Electrode Tracking Device

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode tracking device that forms a marking on the electrode tab of an electrode that is moved in one direction or identifies the marking formed on the electrode tab, and is characterized in that the electrode tracking device of the present invention includes a foreign matter storage unit that can collect fine foreign matter that occurs during operation or position change.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0090256, filed on July 12, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries have been attracting much attention as an energy source for various products such as mobile devices and electric vehicles. These secondary batteries are a promising energy resource that can replace the use of existing products that use fossil fuels, and are attracting attention as an environmentally friendly energy source because they do not produce by-products associated with energy use.

[0004] Depending on the shape of the battery case, secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries or prismatic batteries, in which the jelly roll is housed in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch batteries, in which the jelly roll is housed in a pouch-shaped case made of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0005] Among the above-mentioned secondary batteries, pouch-type batteries undergo a vision inspection to measure the outer shape of the electrode tabs of the pouch-type battery cells before being shipped as a product. To ensure the traceability of each electrode, markings can be left on the electrode tabs attached to each electrode, and the movement of the electrodes can be tracked similarly through a vision inspection. In this case, a structure is required to support the electrode tabs so that they do not shake while the markings on the electrode tabs are inspected.

[0006] 1 shows a conventional tab guide unit 10 capable of guiding an electrode tab T. As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional tab guide unit 10 includes a pair of guides 20 arranged vertically at a predetermined interval. The guides 20 may have openings O formed therein so that the electrode tab T passing therebetween can be exposed to the outside.

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

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

[0009] The conventional tab guide unit 10 can adjust its position flexibly when the width, thickness, and position of the electrode tab T of the electrode E to be transferred are changed.

[0010] In the process of adjusting the position of the tab guide unit 10, friction occurs between mechanical parts, which may cause minute foreign particles to float, and if such foreign particles adhere to the electrode tab T, they may cause a deterioration in the quality of the electrode E. Such a deterioration in the quality of the electrode E ultimately leads to a deterioration in the performance of the secondary battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1605229 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] Therefore, the present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrode tracking device that can effectively remove foreign matter generated by friction, etc.

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

[0014] According to the present invention, an electrode tracking device is provided that forms markings on the electrode tabs of electrodes that are transported in one direction, or identifies markings formed on the electrode tabs.

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

[0016] The electrode may be transported such that the electrode tab passes between the first guide and the second guide, and the first guide and the second guide may be positioned such that the entering electrode tab faces the inclined surface.

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

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

[0019] The tracking portion is disposed so that the electrode to be transferred passes under it, and the guide portion is provided under the tracking portion to guide the electrode tab of the electrode to be transferred.

[0020] The foreign object receiving portion may be coupled to one of the first and second support members of the linking portion that is located closer to the tracking portion.

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

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

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

[0024] The foreign object storage section includes a bottom plate and a side plate arranged to stand along the edge of the bottom plate, and the foreign object storage section can be coupled so that the side plate is fixed to the second support member.

[0025] The tracking portion is disposed so that the electrode to be transferred passes over the top thereof, and the guide portion is provided on the top of the tracking portion to guide the electrode tab of the electrode to be transferred.

[0026] The foreign object receiving portion may be coupled to a protruding member included in the tracking portion.

[0027] The first guide may be positioned above the electrode to be transported, and the second guide may be positioned to be interposed between the first guide and the main body, and the second guide may include an opening at a position corresponding to the tracking unit.

[0028] The foreign object container may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first guide rail.

[0029] The foreign object storage unit includes a bottom plate and a side plate arranged to stand along the edge of the bottom plate, and the foreign object storage unit can be coupled so that the side plate is fixed to the protrusion member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively remove foreign matter generated during the process of forming a marking on an electrode tab or identifying the marking formed on the electrode tab, thereby preventing deterioration of the quality of the electrode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 shows a conventional tab guide unit. [Figure 2] 2 shows the tab guide unit and tracking unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] The present invention relates to an electrode tracking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This shows the passage of an electrode in the electrode tracking device of FIG. [Figure 5] 4 shows a partially exploded view of the electrode tracking device of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 1 shows the arrangement of the tracking section and second guide of the electrode tracking device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 shows a foreign body storage unit included in an electrode tracking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 shows a second support member of the interlocking portion and a foreign object storage portion connected to the second support member. [Figure 9] 1 shows the arrangement of the foreign object storage section and the second guide. [Figure 10] 10 shows an embodiment in which the second support member of the electrode tracking device according to the first embodiment is raised and lowered. [Figure 11] 10 shows an embodiment in which the first support member of the electrode tracking device according to the first embodiment is raised and lowered. [Figure 12] 1 shows an embodiment in which the first support member and the second support member of the electrode tracking device according to the first embodiment are raised and lowered. [Figure 13] 4 shows an electrode tracking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This shows the passage of an electrode in the electrode tracking device of FIG. [Figure 15] 14 shows a partially exploded view of the electrode tracking device of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] 10 shows the arrangement of the tracking section and second guide of the electrode tracking device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17]10 shows a foreign body storage unit included in an electrode tracking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 shows a protruding member and a foreign object container coupled to the protruding member. [Figure 19] 10 shows an embodiment in which the second support member of the electrode tracking device according to the second embodiment is raised and lowered. [Figure 20] 10 shows an embodiment in which a first support member of an electrode tracking device according to a second embodiment is raised and lowered. [Figure 21] 10 shows an embodiment in which both the first support member and the second support member of the electrode tracking device according to the second embodiment are raised and lowered. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, the terms and words used in the specification and claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but are to be construed as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe his own invention.

[0033] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0034] Furthermore, in the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known structures or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0035] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and therefore the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown in a schematic manner for clearer explanation. Therefore, the sizes and proportions of each component do not completely reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0036] The present invention relates to an electrode tracking device that forms markings on the electrode tabs of electrodes that are transported in one direction or that identifies markings formed on the electrode tabs.

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

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

[0039] (First embodiment) FIG. 3 relates to an electrode E tracking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 shows the passage of electrode E in the electrode E tracking device of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a portion of the electrode E tracking device of FIG. 3.

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

[0041] The tracking unit 100 is positioned so that the transported electrode E passes underneath, as shown in FIG.

[0042] The tracking section 100 includes a tracking unit 111 that forms markings on the electrode tabs T of the electrodes E to be transferred or identifies the formed markings.

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

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

[0045] The tracking part 100 includes a body 110 having a tracking unit 111 therein and a first guide rail 112 on one side.

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

[0047] The tracking unit 111 is provided facing downward so as to be able to form or identify markings on the electrode tabs T passing through the bottom of the opened body 110 .

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

[0049] The tracking unit 100 further includes a second guide rail 121 extending horizontally from the first guide rail 112 .

[0050] The second guide rail 121 is formed in a straight line similar to the first guide rail 112 and is spaced apart from the first guide rail 112 by a predetermined distance to maintain the same level as the first guide rail 112 .

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the tracking unit 100 may further include a protruding member 120 attached to one side of the main body 110 .

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

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

[0054] Therefore, the second guide rail 121 may be formed on the main body 110 in the same manner as the first guide rail 112 , or may be formed on a protruding member 120 coupled to the main body 110 .

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

[0056] The guide unit 200 is provided below the tracking unit 100 and guides the electrode tab T of the electrode E being transferred.

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

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

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

[0060] The first guide 200a and the second guide 200b are arranged so that the entering electrode tab T faces the inclined surface.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0067] FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of the tracking section 100 and the second guide 200b, and for ease of understanding, only the tracking unit 111 provided in the main body 110 of the tracking section 100 is shown.

[0068] According to FIG. 6, the opening O of the second guide 200b is formed at a position corresponding to the tracking unit 111, and the tracking unit 111 is disposed facing the opening O of the second guide 200b.

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

[0070] The first guide 200 a and the second guide 200 b of the guide unit 200 can be coupled to the tracking unit 100 by a linking unit 300 .

[0071] The interlocking unit 300 allows the guide unit 200 to move back and forth along the guide rail included in the tracking unit 100 .

[0072] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the interlocking unit 300 includes a first support member 300a connected to the first guide 200a and connected to the tracking unit 100 at its other end so that it can slide up and down, and a second support member 300b connected to the second guide 200b at its one end and connected to the tracking unit 100 at its other end so that it can slide up and down.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0079] When the first and second support members 300a and 300b slide on the first and second guide rails 112 and 121, friction may occur on the support members 300a and 300b and the guide rails 112 and 121.

[0080] Friction occurring at the contact points between the support members 300a, 300b and the guide rails 112, 121 can cause fine foreign matter such as metal powder to become suspended in the air. If the foreign matter falls onto the electrode E, it can cause a deterioration in the quality and defects of the secondary battery.

[0081] The electrode E tracking device of the present invention is characterized by the application of a foreign matter receiving unit 400 capable of collecting foreign matter generated in the area where the friction occurs.

[0082] The foreign matter receiving part 400 is open at the top and serves to receive foreign matter that falls from the open top.

[0083] Figure 7 shows a foreign matter storage section 400 of the present invention, and as shown in Figure 7, the foreign matter storage section 400 includes a bottom plate 410 and side plates 420 that are arranged to stand along the edges of the bottom plate 410.

[0084] The floating foreign matter can be collected by piling up on the bottom plate 410 of the foreign matter receiving part 400.

[0085] The foreign object receiving unit 400 may be coupled to either the tracking unit 100 or the interlocking unit 300 .

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

[0087] 3 to 5, the foreign matter storage section 400 is coupled to the second support member 300b.

[0088] FIG. 8 shows the second support member 300b of the interlocking part 300 and the foreign matter storage part 400 coupled to the second support member 300b.

[0089] The foreign matter receiving part 400 is fixedly coupled to the second support member 300b as shown in Fig. 8. More specifically, the side plate of the foreign matter receiving part 400 is fixed to one side of the fixing part 300b3.

[0090] 9 shows the arrangement of the foreign object receiving portion 400 and the second guide 200b, and the foreign object receiving portion 400 and the second guide 200b are respectively coupled to both sides of the fixed portion 300b3 as shown in FIG. 9. In this case, the second guide 200b is disposed at a position corresponding to the tracking unit 111 of the main body 110, and the foreign object receiving portion 400 is coupled to the other side of the fixed portion 300b3 opposite to the one side to which the second guide 200b is coupled.

[0091] The foreign object storage section 400 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 121, as shown in FIGS.

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

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

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

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

[0096] 10, as the second support member 300b moves up and down along the second guide rail 121, friction occurs at the contact point between the second support member 300b and the second guide rail 121. This friction may cause fine foreign matter to be generated on the surface of the second support member 300b or the second guide rail 121, but the foreign matter collection unit 400 provided at the bottom collects the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can prevent the surfaces of the electrodes E and electrode tabs T from being contaminated by the foreign matter.

[0097] 11, as the first support member 300a moves up and down along the first guide rail 112, friction occurs at the contact point between the first support member 300a and the first guide rail 112. This friction may cause fine foreign matter to be generated on the surface of the first support member 300a or the first guide rail 112, but the foreign matter collection unit 400 provided at the bottom collects the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can prevent the surfaces of the electrodes E and electrode tabs T from being contaminated by the foreign matter.

[0098] 12, friction occurs as the first support member 300a and the second support member 300b move up and down along the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 121, respectively. This friction may cause fine foreign matter to be generated on the surfaces of the first support member 300a, the second support member 300b, the first guide rail 112, and the second guide rail 121, but the foreign matter container 400 provided at the bottom collects the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can prevent the surfaces of the electrodes E and the electrode tabs T from being contaminated by the foreign matter.

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

[0100] The electrode E tracking device of the second embodiment of the present invention is the electrode E tracking device of the first embodiment, with the tracking section 100, guide section 200, and interlocking section 300 inverted upside down, and is characterized in that a foreign body storage section 400 is connected to the tracking section 100.

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

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

[0103] The tracking unit 100 is positioned so that the electrode E to be transported passes over it, as shown in FIG.

[0104] The tracking section 100 includes a tracking unit 111 that forms markings on the electrode tabs T of the electrodes E to be transferred or identifies the formed markings.

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

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

[0107] The tracking part 100 includes a body 110 having a tracking unit 111 therein and a first guide rail 112 on one side.

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

[0109] The tracking unit 111 is provided facing upward so as to be able to form or identify markings on the electrode tabs T passing through the top of the opened body 110 .

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

[0111] The tracking unit 100 further includes a second guide rail 121 extending horizontally from the first guide rail 112 .

[0112] The second guide rail 121 is formed in a straight line similar to the first guide rail 112 and is spaced apart from the first guide rail 112 by a predetermined distance to maintain the same level as the first guide rail 112 .

[0113] As shown in FIG. 13, the tracking unit 100 may further include a protruding member 120 attached to one side of the main body 110 .

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

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

[0116] Therefore, the second guide rail 121 may be formed on the main body 110 in the same manner as the first guide rail 112 , or may be formed on a protruding member 120 coupled to the main body 110 .

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

[0118] The guide unit 200 is provided on the upper part of the tracking unit 100 and guides the electrode tab T of the electrode E being transferred.

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

[0120] 13 and 14, a first guide 200a and a second guide 200b are disposed to face each other on the upper portion of the main body 110. The first guide 200a and the second guide 200b are spaced apart by a predetermined distance so that the electrode tab T can pass therebetween.

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

[0122] The first guide 200a and the second guide 200b are arranged so that the entering electrode tab T faces the inclined surface.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0129] FIG. 16 shows the arrangement of the tracking section 100 and the second guide 200b, and for ease of understanding, only the tracking unit 111 provided in the main body 110 of the tracking section 100 is shown.

[0130] According to FIG. 16, the opening O of the second guide 200b is formed at a position corresponding to the tracking unit 111, and the tracking unit 111 is disposed facing the opening O of the second guide 200b.

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

[0132] The first guide 200 a and the second guide 200 b of the guide unit 200 can be coupled to the tracking unit 100 by a linking unit 300 .

[0133] The interlocking unit 300 allows the guide unit 200 to move back and forth along the guide rail included in the tracking unit 100 .

[0134] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the interlocking unit 300 includes a first support member 300a connected to the first guide 200a and connected to the tracking unit 100 at its other end so that it can slide in the vertical direction, and a second support member 300b connected to the second guide 200b at its one end and connected to the tracking unit 100 at its other end so that it can slide in the vertical direction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0141] When the first and second support members 300a and 300b slide on the first and second guide rails 112 and 121, friction may occur on the support members 300a and 300b and the guide rails 112 and 121.

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

[0143] The electrode E tracking device of the present invention is characterized by the application of a foreign matter receiving unit 400 capable of collecting foreign matter generated in the area where the friction occurs.

[0144] The foreign matter receiving part 400 is open at the top and serves to receive foreign matter that falls from the open top.

[0145] Figure 17 shows a foreign matter storage section 400 of the present invention, and as shown in Figure 17, the foreign matter storage section 400 includes a bottom plate 410 and side plates 420 that are arranged to stand along the edges of the bottom plate 410.

[0146] The floating foreign matter can be collected by piling up on the bottom plate 410 of the foreign matter receiving part 400.

[0147] The foreign object receiving unit 400 may be coupled to either the tracking unit 100 or the interlocking unit 300 .

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

[0149] 13 to 15, the foreign matter storage section 400 is disposed on the side of the protruding member 120. As shown in FIG.

[0150] FIG. 18 shows the protruding member 120 and the foreign body container 400 coupled to the protruding member 120. As shown in FIG.

[0151] 18, the foreign object receiving part 400 is coupled to be fixed to one side of the protruding member 120. More specifically, the side plate of the foreign object receiving part 400 is fixed to the side of the protruding member 120.

[0152] The foreign matter storage section 400 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first guide rail 112, as shown in FIGS.

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

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

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

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

[0157] 19, as the second support member 300b moves up and down along the second guide rail 121, friction occurs at the contact point between the second support member 300b and the second guide rail 121. The friction may cause fine foreign matter to be generated on the surface of the second support member 300b or the second guide rail 121, and the foreign matter receiving unit 400 provided at the bottom collects some of the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can minimize contamination of the surfaces of the electrodes E and electrode tabs T by the foreign matter.

[0158] 20, as the first support member 300a moves up and down along the first guide rail 112, friction occurs at the contact point between the first support member 300a and the first guide rail 112. The friction may cause fine foreign matter to be generated on the surface of the first support member 300a or the first guide rail 112, but the foreign matter container 400 provided at the bottom collects the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can prevent the surfaces of the electrodes E and electrode tabs T from being contaminated by the foreign matter.

[0159] 21, friction occurs as the first support member 300a and the second support member 300b move up and down along the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 121, respectively. This friction may cause fine foreign matter to be generated on the surfaces of the first support member 300a, the second support member 300b, the first guide rail 112, and the second guide rail 121, but the foreign matter container 400 provided at the bottom collects the floating foreign matter. Therefore, the electrode E tracking device of the present invention can prevent the surfaces of the electrodes E and the electrode tabs T from being contaminated by the foreign matter.

[0160] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or embodiments in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore, at the time of filing this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. 1. An electrode tracking device that forms markings on electrode tabs of electrodes that are transported in one direction, or identifies markings formed on said electrode tabs, a tracking unit that is movable in at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction and includes a tracking unit that is at least one of a marking device and a reader device; a guide unit including a first guide having an inclined surface at one end thereof and supporting one surface of the electrode tab, and a second guide having an inclined surface at a position corresponding to the inclined surface of the first guide and supporting the other surface of the electrode tab; an interlocking unit including a first support member having one end coupled to the first guide and the other end coupled to the tracking unit so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and a second support member having one end coupled to the second guide and the other end coupled to the tracking unit so as to be slidable in the vertical direction; a foreign object storage section that is open at the top, The foreign body receiving unit is coupled to one of the tracking unit and the linking unit.

2. the electrode is transported such that the electrode tab passes between the first guide and the second guide; The electrode tracking device of claim 1 , wherein the first guide and the second guide are positioned such that the incoming electrode tab faces the inclined surface.

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

4. The tracking unit a main body including a tracking unit therein and a first guide rail on one side thereof, the first guide rail being coupled to the first support member; 3. The electrode tracking device of claim 1, further comprising: a protruding member attached to one side of the body and including a second guide rail on one side thereof that is coupled to the second support member.

5. the tracking portion is positioned so that the transported electrode passes underneath; The electrode tracking device of claim 4 , wherein the guide portion is provided at a lower portion of the tracking portion to guide the electrode tab of the electrode being transferred.

6. The electrode tracking device of claim 5 , wherein the foreign body receiving portion is coupled to one of the first and second support members of the interlocking portion that is closer to the tracking portion.

7. the first guide is disposed under the electrode to be transported, and the second guide is disposed between the first guide and the main body; The electrode tracking device of claim 5 , wherein the second guide includes an opening at a position corresponding to the tracking unit.

8. The second support member is a slide portion coupled to the protruding member so as to slide relative to the second guide rail and extending downward along a longitudinal direction of the main body; a fixing portion provided at a lower portion of the sliding portion and coupled to the second guide; a connecting portion that connects the sliding portion and the fixed portion, The electrode tracking device of claim 5 , wherein the foreign body receptacle is coupled to the fixed portion.

9. the foreign object storage portion and the second guide are respectively coupled to both sides of the fixed portion, the second guide is disposed at a position on the main body corresponding to the tracking unit; The electrode tracking device of claim 8 , wherein the foreign body container is disposed at a position corresponding to the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

10. The foreign matter storage section is The bottom plate and a side plate arranged to stand along an edge of the bottom plate, The electrode tracking device of claim 5 , wherein the foreign body container is coupled such that the side plate is fixed to the second support member.

11. the tracking portion is positioned so that the electrode being transported passes over it; The electrode tracking device of claim 4 , wherein the guide portion is provided on an upper portion of the tracking portion to guide the electrode tab of the electrode being transferred.

12. The electrode tracking device of claim 11 , wherein the foreign body receiving portion is coupled to the protruding member included in the tracking portion.

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

14. The electrode tracking device of claim 12 , wherein the foreign object container is disposed at a position corresponding to the first guide rail.

15. The foreign matter storage section is The bottom plate and a side plate arranged to stand along an edge of the bottom plate, The electrode tracking device of claim 11 , wherein the foreign body container is coupled such that the side plate is fixed to the protruding member.

Images