side of the electrode lead in Fig. 1) may be pressed by the moving guide 11 and wrinkled, or the electrode lead L may be scratched by the end of the moving guide.

[0015] Alternatively, even if the electrode lead has almost no tolerance, it may be positioned at an angle on the alignment support table during the process of being sucked and transferred by the sucker. In such a case, wrinkles or scratches may occur due to the movement guide.

[0016] This problem occurs not only in the X-axis direction alignment process but also in the Y-axis direction alignment process. That is, the electrode lead has not only a size tolerance d1 in the X-axis direction but also a size tolerance d2 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the Y-axis direction movement guide 21 moves by a set movement stroke S2, the electrode lead L having the tolerance d2 may be damaged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0017] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0112616 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrode lead alignment device having a predetermined backward movement mechanism that can accommodate the above product tolerances during electrode alignment.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode lead alignment device in which a moving guide that presses and aligns the electrode leads is equipped with guide rollers, thereby dispersing the surface pressure applied to the electrode leads during the alignment process and preventing damage to the electrode leads. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] In order to achieve the above object, the electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing of the present invention includes an alignment support table on which electrode leads are placed, a first direction movement guide that presses the electrode leads on the alignment support table in a first direction to align them, a first direction movement member that moves along the first direction by a set first direction movement stroke and is connected to the first direction movement guide to move the first direction movement guide along the first direction, and a first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism that moves the first direction movement guide backward in a direction opposite to the forward movement of the first direction movement member when alignment of the electrode leads by the first direction movement guide is completed and the electrode leads stop while the first direction movement member is moving forward in the first direction.

[0021] The advance distance of the first direction movement guide until the alignment of the electrode leads is completed is equal to or smaller than the set first direction movement stroke of the first direction movement member.

[0022] The electrode lead alignment device of the present invention may include a first direction movement mechanism having a first moving block that moves along a first direction and is fixedly connected to a lower part of the first direction movement member to move the first direction movement member along the first direction.

[0023] The electrode lead alignment device of the present invention may include a first guide block slidably coupled to a lower portion of the first moving block and guiding the movement of the first moving block in a first direction.

[0024] The first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism may include a first connection block connecting the first direction movement guide and the first direction movement member, one side of the first connection block may be fixedly connected to the first direction movement guide and the other side of the first connection block may be slidably connected to the first direction movement member.

[0025] The first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism may further include a first connecting shaft having one end fixedly connected to one of the first direction movement member and the first connecting block and the other end slidably connected to the other one, extending in the first direction, and a first elastic member installed on an outer periphery of the first connecting shaft, both ends of which are restricted by a side surface of the first direction movement member and a side surface of the first connecting block that face each other across the first connecting shaft.

[0026] The electrode lead alignment device of the present invention may further include a second guide block fixedly connected on the first direction moving member and slidably connected to the first connection block, guiding the movement of the first connection block in the first direction.

[0027] The first direction movement guide may include a first guide roller that rotates about a rotation axis and contacts the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in the first direction.

[0028] Another embodiment of the present invention may further include a second direction movement guide that presses the electrode leads on the alignment support table in a second direction to align them, and a second direction movement member that moves along the second direction by a set second direction movement stroke, is connected to the second direction movement guide, and moves the second direction movement guide along the second direction.

[0029] The above embodiment may include a second direction movement guide backward movement mechanism that moves the second direction movement guide backward in a direction opposite to the forward movement of the second direction movement member when alignment of the electrode lead by the second direction movement guide is completed and the electrode lead stops while the second direction movement member is moving forward in the second direction.

[0030] In this case, the advancement distance of the second direction movement guide until the alignment of the electrode leads is completed is equal to or smaller than the set second direction movement stroke of the second direction movement member.

[0031] The above embodiment may include a second direction movement mechanism having a second moving block that moves along the second direction and is fixedly connected to a lower part of the second direction moving member to move the second direction moving member along the second direction, and a third guide block that is slidably connected to the lower part of the second moving block and guides the movement of the second moving block in the second direction.

[0032] The second direction movement guide backward movement mechanism includes a second connection block connecting the second direction movement guide and the second direction movement member, one side of the second connection block is fixedly connected to the second direction movement guide and the other side of the second connection block can be slidably connected to the second direction movement member.

[0033] The second direction movement guide backward movement mechanism may further include a second connecting shaft having one end fixedly connected to one of the second direction movement member and the second connecting block and the other end slidably connected to the other one, extending in the second direction, and a second elastic member installed on the outer periphery of the second connecting shaft, both ends of which are restricted by a side surface of the second direction movement member and a side surface of the second connecting block that face each other with the second connecting shaft therebetween.

[0034] The second direction movement guide may include a second guide roller that rotates about a rotation axis and contacts the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in the second direction. Effect of the Invention

[0035] According to the present invention, when the alignment of the electrode leads is completed and the moving guide is in contact with the electrode leads, a backward movement mechanism is provided that can move backward in the opposite direction to the alignment direction. Thus, even if the electrode leads have a tolerance, the moving guide can move backward by the backward movement mechanism in accordance with the magnitude of the tolerance. Thus, even if the electrode leads have a large tolerance, the moving guide does not continue to push the electrode leads in the alignment direction, so that the electrode leads do not become wrinkled or scratched.

[0036] In particular, the backward movement mechanism includes an elastic member, and can smoothly absorb and cushion the impact applied to the electrode lead by the backward movement.

[0037] In addition, the electrode leads are provided with guide rollers that can distribute the surface pressure applied to the electrode leads during alignment and smoothly guide the electrode leads, making it possible to more reliably prevent damage to the electrode leads. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic plan view showing a process of aligning electrode leads using a conventional electrode lead alignment device; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrode lead alignment device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams showing the operation process of the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams showing the operation process of the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams showing an electrode lead alignment process using the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams showing an electrode lead alignment process using the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams showing a process of aligning electrode leads having a tolerance by the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams showing a process of aligning electrode leads having a tolerance by the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams showing a process of aligning electrode leads having a tolerance by the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a Y-axis direction alignment mechanism of the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an electrode lead alignment device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of a guide roller provided in the alignment device of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing a process of aligning electrode leads by an electrode lead alignment device of a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing a process of aligning electrode leads by an electrode lead alignment device of a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing a process of aligning electrode leads by an electrode lead alignment device of a second embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a Y-axis direction alignment mechanism of the electrode lead alignment device of the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of a backward movement mechanism of the electrode lead alignment device of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The present invention will be described in detail below. Before that, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that an inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best describe his own invention.

[0040] As used throughout the present specification, terms such as "comprise" and "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but may be understood as not precluding the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Furthermore, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is described as being "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly on" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is described as being "under" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Furthermore, in the specification of the present invention, being "on" can include not only the case where it is located at the top, but also the case where it is located at the bottom.

[0042] The electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing of the present invention includes an alignment support table on which electrode leads are placed, and a first direction alignment mechanism for aligning the electrode leads in a first direction. The first direction refers to a direction along the plane of the alignment support table. The first direction may be a front-rear direction or a left-right direction as long as it is along the plane. Alternatively, the first direction may be an oblique direction having an angle with the front-rear direction or the left-right direction. In short, the first direction refers to an optimal direction for alignment with respect to the electrode tab so as to improve welding quality in consideration of a welding process with the electrode tab in a subsequent process.

[0043] In this specification, for convenience, when the alignment support table is regarded as a plane, the front-rear direction of the plane is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the left-right direction of the plane is referred to as the Y-axis direction. The first direction can be the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0044] In addition, the electrode lead alignment device of the present invention in one embodiment may additionally include a second direction alignment mechanism in addition to the first direction alignment mechanism. For example, the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction. When the first direction is the X-axis direction, the second direction may be the Y-axis direction. Conversely, when the first direction is the Y-axis direction, the second direction may be the X-axis direction.

[0045] The first direction alignment mechanism includes a first direction movement guide that aligns the electrode lead on the alignment support table in the first direction, a first direction movement member that is connected to the first direction movement guide and moves the first direction movement guide along the first direction, and a first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism that moves the first direction movement guide backward. The alignment device of the present invention includes a first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism that performs its function when the alignment of the electrode lead by the first direction movement guide is completed and the electrode lead stops. The first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism moves the first direction movement guide backward in a direction opposite to the forward movement of the first direction movement member, so that the first direction movement guide does not press the electrode lead any more. This can prevent damage to the electrode lead. When the electrode lead has a tolerance larger than a predetermined size, the first direction movement guide is rather moved backward by the first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism. In this case, the first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism may include an elastic member such as a spring. The elastic member smoothly absorbs the pressure applied to the electrode lead in the backward direction. In this case, the elastic member functions as a cushion.

[0046] The retraction mechanism provides a retraction margin that corresponds to the tolerance of the electrode lead, and thus can prevent damage to the electrode lead despite the tolerance of the electrode lead.

[0047] Also, the alignment device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first guide roller that rotates around a rotation axis on the first direction moving guide. The first guide roller may contact the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in the first direction. In this case, the entire side surface of the first direction moving guide may not contact the side surface of the electrode lead, and only the first guide roller may contact the side surface of the electrode lead. That is, the electrode lead may be aligned by point contact where only the first guide roller contacts the electrode lead, rather than surface contact where the entire side surface of the moving guide contacts the electrode lead. This may distribute the surface pressure applied to the electrode lead, and more reliably prevent damage to the electrode lead.

[0048] As described above, the alignment device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention can accommodate size tolerances of the electrode leads by using the first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism, and can reliably prevent damage to the electrode leads by dispersing the surface pressure applied to the electrode leads by the first guide roller.

[0049] The electrode lead alignment device of the present invention may also include a second direction alignment mechanism. For example, when the first direction alignment mechanism aligns the electrode leads in the left-right direction, the second direction alignment mechanism may align the electrode leads in the front-back direction.

[0050] The second direction alignment mechanism may include a second direction movement guide that moves along the second direction in a conventional manner, and a fixed guide that is installed opposite the movement guide.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second direction alignment mechanism, like the first direction alignment mechanism, may include a second direction movement guide and a second direction movement member that moves the second direction movement guide along the second direction.

[0052] The second direction alignment mechanism may include a second direction movement guide backward movement mechanism that moves the second direction movement guide backward in a direction opposite to the forward movement of the second direction movement member. The second direction movement guide may include a second guide roller that rotates about a rotation axis and contacts the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in the second direction. This allows the second direction alignment mechanism to reliably prevent damage to the corresponding side of the electrode lead.

[0053] The functions and effects of the various embodiments of the present invention can be summarized as follows.

[0054] [1] When the first direction alignment mechanism is equipped with a first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism

[0055] For example, when the first direction is the X-axis direction and the second direction is the Y-axis direction, the first direction alignment mechanism may press the electrode lead in the X-axis direction to align the electrode lead in the X-axis direction. The electrode lead may be stopped by a support block or a first direction fixed guide. When the electrode lead is sandwiched between the first direction moving guide and the first direction fixed guide and stopped, the alignment of the electrode lead in the first direction is completed. However, despite the electrode lead alignment, the first direction moving member continues to move forward until it reaches a set first direction movement stroke. Initially, taking into consideration the tolerance of the electrode lead, the first direction movement stroke of the first direction moving member is set to be equal to or larger than the forward movement distance of the first direction moving guide until the alignment of the electrode lead is completed. That is, the forward movement distance of the first direction moving guide is equal to or smaller than the set first direction movement stroke of the first direction moving member. Therefore, even when the first direction moving guide moves by the forward movement distance and the alignment is completed by supporting the electrode lead between the first direction fixed guides, the first direction moving member continues to move forward. In this case, the first direction movement guide connected to the first direction movement member receives a pressure force from the side (first side perpendicular to the X-axis direction) of the electrode lead with which it is in contact. This means that the electrode lead also receives a pressure force from the first direction movement guide. Without the first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism, the first side of the electrode lead may be bent by the pressure force or scratches may occur on the first side. However, according to the present invention, the first direction backward movement mechanism moves the first direction movement guide backward. Therefore, the pressure force applied to the electrode lead can also be eliminated. In this case, the elastic member provided in the first direction backward movement mechanism acts as a buffer member or cushion that absorbs the pressure force.

[0056] [2] When the first direction alignment mechanism further includes a first guide roller

[0057] When the first direction moving guide includes a first guide roller, as described above, the surface pressure applied to the electrode lead can be dispersed to prevent damage to the electrode lead. When the first direction alignment mechanism first aligns the electrode lead in the first direction, the first side of the electrode lead is protected by the first direction backward movement mechanism and the first guide roller. When the alignment device of the present invention includes a conventional second direction alignment mechanism, the second direction moving guide of the second direction alignment mechanism can press the second side (the second side perpendicular to the Y-axis direction) of the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in the second direction. In this case, the first guide roller of the first direction alignment mechanism rotates to smoothly support the first side of the electrode lead. Therefore, even during the second direction alignment process, the surface pressure applied to the first side of the electrode lead can be dispersed to protect the first side.

[0058] Meanwhile, the second direction alignment mechanism may first align the electrode lead in the second direction, and then the first direction alignment mechanism may align the electrode lead in the first direction. In this case, the first direction backward movement mechanism may accommodate the size tolerance of the electrode lead in the X-axis direction as described above. Also, since the first guide roller of the first direction movement guide makes point contact with the first side surface of the electrode lead, the surface pressure applied to the first side surface may be dispersed to prevent damage to the electrode lead.

[0059] [3] When the second direction alignment mechanism is equipped with a second direction backward movement mechanism and / or a first guide roller

[0060] When the second direction alignment mechanism includes a second direction backward movement mechanism, it can also accommodate size tolerances of the electrode lead along the second direction. That is, when alignment of the electrode lead in the second direction (Y-axis direction) by the second direction guide is completed, the second direction movement guide can be moved backward in response to size tolerances of the electrode lead in the Y-axis direction, thereby eliminating pressure applied to the second side surface of the electrode lead. In addition, when the second direction movement guide includes a second guide roller, the second side surface of the electrode lead and the second guide roller come into point contact with each other to distribute the surface pressure, thereby preventing damage to the second side surface of the electrode lead.

[0061] In this case, the electrode lead may be aligned first in the first direction or first in the second direction. Regardless of which direction the electrode lead is aligned first, the first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism and / or the second direction backward movement mechanism described above can prevent damage to the first side and / or the second side of the electrode lead.

[0062] Furthermore, regardless of the direction in which the electrode leads are initially aligned, the first guide roller and / or the second guide roller can distribute the surface pressure on the first side surface and / or the second side surface of the electrode lead to prevent damage.

[0063] In particular, in the case of an embodiment in which both the first direction alignment mechanism and the second direction alignment mechanism have a backward movement mechanism and a guide roller, the electrode lead can be aligned in the first direction and the second direction simultaneously. Even if the first direction movement guide and the second direction movement guide press and align the electrode lead in the first direction and the second direction simultaneously, the surface pressure applied to the first side and the second side of the electrode lead as the first guide roller and the second guide roller rotate can be dispersed. In addition, since the first direction backward movement mechanism and the second direction backward movement mechanism move the first direction movement guide and the second direction movement guide backward, respectively, the movement guide does not press the electrode lead in the forward direction any more at the alignment position of the electrode lead in the first direction and the second direction. In other words, the forward movement distance of the first direction movement guide and the second direction movement guide is limited. Thereafter, the first direction moving member and / or the second direction moving member continue to move forward, causing the first direction moving guide and / or the second direction moving guide to move backward, thereby absorbing the X-axis direction (first direction) tolerance and Y-axis direction (second direction) tolerance of the electrode lead, thereby effectively protecting the first side and the second side of the electrode lead.

[0064] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] (First embodiment) Figure 2 is an oblique view of the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment, Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing the operating process of the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment, Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing the electrode lead alignment process using the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment, Figures 7 to 9 are schematic diagrams showing the process of aligning electrode leads having tolerances using the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment, and Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the Y-axis alignment mechanism of the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode lead alignment apparatus 1000 for battery manufacturing according to the first embodiment includes an alignment support table 100, a first direction movement guide 210, a first direction movement member 220, and a first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism 230.

[0067] The alignment support stage 100 is a place where the electrode leads L are mounted, and the electrode leads L are aligned in a first direction and / or a second direction on the alignment support stage 100. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the alignment support stage 100 includes an alignment support part 110 extending horizontally, and a support frame 120 coupled to a lower part of the alignment support part 110. The alignment support part 110 has an area capable of stably supporting the electrode leads L. For example, even if the electrode leads L are displaced in the X-axis or Y-axis and are supported by being sandwiched between a moving guide and a fixed guide, the alignment support part 110 may have an area (size) capable of stably supporting most of the lower part of the electrode leads.

[0068] Furthermore, the alignment device 1000 of this embodiment may include a base frame F that supports the alignment support table 100. The alignment support table 100 is firmly fixed to the base frame F. Furthermore, various components of the first direction alignment mechanism 200 and the second direction alignment mechanism 300 may be installed on the base frame F. In addition, other components required for alignment may be installed on the base frame F. By densely arranging the alignment components on the base frame F, the alignment device 1000 may be configured to be compact.

[0069] The alignment device 1000 of this embodiment includes a first direction alignment mechanism 200 and a second direction alignment mechanism 300. In this embodiment, the first direction is the X-axis direction, which is the left-right direction, and the second direction is the Y-axis direction, which is the front-back direction. Of course, it is also possible for the first direction to be the Y-axis direction and the second direction to be the X-axis direction.

[0070] The above-mentioned first direction movement guide 210 , first direction movement member 220 and first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism 230 are all components of the first direction alignment mechanism 200 .

[0071] The first direction movement guide 210 presses the electrode lead L on the alignment support stand 100 in the X-axis direction to align it. The first direction movement guide 210 advances from the right side to the left side in Fig. 2 to move the electrode lead L. The right side surface (first side surface) of the electrode lead L is pressed by the end of the first direction movement guide 210 and moved to the left.

[0072] The first direction alignment mechanism 200 includes a first direction fixed guide 290. The first direction fixed guide 290 is installed facing the first direction movement guide 210 along the X-axis direction with the alignment support table 100 therebetween. The first direction fixed guide 290 supports the electrode lead L moved by the first direction movement guide 210, and aligns the electrode lead L together with the first direction movement guide 210. The first direction fixed guide 290 is coupled to a guide support frame 291 and may be positioned at a predetermined height. The guide support frame 291 is coupled to a base frame F.

[0073] A first direction moving member 220 is provided to move the first direction moving guide 210. The first direction moving member 220 moves along the first direction by a set first direction movement stroke, and is connected to the first direction moving guide 210 to move the first direction moving guide 210 along the first direction. The first direction alignment mechanism 200 may include a first direction moving mechanism to move the first direction moving member 220. The first direction moving mechanism may adopt a known linear moving mechanism that can linearly move the first direction moving member 220 along the first direction. In this embodiment, the linear moving mechanism is configured by a driving source such as a motor (not shown), a first cylinder 241 connected to the driving source, and a first moving block 240 connected to the first cylinder 241. The first moving block 240 may move forward and backward in the X-axis direction according to the movement of the first cylinder 241. The first direction moving member 220 is fixedly connected to an upper portion of the first moving block 240. Therefore, the first direction moving member 220 moves forward and backward in the X-axis direction according to the movement of the first moving block 240 fixedly coupled to the lower portion thereof.

[0074] In order to guide the movement of the first moving block 240, a first guide block 250 may be coupled to a lower portion of the first moving block 240. The first guide block 250 may be coupled to the base frame F directly or via another member. In this embodiment, the first guide block 250 is coupled on a support block 260, and the support block 260 is coupled to the base frame F. The first guide block 250 may have a guide rail on an upper surface. The first moving block 240 may have a guide rail groove that engages with the guide rail on a lower surface. Since such a guide mechanism using the guide rail and the guide rail groove is well known, additional description will be omitted. In this way, the first moving block 240 may be flexibly guided along the first direction by the first guide block 250, and therefore the first direction moving member 220 coupled to the first moving block 240 may also flexibly move forward and backward (reciprocate) along the first direction by a set first direction movement stroke.

[0075] The first direction moving member 220 is connected to the first direction moving guide 210. Therefore, the first direction moving guide 210 moves together with the first direction moving member 220 when the first direction moving member 220 moves in the first direction.

[0076] A first connection block 231 is provided to connect the first direction moving member 220 and the first direction moving guide 210. The first connection block 231 is a component of a first direction moving guide backward movement mechanism 230 described below. One side (upper side) of the first connection block 231 is fixedly coupled to the first direction moving guide 210. The other side (lower side) of the first connection block 231 is slidably connected to the first direction moving member 220.

[0077] Since the first connection block 231 is fixedly connected to the first direction movement guide 210, the first direction movement guide 210 moves in accordance with the movement of the first connection block 231.

[0078] Meanwhile, the first connection block 231 is mounted on an upper surface of the first direction moving member 220. The first connection block 231 may be directly mounted on the first direction moving member 220. In this case, the above-mentioned guide rail groove and guide rail may be provided on a lower portion of the first connection block 231 and an upper surface of the first direction moving member 220, respectively.

[0079] Alternatively, as in the present embodiment, the first connection block 231 may be mounted on the first direction moving member 220 via a predetermined connection member. The connection member includes a second guide block 280 fixedly coupled to the first direction moving member 220. The second guide block 280 is slidably coupled to a lower surface of the first connection block 231. A sliding block 270 slidably coupled to the second guide block 280 may be provided on a lower portion of the first connection block 231. Therefore, the sliding block 270 and the first connection block 231 may be guided by the second guide block 280 and moved backward relative to the first direction moving member 220.

[0080] The alignment device 1000 of this embodiment includes a first direction movement guide rearward movement mechanism 230 that moves the first direction movement guide 210 backward.

[0081] The backward movement mechanism 230 does not move the first direction movement guide 210 backward until the alignment of the electrode lead L is completed. However, when the first direction movement guide 210 moves forward in the X-axis direction and fixes the electrode lead L together with the first direction fixed guide 290, the backward movement mechanism 230 is first actuated. That is, when the first direction movement member 220 continues to move forward despite the alignment of the electrode lead L by the first direction movement guide 210 being completed and the electrode lead L being stopped while the first direction movement member 220 is moving forward in the X-axis direction, the backward movement mechanism 230 moves the first direction movement guide 210 backward in the opposite direction to the forward movement of the first direction movement member 220.

[0082] The first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism 230 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0083] As described above, the first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism 230 includes the first connection block 231 that connects the first direction movement guide 210 and the first direction movement member 220 .

[0084] In addition, the backward movement mechanism 230 further includes a first connection shaft 232 that connects the first direction movement member 220 and the first connection block 231, and a first elastic member 233 that is wound around the outer periphery of the first connection shaft 232.

[0085] That is, the first direction moving member 220 is slidably connected to the lower surface of the first connecting block 231, for example, via a second guide block 280 and a sliding block 270, and is also slidably connected to the first connecting block 231 by a first connecting shaft 232.

[0086] The first direction moving member 220 may include a horizontal block 221 connected to a lower surface of the first connecting block 231, and a vertical block 222 connected to the first connecting shaft 232. A second guide block 280 is fixedly connected to an upper surface of the horizontal block 221, and the first connecting block 231 is slidably connected to an upper surface of the second guide block 280 via a sliding block 270.

[0087] In addition, one end of the first connecting shaft 232 is fixedly coupled to the vertical block 222. Specifically, a through insertion hole 222-1 is formed in the vertical block 222, and the tip of the first connecting shaft 232 is inserted into the through insertion hole 222-1. A fastening member B is fastened to the tip of the first connecting shaft from the opposite side to the tip insertion side of the first connecting shaft 232, and the first connecting shaft 232 is fixedly coupled to the vertical block 222. A fastening member coupling hole may be provided at the tip of the first connecting shaft for coupling with the fastening member B. In addition, an insertion hole 231A-1 into which the first connecting shaft 232 is inserted is provided at a side portion of the first connecting block 231 facing the vertical block 222. The other end of the first connecting shaft 232 is slidably coupled in the insertion hole 231A-1. The first connecting shaft 232 spans between the vertical block 222 and the first connecting block 231 to connect the vertical block 222 and the first connecting block 231. The insertion hole 231A-1 provided in the first connecting block 231 has a sufficient length to allow the first connecting shaft 232 to slide. That is, the length of the insertion hole may be set so that the other end of the first connecting shaft 232 does not hit the bottom surface of the insertion hole 231A-1 even if the first connecting shaft 232 slides into the insertion hole 231A-1. The insertion hole 231A-1 may have a hole enlarged diameter part 231A-2 at a lower part, the hole enlarged diameter part having a diameter larger than the diameter of the first connecting shaft 232. In this embodiment, the first connecting shaft 232 is fixedly connected to the first direction moving member 220 and slidably connected to the first connecting block 231. However, as described below, it is also possible for the first connecting shaft 232 to be fixedly connected to the first connecting block 231 and slidably connected to the first direction moving member 220.

[0088] In order to absorb shock caused by the backward movement of the first direction movement guide 210, a first elastic member 233 such as a spring is installed on the outer periphery of the first connection shaft 232. Both ends of the first elastic member 233 are restricted by the side of the first direction movement member 220 and the side of the first connection block 231, which face each other with the first connection shaft 232 in between. Therefore, for example, when the first connection block 231 moves backward, the first elastic member 233 is pressed by the opposing side surfaces of the first direction movement member 220 and the first connection block 231, so that the first connection block 231 can flexibly move (move backward) relative to the vertical block 222 of the first direction movement member 220 (see FIG. 4). In addition, the first elastic member 233 contracted by being pressed provides a restoring force for the return of the first connection block 231. For example, when the pressure of the electrode lead L applied to the first direction movement guide 210 is released, the first connection block 231 returns (advances) to its original position due to the restoring force of the first elastic member 233. For stable operation of the first elastic member 233, an end of the first elastic member 233 may be fixed to an opposite side of the vertical block 222 and / or an opposite side of the first connection block 231. Referring to FIG. 3, a first elastic member mounting groove 222a is formed on an opposite side of the vertical block 222 facing the first connection block 231, and an end of the first elastic member 233 is coupled to the mounting groove 222a.

[0089] The operation of the first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism 230 of the aligning device 1000 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0090] The movement stroke of the first moving block 240 and the first direction moving member 220 may be set in consideration of the size of the electrode lead L, the distance between the electrode lead L and the first direction fixed guide 290, etc. The electrode lead L is moved on the alignment support base 100 and stops in contact with the first direction fixed guide 290, so the movement stroke may be a length that is a combination of the size of the electrode lead L and the distance between the electrode lead L and the first direction fixed guide 290. However, the size of the electrode lead L has a tolerance as described above. If the movement stroke is set in consideration of an electrode lead L of an intermediate size, the first direction moving guide 210 connected to the first direction moving member 220 cannot reach an electrode lead L of a smaller size, and it is difficult to align the electrode lead L. That is, the first direction moving guide 210 needs to advance to an extent that the first direction moving guide 210 can press the electrode lead L and stably support (align) the electrode lead L between the first direction fixed guide 290. In consideration of this, the first direction movement stroke of the first direction movement member 220 is set to be equal to or greater than the forward movement distance of the first direction movement guide 210 until the alignment of the electrode leads L. That is, the forward movement distance of the first direction movement guide 210 until the alignment of the electrode leads L is set to be equal to or smaller than the set first direction movement stroke of the first direction movement member 220.

[0091] 5 and 6 show a case where the forward movement distance of the first direction movement guide 210 is the same as the first direction movement stroke.

[0092] First, in FIG. 5, the first direction moving member 220 moves forward due to the movement of the first moving block 240. As a result, the first direction moving guide 210 connected to the first direction moving member 220 also moves forward and comes into contact with the electrode lead L placed on the alignment support table 100 (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) (see FIG. 6). When the first direction moving member 220 continues to move, the electrode lead L is pressed by the first direction moving guide 210, and finally the other side of the electrode lead L hits the first direction fixed guide 290 and stops. That is, the first direction alignment of the electrode lead L is completed in a state where the electrode lead L is sandwiched and stopped between the first direction moving guide 210 and the first direction fixed guide 290. Ideally, the movement of the first direction moving member 220 also ends when the forward movement of the first direction moving guide 210 is completed. That is, in this case, the movement stroke of the first direction movement member 220 is the same as the forward movement distance of the first direction movement guide 210 at the time of completing the alignment.

[0093] If the stroke of the first direction moving member 220 is smaller than the forward movement distance of the first direction moving guide 210 shown in FIG. 6, the movement of the first direction moving guide 210 ends with the other side of the electrode lead L not contacting the first direction fixed guide 290. In this case, the electrode lead L cannot be completely aligned in the first direction. Therefore, the stroke of the first direction moving member 220 is usually set to be equal to or larger than the forward movement distance of the first direction moving guide 210 at the time of completing the alignment. However, when the electrode lead L has a tolerance as shown in FIG. 1, the first direction moving member 220 continues to advance toward the electrode lead L even when the alignment of the first direction moving guide 210 is completed. In this case, there is a risk that the electrode lead L will be damaged by being pressed by the first direction moving guide 210.

[0094] 7 to 9 illustrate the operation of the backward movement mechanism 230 for preventing damage to the electrode lead.

[0095] The electrode lead L is longer in length in the X-axis direction than the electrode lead L in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 by a tolerance d1.

[0096] In FIG. 7, as the first direction movement member 220 advances toward the electrode lead L side, the first direction movement guide 210 also advances therewith.

[0097] In FIG. 8, the first direction moving guide 210 presses the electrode lead L against the first direction fixed guide 290, and the alignment of the electrode lead L in the X-axis direction is completed.

[0098] However, as shown in FIG. 9, the first direction moving member 220 continues to move forward until it reaches the set movement stroke in the X-axis direction. In this case, the tip of the first direction moving guide 210 and the electrode lead L are pressed against each other. Without the backward movement mechanism 230, the electrode lead L may be damaged by the first direction moving guide 210. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the first connection block 231 of the backward movement mechanism 230 is coupled to the first direction moving member 220 so as to be capable of moving backward. Specifically, the first direction moving guide 210 is pressed by the electrode lead L, and receives a force in the backward direction. As a result, the first connection block 231 coupled to the first direction moving guide 210 moves backward. At this time, the first connection shaft 232 slides in the insertion hole 231A-1 of the first connection block 231, and the first connection block 231 stably moves backward along the first connection shaft 232 toward the first direction connecting member (vertical block 222). Due to the backward movement of the first connection block 231, the first elastic member 233 installed on the side of the first connection block 231 is compressed and contracted (see FIGS. 4 and 9). That is, the first elastic member 233 absorbs the pressure force applied when the first connection block 231 moves backward while being compressed by the vertical block 222 and the first connection block 231. This also reduces the contact pressure applied by the first direction movement guide 210 to the first side of the electrode lead L, making it possible to prevent damage to the electrode lead L.

[0099] 9, the backward movement mechanism 230 of the present invention provides a margin for the backward movement of the first direction movement guide 210. Therefore, even if there is a tolerance d1 in the first direction size of the electrode lead L, it can be easily accommodated. Depending on the size of the tolerance, the backward movement distance of the first direction movement guide 210 may also become large.

[0100] Although not shown in Figures 5 to 9, the first direction movement guide 210 and the first connecting block 231 can be smoothly guided backward relative to the first direction movement member 220 by the second guide block 280 shown in Figures 2 to 4.

[0101] In FIG. 5 to FIG. 9, the movement stroke of the first direction moving member 220 is set so that the first direction moving guide 210 moves until it abuts against the first side surface of the electrode lead L and is aligned. However, as described later, the movement stroke of the first direction moving member 220 can be set large so that the first direction moving guide 210 moves to a range that passes through the first side surface of the electrode lead L. Of course, the actual first direction moving guide 210 does not move to a range that passes through the first side surface, and when the first direction moving guide 210 abuts against the first side surface, it is moved backward by the backward movement mechanism 230. In this case, regardless of the presence or absence of a tolerance of the electrode lead L, the backward movement mechanism always operates to move the first direction moving guide 210 backward when the alignment is completed. Setting the movement stroke large in this way has the advantage that all the electrode leads L can be stably aligned regardless of the presence or absence of a tolerance of the electrode lead L.

[0102] In this embodiment, the electrode leads L are aligned with the first direction being the X-axis direction. However, the electrode leads L may also be aligned with the first direction being the Y-axis direction.

[0103] Meanwhile, the electrode lead alignment device 1000 may further include a second direction alignment mechanism 300 .

[0104] In this case, the second direction alignment mechanism 300 may include a second direction moving guide 21 for pressing the electrode lead L in the second direction to align it, and a second direction fixed guide 22 installed facing the second direction moving guide along the second direction with the alignment support table 100 therebetween, as shown in FIG. 1. That is, the alignment device 1000 of the present embodiment may include a conventional second direction alignment mechanism 20. However, in this case, it is not possible to accommodate the tolerance d2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) of the electrode lead L. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the second side of the electrode lead L having the tolerance d2 in the Y-axis direction may be damaged.

[0105] In order to prevent this, the electrode lead alignment device 1000 of this embodiment is provided with a second direction alignment mechanism 300 having a backward movement mechanism 330.

[0106] 2 and 10, the Y-axis direction alignment mechanism has almost the same configuration as the X-axis direction alignment mechanism. That is, the Y-axis direction alignment mechanism 300 also includes a second direction movement guide 310 which presses the electrode lead L on the alignment support table 100 in the second direction to align it, and a second direction movement member 320 which moves along the second direction by a set second direction movement stroke, is connected to the second direction movement guide, and moves the second direction movement guide along the second direction. In addition, the Y-axis direction alignment mechanism 300 includes a second direction movement guide backward movement mechanism 330 which moves the second direction movement guide 310 backward in a direction opposite to the forward movement of the second direction movement member 320 when the alignment of the electrode lead L by the second direction movement guide 310 is completed and the electrode lead L stops while the second direction movement member 320 moves forward in the second direction.

[0107] In this case, the forward movement distance of the second direction movement guide 310 until the alignment of the electrode leads L is completed is equal to or smaller than the set second direction movement stroke of the second direction movement member 320.

[0108] The Y-axis direction alignment mechanism 300 includes a second direction movement mechanism that moves the second direction movement member 320 along the second direction. The second direction movement mechanism may employ a known linear movement mechanism that can linearly move the second direction movement member 320 along the second direction. In this embodiment, the linear movement mechanism is configured with a driving source such as a motor, a second cylinder 341 connected to the driving source, and a second movement block 340 moved by the second cylinder 341.

[0109] The second direction moving member 320 is fixedly coupled to an upper surface of the second moving block 340. In addition, a third guide block 350 is slidably coupled to a lower portion of the second moving block 340. The third guide block 350 guides the movement of the second moving block 340 in the second direction.

[0110] In addition, the second direction movement guide backward movement mechanism 330 includes a second connection block 331 connecting the second direction movement guide 310 and the second direction movement member 320. One side (top side) of the second connection block 331 is fixedly coupled to the second direction movement guide 310, and the other side of the second connection block 331 is slidably connected to the second direction movement member 320.

[0111] In addition, the second direction movement guide backward mechanism 330 further includes a second connecting shaft 332 having one end fixedly connected to one of the second direction movement member 320 and the second connecting block 331 and the other end slidably connected to the other one, extending in the second direction, and a second elastic member 333 installed on the outer periphery of the second connecting shaft 332 and having both ends restricted by the side of the second direction movement member 320 and the side of the second connecting block 331 that face each other across the second connecting shaft.

[0112] The second direction moving member 320 also includes a horizontal block 321 and a vertical block 322 so as to be connectable with the second connecting block 331 .

[0113] In addition, one end of the second connecting shaft 332 is fixedly coupled to the vertical block 322. Specifically, a through insertion hole 322-1 is formed in the vertical block 322, and the tip of the second connecting shaft 332 is inserted into the through insertion hole 322-1. A fastening member B is fastened to the tip of the second connecting shaft from the opposite side to the tip insertion side of the second connecting shaft 332, and the second connecting shaft 332 is fixedly coupled to the vertical block 322. A fastening member coupling hole may be provided at the tip of the second connecting shaft for coupling with the fastening member B. In addition, an insertion hole 331A-1 into which the second connecting shaft 332 is inserted is provided at a side portion of the second connecting block 331 facing the vertical block 322. The other end of the second connecting shaft 332 is slidably coupled in the insertion hole 331A-1. The second connecting shaft 332 spans between the vertical block 322 and the second connecting block 331 to connect the vertical block 322 and the second connecting block 331. The insertion hole 331A-1 provided in the second connecting block 331 has a sufficient length to allow the second connecting shaft 332 to slide. That is, the length of the insertion hole may be set so that the other end of the second connecting shaft 332 does not hit the bottom surface of the insertion hole 331A-1 even if the second connecting shaft 332 slides into the insertion hole 331A-1. The insertion hole 331A-1 may have a hole enlarged diameter part 331A-2 at a lower part, the hole enlarged diameter part having a diameter larger than the diameter of the second connecting shaft 332. In this embodiment, the second connecting shaft 332 is fixedly connected to the second direction moving member 320 and slidably connected to the second connecting block 331. However, it is also possible that the second connecting shaft 332 is fixedly connected to the second connecting block 331 and slidably connected to the second directional moving member 320 .

[0114] For stable operation of the second elastic member 333, an end of the second elastic member 333 may be fixed to an opposing side of the vertical block 322 and / or an opposing side of the second connecting block 331. Referring to Fig. 10, a second elastic member mounting groove 322a is formed on an opposing side of the vertical block 322 facing the second connecting block 331, and an end of the second elastic member 333 is coupled to the mounting groove 322a.

[0115] As described above, the second direction (Y direction) alignment mechanism 300, like the first direction alignment mechanism 200, is also provided with the backward movement mechanism 330, and can accommodate the tolerance d2 of the electrode lead L along the second direction.

[0116] According to this embodiment, the electrode lead L can be reliably aligned in the first and second directions while effectively preventing damage to the first and second sides of the electrode lead L.

[0117] Second embodiment Figure 11 is an oblique view of an electrode lead alignment device of the second embodiment, Figure 12 is an oblique view of an example of a guide roller provided in the alignment device of the second embodiment, Figures 13 to 15 are schematic views showing the process of aligning electrode leads using the electrode lead alignment device of the second embodiment, and Figure 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the Y-axis alignment mechanism of the electrode lead alignment device of the second embodiment.

[0118] The alignment device 2000 of the second embodiment is characterized in that the first direction alignment mechanism 200 includes a first guide roller 211 in addition to the backward movement mechanism.

[0119] As described above, when the end of the first direction movement guide 210 comes into overall contact with the first side surface of the electrode lead L, that is, makes so-called surface contact, a large surface pressure may be applied to the first side surface of the electrode lead L. In this case, even when the first direction movement guide 210 is moved backward by the backward movement mechanism 230, a relatively large surface pressure may be applied to the first side surface of the electrode lead L because the contact area between the electrode lead L and the first direction movement guide 210 is large.

[0120] In this embodiment, a first guide roller 211 is provided at a portion of the first direction movement guide 210 that comes into contact with the electrode lead L to distribute or reduce the surface pressure.

[0121] 11, a first guide roller 211 that rotates around a rotation axis is provided at the tip of the first direction movement guide 210. The first guide roller 211 may be, for example, a cam follower.

[0122] FIG. 12 shows the basic structure of the cam follower. The cam follower is a compact, highly rigid shaft-attached bearing with needle rollers 211d assembled therein, used as a guide roller for cam mechanisms and linear motion. The outer ring 211b of the cam follower rotates while directly contacting the mating surface (the first side surface of the electrode lead L), so it is designed to be thick and withstand impact loads. The needle rollers 211d attached to the cage 211c are assembled inside the outer ring 211b, so that it can prevent skew and sufficiently withstand high-speed rotation. The outer ring 211b freely rotates around the rotating shaft 211a (stud) and comes into contact with the electrode lead L to align the electrode lead L in the first direction. Reference numeral 211e, which will not be described, is a sealing member.

[0123] In order to support the rotation shaft of the first guide roller 211, the alignment device 2000 of this embodiment may include a shaft support part 212. The rotation shaft 211a may be fixedly coupled within the shaft support part 212, and the outer ring 211b of the cam follower may rotate on the shaft support part 212. In addition, the shaft support part 212 may be coupled to an end of the first direction movement guide 210. The first guide roller 211 may be coupled to the end of the first direction movement guide 210 by fastening the shaft support part 212 to the end of the first direction movement guide 210 with a fastening member B.

[0124] A plurality of first guide rollers 211 may be disposed at the end of the first direction movement guide 210. In order to reduce surface pressure and stably guide the electrode lead L, a pair of first guide rollers 211 are installed on both sides of the tip of the first direction movement guide 210 in FIG.

[0125] An outer ring 211b of the first guide roller 211 (cam follower) protrudes from the first direction movement guide 210 and comes into contact with the electrode lead L to align it.

[0126] The first guide roller 211 is not limited to a cam follower, and other types of guide rollers 211 may also be used.

[0127] The operation of the aligning device 2000 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0128] In this embodiment, the first direction movement stroke of the first direction movement member 220 is set to be larger than that disclosed in Figs. 7 to 9. That is, the movement stroke of the first direction movement member 220 is set so that the first direction movement guide 210 moves to a range passing through the first side surface of the electrode lead L having no tolerance. That is, the first direction movement stroke of the first direction movement member 220 is set as a movement stroke for moving the first direction movement guide 210 to a specific point P on the electrode lead L. This means that unless there is a backward movement mechanism 230, the first direction movement guide 210 moves to point P by the movement of the first direction movement member 220. Therefore, without the backward movement mechanism 230, the first direction movement guide 210 is set to move further forward by L1, which is the distance between the first side surface of the electrode lead L and point P. In this case, regardless of the presence or absence of a tolerance of the electrode lead L, the backward movement mechanism 230 always operates to move the first direction movement guide 210 backward when the alignment is completed. By setting the movement stroke of the first direction moving member 220 to this large value, all the electrode leads L can be stably aligned regardless of the presence or absence of tolerance of the electrode leads L. Since the first direction moving member 220 is set to move forward by a distance L1, which is the distance between the first side surface of the electrode lead L and point P, the movement stroke of the first direction moving member 220 becomes larger by a distance L1'. As a result, as described below, the first connection block 231 can be moved backward by a distance L1''. The distances L1, L1', and L1'' are the same or similar in size.

[0129] In FIG. 13, as the first direction movement member 220 advances toward the electrode lead side, the first direction movement guide 210 also advances therewith.

[0130] In FIG. 14, the first direction moving guide 210 presses the electrode lead L against the first direction fixed guide 290, and the alignment of the electrode lead L in the X-axis direction is completed.

[0131] In this case, the movement stroke of the first direction movement member 220 is set long so that the first direction movement guide 210 moves to the inside of the electrode lead L by a predetermined distance L1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the first direction movement member 220 continues to move forward until it reaches the set X-axis direction movement stroke. In this case, the tip of the first direction movement guide 210 and the electrode lead L are pressed against each other. The first direction movement guide 210 is pressed by the electrode lead L, and receives a force in the backward direction. As a result, the first connection block 231 coupled with the first direction movement guide 210 moves backward (see FIG. 15). At this time, the first connection shaft 232 slides in the insertion hole 231A-1 of the first connection block 231, and the first connection block 231 stably moves backward along the first connection shaft 232 toward the vertical block 222 of the first direction connection member. Due to the backward movement of the first connection block 231, the first elastic member 233 installed on the side of the first connection block 231 is compressed and contracted. That is, the first elastic member 233 absorbs the pressure generated when the first connection block 231 moves backward while being compressed by the vertical block 222 and the first connection block 231. This also reduces the contact pressure that the first direction movement guide 210 applies to the first side of the electrode lead L, thereby preventing damage to the electrode lead L.

[0132] In addition, the first direction movement guide 210 and the first connection block 231 can be smoothly guided by the first guide block 280 relative to the first direction movement member 220 and moved backward.

[0133] According to this embodiment, the first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism 230 can accommodate the tolerance of the electrode lead L to prevent damage to the electrode lead L.

[0134] Moreover, the first guide rollers 211 can more reliably prevent damage to the electrode leads L.

[0135] The alignment device 2000 of this embodiment may also additionally include a second direction alignment mechanism 300 .

[0136] The second direction alignment mechanism may include a moving guide and a fixed guide that does not include a rearward moving mechanism as in the prior art.

[0137] In this case, however, the second side of the electrode lead L may be damaged. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 16, the second direction alignment mechanism 300 is also provided with the second direction movement guide backward movement mechanism 330, which is the same as that described in the first embodiment. This makes it possible to protect the electrode lead L in accordance with all size tolerances according to the X-axis and Y-axis directions of the electrode lead L.

[0138] In addition, the second direction movement guide 310 may also include a second guide roller 311 that rotates about a rotation axis and contacts the electrode lead L to align the electrode lead L in the second direction. The second guide roller 311 may be a cam follower.

[0139] In order to support the rotation axis of the second guide roller 311, the alignment device 2000 of this embodiment may include a shaft support part 312. In addition, the shaft support part 312 may be coupled to an end part of the second direction movement guide 310.

[0140] As a result, the second direction alignment mechanism 300 can also prevent damage to the electrode leads L by the second direction movement guide backward movement mechanism 330 in accordance with the tolerance d2 of the electrode leads L. In addition, the second guide rollers 311 can more reliably prevent damage to the electrode leads L.

[0141] Although not shown, the second direction alignment mechanism 300 may have only the second guide roller 311 in the second direction movement guide without the backward movement mechanism 330.

[0142] Third embodiment FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of the backward movement mechanism of the electrode lead aligning device of the present invention.

[0143] In the alignment devices of the first and second embodiments, the first connecting shaft 232 of the backward movement mechanism 230 is fixedly connected to the first direction moving member 220 and slidably connected to the first connecting block 231.

[0144] In the backward movement mechanism 230 ′ of this modified example, the first connection shaft 232 is fixedly connected to the first connection block 231 , and is slidably connected to the first direction moving member 220 .

[0145] The first direction moving member 220 may include a horizontal block 221 connected to a lower surface of the first connecting block 231, and a vertical block 222 coupled to the first connecting shaft 232. A second guide block (not shown) is fixedly coupled to an upper surface of the horizontal block 221, and the first connecting block 231 is slidably coupled to an upper surface of the second guide block.

[0146] Further, the vertical block 222 is provided with a through-insertion hole 222-1', and the other end 232a of the first connecting shaft 232 is slidably coupled to the vertical block 222 through the through-insertion hole 222-1'.

[0147] An insertion hole 231B into which one end 232b of the first connecting shaft 232 is inserted is provided on a side surface of the first connecting block 231 facing the vertical block 222. One end 232b of the first connecting shaft 232 is fixedly coupled to the insertion hole 231B. The first connecting shaft 232 spans between the vertical block 222 and the first connecting block 231 to connect the vertical block 222 and the first connecting block 231.

[0148] In order to absorb shock caused by the backward movement of the first direction movement guide 210, a first elastic member 233 such as a spring is installed on the outer periphery of the first connection shaft 232. Both ends of the first elastic member 233 are restricted by the side of the first direction movement member 220 and the side of the first connection block 231, which face each other with the first connection shaft 232 in between. Therefore, for example, when the first connection block 231 moves backward, the first elastic member 233 is pressed by the respective facing sides of the first direction movement member 220 and the first connection block 231. As a result, the first connection block 231 can flexibly move with respect to the vertical block 222 of the first direction movement member 220. For stable operation of the first elastic member 233, the ends of the first elastic member 233 can be fixed to the facing side of the vertical block 222 and / or the facing side of the first connection block 231. 17, a first elastic member mounting groove 222a is formed on an inner surface of the vertical block 222 facing the first connecting block 231, and an end of the first elastic member 233 is coupled to the mounting groove 222a. Meanwhile, a connecting shaft enlarged diameter portion 232c for pressing the first elastic member 233 may be installed on the outer periphery of the first connecting shaft 232. Also, a mounting groove 231C in which the connecting shaft enlarged diameter portion 232c is mounted is provided on a side surface of the first connecting block 231. The first connecting shaft 232 is fixedly coupled to the first connecting block 231 such that one end 232b is inserted and mounted in the insertion hole 231B of the first connecting block 231, and at the same time, the connecting shaft enlarged diameter portion 232c is mounted in the mounting groove 231C of the first connecting block 231. The first elastic member 233 may be pressed by the connecting shaft enlarged diameter portion 232c.

[0149] As described above, the electrode lead alignment device according to the present invention can align electrode leads in a first direction and / or a second direction while preventing damage to the electrode leads in accordance with various sizes of electrode leads.

[0150] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be readily apparent to anyone skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] A: Adsorption device L: Electrode lead 100: Alignment support stand 110: Alignment support part 120: Support frame 200: First direction alignment mechanism 210: First direction movement guide 220: First direction moving member 230: First direction moving guide backward moving mechanism 231: First connecting block 232: 1st connection shaft 233: First elastic member 240: First moving block 250: First guide block 260: Support block 270: Sliding Block 280: Second guide block 290: 1st direction fixed guide 291: Guide support frame 300: Second direction alignment mechanism 310: Second direction moving guide 320: second direction moving member 330: Second direction moving guide backward movement mechanism 331: 2nd connecting block 332:Second connection shaft 333: Second elastic member 340: Second moving block 350: 3rd guide block 370: Sliding Block 380: 4th guide block 390: First direction fixed guide B: Fastening member F: Base frame

Claims

1. an alignment support on which the electrode leads are placed; a first direction movement guide for pressing the electrode leads on the alignment support table in a first direction to align the electrode leads; a first direction moving member that moves in a first direction by a set first direction movement stroke, is connected to the first direction moving guide, and moves the first direction moving guide in the first direction; and a first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism that moves the first direction movement guide backward in a direction opposite to the forward movement of the first direction movement member when the alignment of the electrode leads by the first direction movement guide is completed and the electrode leads stop while the first direction movement member is moving forward in the first direction.

2. 2. The electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing of claim 1, wherein a forward movement distance of the first direction movement guide until the alignment of the electrode leads is completed is equal to or smaller than a set first direction movement stroke of the first direction movement member.

3. 2. The electrode lead alignment apparatus for battery manufacturing according to claim 1, comprising: a first direction movement mechanism including a first movement block that moves along a first direction and is fixedly coupled to a lower portion of the first direction movement member to move the first direction movement member along the first direction.

4. 4. The electrode lead alignment apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a first guide block slidably coupled to a lower portion of the first moving block and guiding the movement of the first moving block in a first direction.

5. The first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism includes: a first connection block that connects the first direction movement guide and the first direction movement member; 2. The electrode lead alignment apparatus of claim 1, wherein one side of the first connection block is fixedly connected to the first direction movement guide, and the other side of the first connection block is slidably connected to the first direction movement member.

6. The first direction movement guide backward movement mechanism includes: a first connecting shaft having one end fixedly connected to one of the first direction moving member and the first connecting block and having the other end slidably connected to the other of the first direction moving member and the first connecting block, the first connecting shaft extending in the first direction; 6. The electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing of claim 5, further comprising: a first elastic member installed on an outer periphery of the first connecting shaft, both ends of which are restricted by a side of the first directional moving member and a side of a first connecting block that face each other across the first connecting shaft.

7. fixedly coupled onto the first directional movement member; a first connecting block and a second connecting block, 7. The electrode lead alignment apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a second guide block for guiding the movement of the first connection block in the first direction.

8. The first direction movement guide is 2 . The electrode lead alignment device according to claim 1 , further comprising a first guide roller that rotates about a rotation axis and contacts the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in a first direction.

9. a second direction movement guide for pressing the electrode leads on the alignment support table in a second direction to align the electrode leads; a second direction movement member that moves along the second direction by a set second direction movement stroke, is connected to the second direction movement guide, and moves the second direction movement guide along the second direction.

10. 10. The electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing according to claim 9, further comprising a second direction movement guide rearward movement mechanism that rearranges the second direction movement guide in a direction opposite to the forward movement of the second direction movement member when the alignment of the electrode lead by the second direction movement guide is completed and the electrode lead stops while the second direction movement member is moving forward in the second direction.

11. 11. The electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing of claim 10, wherein a forward movement distance of the second direction movement guide until the alignment of the electrode leads is completed is equal to or smaller than a set second direction movement stroke of the second direction movement member.

12. a second direction movement mechanism including a second movement block that moves along a second direction and is fixedly coupled to a lower portion of the second direction movement member to move the second direction movement member along the second direction; 11. The electrode lead alignment apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a third guide block slidably coupled to a lower portion of the second moving block and guiding the movement of the second moving block in the second direction.

13. The second direction movement guide backward movement mechanism includes: a second connection block connecting the second direction movement guide and the second direction movement member; 11. The electrode lead aligning apparatus of claim 10, wherein one side of the second connection block is fixedly connected to the second direction movement guide, and the other side of the second connection block is slidably connected to the second direction movement member.

14. The second direction movement guide backward movement mechanism includes: a second connecting shaft having one end fixedly connected to one of the second direction moving member and the second connecting block and having the other end slidably connected to the other of the second direction moving member and the second connecting block, the second connecting shaft extending in the second direction; 14. The electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing of claim 13, further comprising: a second elastic member installed on an outer periphery of the second connecting shaft, both ends of which are restricted by a side of the second directional moving member and a side of the second connecting block that face each other across the second connecting shaft.

15. The second direction movement guide is The electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing according to claim 10 , further comprising a second guide roller that rotates about a rotation axis and contacts the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in a second direction.

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