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 a battery, particularly a secondary battery.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0174352 filed on December 14, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, rechargeable secondary batteries have been widely used as an energy source for wireless mobile devices.

[0004] In addition, secondary batteries are not only used for portable devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and camcorders, but also attracting attention as an energy source for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, etc., which are proposed as solutions to solve air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, etc. that use fossil fuels.

[0005] Generally, secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a cylindrical or prismatic metal can according to the shape of the battery case, and pouch-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch-type case of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0006] The electrode assembly built into the battery case includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and is a power generation element capable of charge and discharge. 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 the end of the electrode (positive electrode or negative electrode) included in the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead is supplied to and welded to the electrode tab.

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

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

[0010] As shown in the figure, the electrode leads L are aligned in two directions, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The electrode lead alignment device comprises an X-axis direction alignment mechanism 10 and a Y-axis direction alignment mechanism 20. The X-axis direction alignment mechanism 10 comprises a moving guide 11 that moves the electrode leads L in the X-axis direction and a fixed guide 12 positioned opposite the moving guide and supporting the sides of the electrode leads. Both the moving guide and the fixed guide support both sides of the electrode leads in the X-axis direction, aligning the electrode leads L in the X-axis direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the Y-axis alignment mechanism 20 also includes a movable guide 21 and a fixed guide 22 to align the electrode leads L in the Y-axis direction.

[0012] When the movable guide 11 of the X-axis alignment mechanism 10 moves by 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, and the alignment of the electrode lead in the X-axis direction is completed.

[0013] By the way, the electrode lead L inevitably has tolerances in its size during the manufacturing process. If the size of the electrode lead L were constant, the moving guide 11 would stop precisely in contact with one side of the electrode lead L (Figure 1, dotted line portion on the left side of the electrode lead) when alignment is complete.

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

[0015] Alternatively, even electrode leads with very little tolerance may be positioned at an angle on an alignment support during the process of being adsorbed and transferred by an adsorbent. In such cases, wrinkles and scratches may occur due to the aforementioned movement guide.

[0016] Such problems occur not only during the X-axis alignment process but also during the Y-axis alignment process. That is, the electrode lead has a size tolerance d1 in the X-axis direction as well as a size tolerance d2 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the Y-axis movement guide 21 is moved by a set movement stroke S2, the electrode lead L having the above tolerance d2 may be damaged. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0017] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0112616 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0018] The present invention was created to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an electrode lead alignment device equipped with a predetermined backward movement mechanism that can accommodate the above-mentioned product tolerances during electrode alignment.

[0019] Furthermore, the objective is to provide an electrode lead alignment device that includes guide rollers in the moving guide that presses and aligns the electrode leads, thereby distributing 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] To address the above issues, the electrode lead alignment apparatus for battery manufacturing of the present invention includes: an alignment support base on which electrode leads are placed; a first direction movement guide that presses and aligns the electrode leads on the alignment support base in a first direction; 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, and moves the first direction movement guide along the first direction; and a first direction movement guide reverse movement mechanism that moves the first direction movement guide backward in the opposite direction 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.

[0021] The forward movement distance of the first directional movement guide until the alignment of the electrode leads is completed is the same as or less than the set first directional movement stroke of the first directional movement member.

[0022] The electrode lead alignment device of the present invention may include a first direction moving mechanism comprising a first moving block that moves along a first direction and is fixedly coupled to the lower part of the first direction moving member, thereby moving the first direction moving member along the first direction.

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

[0024] The first-direction moving guide backward moving mechanism includes a first connecting block that connects the first-direction moving guide and the first-direction moving member. One side surface of the first connecting block is fixedly coupled to the first-direction moving guide, and the other side surface of the first connecting block can be slidably connected to the first-direction moving member.

[0025] The first-direction moving guide backward moving mechanism may further include a first connecting shaft having one end fixedly coupled to one of the first-direction moving member and the first connecting block and the other end slidably coupled to the other one, and extending in the first direction, and a first elastic member installed on the outer periphery of the first connecting shaft and having both ends restricted by side surfaces of the first-direction moving member and the first connecting block that face each other with the first connecting shaft interposed therebetween.

[0026] The electrode lead aligning device of the present invention may further include a second guide block fixedly coupled to the first-direction moving member, slidably coupled to the first connecting block, and guiding the movement of the first connecting block in the first direction.

[0027] The first-direction moving 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 moving guide that presses and aligns the electrode lead on the alignment support table in the second direction, and a second-direction moving member that moves along the second direction by a set second-direction moving stroke, is connected to the second-direction moving guide, and moves the second-direction moving guide along the second direction.

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

[0030] In this case, the forward movement distance of the second directional movement guide until the alignment of the electrode leads is completed is the same as or less than the set second directional movement stroke of the second directional movement member.

[0031] The above embodiment may include a second direction moving mechanism comprising a second moving block that moves along a second direction and is fixedly coupled to the 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 coupled to the lower part of the second moving block to guide the movement of the second moving block in the second direction.

[0032] The second direction movement guide reverse movement mechanism includes a second connecting block that connects the second direction movement guide and the second direction movement member, wherein one side of the second connecting block is fixedly coupled to the second direction movement guide, and the other side of the second connecting block can be slidably coupled to the second direction movement member.

[0033] The second direction moving guide reverse movement mechanism may further include a second connecting shaft that extends in the second direction, with one end fixedly coupled to one of the second direction moving member and the second connecting block, and the other end slidably coupled to the other; and a second elastic member installed on the outer circumference of the second connecting shaft, with both ends restricted by the sides of the second direction moving member and the sides of the second connecting block facing each other with the second connecting shaft in between.

[0034] The above-mentioned second direction movement guide may include a second guide roller that rotates around a rotation axis and contacts the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to the present invention, when the alignment of the electrode leads is complete and the moving guide comes into contact with the electrode leads, a reverse movement mechanism is provided that can move backward in the opposite direction to the alignment direction. As a result, even if the electrode leads have tolerances, the moving guide can move backward by the reverse movement mechanism in proportion to the magnitude of the tolerances. As a result, even if the electrode leads have large tolerances, the moving guide will not continue to push the electrode leads in the alignment direction, so the electrode leads will not become wrinkled or scratched.

[0036] In particular, the reverse movement mechanism described above is equipped with an elastic member, which can smoothly absorb and cushion the impact applied to the electrode lead during reverse movement.

[0037] Furthermore, the system is equipped with guide rollers that distribute the surface pressure applied to the electrode leads during alignment, allowing for smooth guidance of the electrode leads and more reliably preventing damage to them. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view illustrating the process of aligning electrode leads using a conventional electrode lead alignment device. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the electrode lead alignment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the electrode lead alignment process by the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the electrode lead alignment process by the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the process of aligning electrode leads with tolerances using the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the process of aligning electrode leads with tolerances using the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the process of aligning electrode leads with tolerances using the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a side cross-sectional view of the Y-axis alignment mechanism of the electrode lead alignment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the electrode lead alignment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of an example of a guide roller provided in the alignment device of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing the process of aligning electrode leads using the electrode lead alignment device of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing the process of aligning electrode leads using the electrode lead alignment device of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing the process of aligning electrode leads using the electrode lead alignment device of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a side cross-sectional view of the Y-axis alignment mechanism of the electrode lead alignment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of the reverse movement mechanism of the electrode lead alignment device of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] The present invention will now be described in detail. Before that, however, the terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted to be limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather to be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that an inventor may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe his own invention.

[0040] Terms such as “includes” and “having” used throughout the specification of the present invention are intended to specify the existence of features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as preemptively excluding the existence or possibility of adding one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "on top" of another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "below" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly below" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Moreover, in the specification of this invention, being "placed on top" may include being placed not only at the top but also at the bottom.

[0042] The electrode lead alignment apparatus for battery manufacturing according to the present invention comprises an alignment support base 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 one direction along the plane of the alignment support base. The first direction may be the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction, as long as it is a direction along the plane. Alternatively, it may be an oblique direction having an angle with the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction. In short, the first direction means the optimal direction for alignment with the electrode tab so as to improve welding quality considering the welding process with the electrode tab in a subsequent process.

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

[0044] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode lead alignment device may additionally include a second direction alignment mechanism in addition to the first direction alignment mechanism. For example, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. If the first direction is the X-axis direction, the second direction may be the Y-axis direction. Conversely, if 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 moving guide for aligning electrode leads on an alignment support base in a first direction, a first direction moving member connected to the first direction moving guide and moving the first direction moving guide along the first direction, and a first direction moving guide reverse movement mechanism for reversing the first direction moving guide. The alignment device of the present invention includes a first direction moving guide reverse movement mechanism that performs its function when the alignment of the electrode leads by the first direction moving guide is completed and the electrode leads have stopped. The first direction moving guide reverse movement mechanism moves the first direction moving guide backward in the opposite direction to the forward movement of the first direction moving member, so that the first direction moving guide does not press on the electrode leads any further. This can prevent damage to the electrode leads. If the electrode leads have a tolerance larger than a predetermined size, the first direction moving guide is rather moved backward by the first direction moving guide reverse movement mechanism. In this case, the first direction moving guide reverse movement mechanism may include an elastic member such as a spring. The elastic member smoothly absorbs the pressing force in the backward direction of the electrode lead. In this case, the elastic member acts as a cushion.

[0046] The reverse movement mechanism described above provides a reverse movement margin that corresponds to the tolerance of the electrode lead. Therefore, damage to the electrode lead can be prevented regardless of the tolerance of the electrode lead.

[0047] Furthermore, the alignment device according to one embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a first guide roller that rotates around a rotation axis on the first directional moving guide. The first guide roller can contact the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in a first direction. In this case, the entire surface of the first directional moving guide does not contact the side surface of the electrode lead, and only the first guide roller can contact the side surface of the electrode lead. That is, the electrode lead can be aligned by point contact, where only the first guide roller contacts the electrode lead, rather than by surface contact where the entire surface of the moving guide contacts the electrode lead. This can 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 the size tolerance of the electrode lead by means of the first directional moving guide reverse movement mechanism, and can reliably prevent damage to the electrode lead by distributing the surface pressure applied to the electrode lead by the first guide roller.

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

[0050] The above-described second-direction alignment mechanism may include a second-direction moving guide that moves along the second direction, as in the conventional method, and a fixed guide installed opposite to the moving guide.

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

[0052] Furthermore, the second direction alignment mechanism may include a second direction guide reversing mechanism that moves the second direction guide backward in the opposite direction to the forward movement of the second direction moving member. The second direction guide may include a second guide roller that rotates around a rotation axis and contacts the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in the second direction. This ensures that the second direction alignment mechanism also reliably prevents damage to the corresponding sides of the electrode lead.

[0053] The functions and effects of 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 reverse movement mechanism.

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

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

[0057] When the first direction movement guide is equipped with a first guide roller, as described above, the surface pressure applied to the electrode lead can be distributed to prevent damage to the electrode lead. When the first direction alignment mechanism initially aligns the electrode lead in the first direction, the first side surface of the electrode lead is protected by the first direction reverse movement mechanism and the first guide roller described above. When the alignment device of the present invention is equipped with a conventional second direction alignment mechanism, the second direction movement guide of the second direction alignment mechanism can press against the second side surface (the second side surface 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 smoothly supports the first side surface of the electrode lead while rotating. Therefore, even during the second direction alignment process, the surface pressure applied to the first side surface of the electrode lead can be distributed to protect the first side surface.

[0058] On the other hand, the second-direction alignment mechanism may first align the electrode leads in the second direction, and then the one-direction alignment mechanism may align the electrode leads in the first direction. In this case, the first-direction backward movement mechanism can accommodate the size tolerance of the electrode leads in the X-axis direction, as described above. Furthermore, 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 can be distributed, preventing damage to the electrode lead.

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

[0060] If the second direction alignment mechanism is equipped with a second direction reverse movement mechanism, it can accommodate size tolerances along the second direction of the electrode lead. That is, when the second direction guide completes the alignment of the electrode lead in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the second direction movement guide can be moved backward to accommodate the size tolerance of the electrode lead in the Y-axis direction, thereby eliminating the pressure applied to the second side surface of the electrode lead. Furthermore, if the second direction movement guide is equipped with a second guide roller, the second side surface of the electrode lead and the second guide roller make point contact, distributing the surface pressure and preventing damage to the second side surface of the electrode lead.

[0061] In this case, the electrode leads may be initially aligned in the first direction or initially aligned in the second direction. Regardless of which direction they are initially aligned in, the first direction moving guide reverse movement mechanism and / or the second direction reverse movement mechanism described above can prevent damage to the first and / or second sides of the electrode leads.

[0062] Furthermore, regardless of the initial alignment direction, the first guide roller and / or second guide roller can distribute the surface pressure on the first and / or second sides of the electrode lead, thereby preventing damage.

[0063] In particular, in embodiments where both the first-direction alignment mechanism and the second-direction alignment mechanism have a reverse movement mechanism and guide rollers, it is possible to align the electrode leads simultaneously in the first and second directions. Even if the first-direction movement guide and the second-direction movement guide press and align the electrode leads simultaneously in the first and second directions, the surface pressure applied to the first and second sides of the electrode leads can be distributed as the first and second guide rollers rotate. Furthermore, since the first-direction reverse movement mechanism and the second-direction reverse movement mechanism move the first-direction movement guide and the second-direction movement guide backward, respectively, the movement guides do not press further forward on the electrode leads at the alignment positions in the first and second directions. In other words, the forward movement distance of the first-direction movement guide and the second-direction movement guide is limited. Subsequently, the continuous forward movement of the first directional moving member and / or the second directional moving member causes the first directional moving guide and / or the second directional moving guide to move backward, thereby absorbing the X-axis (first direction) tolerance and Y-axis (second direction) tolerance of the electrode lead, and thus the first and second sides of the electrode lead can be effectively protected.

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

[0065] (First Embodiment) Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment; Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing the operation process of the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment; Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing the electrode lead alignment process by the electrode lead alignment device of the first embodiment; Figures 7 to 9 are schematic diagrams showing the process of aligning electrode leads with tolerances by 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 Figure 2, the electrode lead alignment device 1000 for battery manufacturing according to the first embodiment includes an alignment support base 100, a first direction movement guide 210, a first direction movement member 220, and a first direction movement guide reverse movement mechanism 230.

[0067] The alignment support base 100 is 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 base 100. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the alignment support base 100 includes a horizontally extending alignment support section 110 and a support frame 120 coupled to the lower part of the alignment support section 110. The alignment support section 110 has an area capable of stably supporting the electrode leads L. For example, even if the electrode leads L are displaced along the X or Y axis and are supported between a moving guide and a fixed guide, the alignment support section 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 base 100. The alignment support base 100 is firmly fixed to the base frame F. Various components of the first direction alignment mechanism 200 and the second direction alignment mechanism 300 can be installed on the base frame F. In addition, other components necessary for alignment can be installed on the base frame F. By densely arranging the alignment components on the base frame F, the alignment device 1000 can be made 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 to set the first direction to the Y-axis direction and the second direction to the X-axis direction.

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

[0071] The first directional movement guide 210 presses the electrode lead L on the alignment support base 100 in the X-axis direction to align it. The first directional movement guide 210 moves the electrode lead L by advancing from the right side to the left side in Figure 2. The right side (first side) of the electrode lead L is pressed against the end of the first directional movement guide 210 and moved to the left side.

[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 moving guide 210 along the X-axis direction with an alignment support base 100 in between. The first direction fixed guide 290 supports the electrode lead L moved by the first direction moving guide 210 and aligns the electrode lead L together with the first direction moving guide 210. The first direction fixed guide 290 can be coupled to a guide support frame 291 and 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 moving stroke and is connected to the first direction moving guide 210, causing the first direction moving guide 210 to move along the first direction. The first direction alignment mechanism 200 may be provided with a first direction moving mechanism to move the first direction moving member 220. The first direction moving mechanism may be a known linear movement mechanism capable of linearly moving the first direction moving member 220 along the first direction. In this embodiment, the linear movement mechanism is composed of a drive source such as a motor (not shown), a first cylinder 241 connected to the drive source, and a first moving block 240 coupled to the first cylinder 241. The first moving block 240 can move forward and backward in the X-axis direction in accordance with the movement of the first cylinder 241. The first direction moving member 220 is fixedly coupled to the upper part of the first moving block 240. Therefore, the first directional moving member 220 moves back and forth in the X-axis direction in accordance with the movement of the first moving block 240 which is fixedly coupled to its lower part.

[0074] To guide the movement of the first movable block 240, a first guide block 250 may be coupled to the lower part of the first movable block 240. The first guide block 250 may be coupled to the base frame F directly or via other members. In this embodiment, the first guide block 250 is coupled to a support block 260, and the support block 260 is coupled to the base frame F. The first guide block 250 may be provided with a guide rail on its upper surface. The first movable block 240 may be provided with a guide rail groove on its lower surface that engages with the guide rail. Such a guiding mechanism using a guide rail and guide rail groove is known, so no further explanation is provided. In this way, the first movable block 240 can be flexibly guided along a first direction by the first guide block 250, thereby allowing the first directional moving member 220 coupled to the first movable block 240 to also move flexibly forward and backward (reciprocate) along the first direction by a set first directional 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 along the first direction.

[0076] A first connecting block 231 is provided to connect the first directional moving member 220 and the first directional moving guide 210. The first connecting block 231 is a component of the first directional moving guide reverse movement mechanism 230, which will be described later. One side (upper surface) of the first connecting block 231 is fixedly connected to the first directional moving guide 210. The other side (lower surface) of the first connecting block 231 is slidably connected to the first directional moving member 220.

[0077] Since the first connecting block 231 is fixedly connected to the first directional movement guide 210, the first directional movement guide 210 moves along with the movement of the first connecting block 231.

[0078] On the other hand, the first connecting block 231 is mounted on the upper surface of the first directional moving member 220. The first connecting block 231 can be mounted directly on the first directional moving member 220. In this case, the guide rail groove and guide rail described above may be provided on the lower part of the first connecting block 231 and on the upper surface of the first directional moving member 220, respectively.

[0079] Alternatively, as in this embodiment, the first connecting block 231 may be mounted on the first directional moving member 220 via a predetermined connecting member. The connecting member includes a second guide block 280 which is fixedly coupled to the first directional moving member 220. The second guide block 280 is slidably coupled to the lower surface of the first connecting block 231. A sliding block 270 may be provided at the lower part of the first connecting block 231 which is slidably coupled to the second guide block 280. Thus, the sliding block 270 and the first connecting block 231 can be guided by the second guide block 280 and moved backward relative to the first directional moving member 220.

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

[0081] The reverse movement mechanism 230 does not move the first direction movement guide 210 backward until the alignment of the electrode leads L is complete. However, the reverse movement mechanism 230 only activates when the first direction movement guide 210 moves forward in the X-axis direction and fixes the electrode leads L together with the first direction fixing guide 290. In other words, if the first direction movement member 220 continues to move forward in the X-axis direction even though the alignment of the electrode leads L by the first direction movement guide 210 is complete and the electrode leads L have stopped, the reverse movement mechanism 230 will move the first direction movement guide 210 backward in the opposite direction to the forward movement of the first direction movement member 220.

[0082] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the first directional moving guide reverse movement mechanism 230 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0083] As described above, the first directional movement guide reverse movement mechanism 230 includes a first connecting block 231 that connects the first directional movement guide 210 and the first directional movement member 220.

[0084] Furthermore, the reverse movement mechanism 230 further includes a first connecting shaft 232 that connects the first directional movement member 220 and the first connecting block 231, and a first elastic member 233 that is wrapped around the outer circumference of the first connecting shaft 232.

[0085] In other words, the first directional moving member 220 is slidably connected to the lower surface of the first connecting block 231 via, for example, the second guide block 280 and the sliding block 270, and at the same time, it is also slidably connected to the first connecting block 231 by the first connecting shaft 232.

[0086] The first directional moving member 220 may include a horizontal block 221 connected to the 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 the upper surface of the horizontal block 221, and the first connecting block 231 is slidably connected to the upper surface of the second guide block 280 via a sliding block 270.

[0087] Furthermore, one end of the first connecting shaft 232 is fixedly connected 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 of the insertion side of the tip of the first connecting shaft 232, thereby fixedly connecting the first connecting shaft 232 to the vertical block 222. A fastening member connection hole may be provided at the tip of the first connecting shaft for connection with the fastening member B. In addition, an insertion hole 231A-1 is provided on the side of the first connecting block 231 facing the vertical block 222, into which the first connecting shaft 232 is inserted. The other end of the first connecting shaft 232 is slidably connected within the insertion hole 231A-1. The first connecting shaft 232 spans between the vertical block 222 and the first connecting block 231, connecting the vertical block 222 and the first connecting block 231. The insertion hole 231A-1 provided in the first connecting block 231 has sufficient length to allow the first connecting shaft 232 to slide. That is, the length of the insertion hole can be set so that even if the first connecting shaft 232 slides into the insertion hole 231A-1, the other end of the first connecting shaft 232 does not hit the bottom surface of the insertion hole 231A-1. The insertion hole 231A-1 may have a hole enlargement portion 231A-2 at its lower part with a diameter larger than the diameter of the first connecting shaft 232. In this embodiment, the first connecting shaft 232 is fixedly coupled to the first directional moving member 220 and slidably coupled to the first connecting block 231. However, as will be described later, the first connecting shaft 232 can be fixedly connected to the first connecting block 231 and slidably connected to the first directional moving member 220.

[0088] To absorb the impact caused by the backward movement of the first directional movement guide 210, a first elastic member 233, such as a spring, is installed on the outer circumference of the first connecting shaft 232. The first elastic member 233 is restricted at both ends by the sides of the first directional movement member 220 and the first connecting block 231, which are opposite each other with the first connecting shaft 232 in between. Therefore, for example, when the first connecting block 231 moves backward, the first elastic member 233 is pressurized by the opposing sides of the first directional movement member 220 and the first connecting block 231, thereby allowing the first connecting block 231 to move (backward) flexibly relative to the vertical block 222 of the first directional movement member 220 (see Figure 4). In addition, the first elastic member 233, when pressurized and contracted, provides a restoring force for the first connecting block 231 to return to its original position. For example, when the pressure applied to the electrode lead L on the first directional movement guide 210 is released, the first connecting block 231 returns to its original position (moves forward) due to the restoring force of the first elastic member 233. For stable operation of the first elastic member 233, the end of the first elastic member 233 can be fixed to the opposing side of the vertical block 222 and / or the opposing side of the first connecting block 231. Referring to Figure 3, a mounting groove 222a for the first elastic member is formed on the opposing side of the vertical block 222 facing the first connecting block 231, and the end of the first elastic member 233 is coupled to the mounting groove 222a.

[0089] Referring to Figures 5 to 9, the operation of the first directional movement guide reverse movement mechanism 230 by the alignment device 1000 of this embodiment will be explained.

[0090] The movement stroke of the first moving block 240 and the first directional moving member 220 can be set considering the size of the electrode lead L, the distance between the electrode lead L and the first directional fixing guide 290, etc. Since the electrode lead L is moved on the alignment support base 100 and stops when it comes into contact with the first directional fixing guide 290, the movement stroke can be the sum of the size of the electrode lead L and the distance between the electrode lead L and the first directional fixing guide 290. However, as mentioned above, the size of the electrode lead L has tolerances. If the movement stroke is set considering an intermediate-sized electrode lead L, the first directional moving guide 210 connected to the first directional moving member 220 may not be able to reach an electrode lead L smaller than that, making it difficult to align such an electrode lead L. In other words, the first directional moving guide 210 needs to advance to the extent that it can press against the electrode lead L and stably support (align) the electrode lead L between itself and the first directional fixing guide 290. Taking this into consideration, the first directional movement stroke of the first directional movement member 220 is set to be the same as or greater than the forward movement distance of the first directional movement guide 210 until the electrode leads L are aligned. That is, the forward movement distance of the first directional movement guide 210 until the electrode leads L are aligned is set to be the same as or less than the set first directional movement stroke of the first directional movement member 220.

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

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

[0093] If the movement stroke of the first direction moving member 220 is smaller than the forward movement distance of the first direction moving guide 210 shown in Figure 6, the movement of the first direction moving guide 210 will end before the other side of the electrode lead L comes into contact with the first direction fixed guide 290. In this case, the electrode lead L cannot be perfectly aligned in the first direction. Therefore, the movement stroke of the first direction moving member 220 is usually set to be the same as or larger than the forward movement distance of the first direction moving guide 210 at the time alignment is complete. However, if the electrode lead L has tolerances as shown in Figure 1, the first direction moving member 220 will continue to move forward toward the electrode lead L even after the alignment of the first direction moving guide 210 is complete. In this case, the electrode lead L is at risk of being damaged by pressure from the first direction moving guide 210.

[0094] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate the operation of the reverse movement mechanism 230 for preventing damage to the electrode leads.

[0095] The electrode lead L described above has a length in the X-axis direction that is approximately d1 larger than the electrode lead L shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0096] In Figure 7, as the first directional moving member 220 moves forward toward the electrode lead L, the first directional moving guide 210 also moves forward together with it.

[0097] In Figure 8, the first directional movement guide 210 presses the electrode lead L against the first directional fixing guide 290, completing the alignment of the electrode lead L in the X-axis direction.

[0098] However, as shown in Figure 9, the first directional movement member 220 continues to move forward until it reaches a set movement stroke in the X-axis direction. In this case, the tip of the first directional movement guide 210 and the electrode lead L are pressed against each other. Without the reverse movement mechanism 230, the electrode lead L could be damaged by the first directional movement guide 210. However, as shown in Figure 9, the first connecting block 231 of the reverse movement mechanism 230 is coupled to the first directional movement member 220 so as to be able to move backward. Specifically, the first directional movement guide 210 receives a force in the reverse direction due to the pressure exerted by the electrode lead L. As a result, the first connecting block 231 coupled to the first directional movement guide 210 moves backward. At this time, the first connecting shaft 232 slides within the insertion hole 231A-1 of the first connecting block 231, and the first connecting block 231 moves stably backward along the first connecting shaft 232 toward the first directional connecting member (the vertical block 222). As the first connecting block 231 moves backward, the first elastic member 233 installed on the side of the first connecting block 231 is pressurized and contracted (see Figures 4 and 9). That is, the first elastic member 233 absorbs the pressurizing force during the backward movement of the first connecting block 231 while being pressurized by the vertical block 222 and the first connecting block 231. This also reduces the contact pressure that the first directional movement guide 210 applies to the first side of the electrode lead L, thereby preventing damage to the electrode lead L.

[0099] As shown in Figure 9, the reverse movement mechanism 230 of the present invention provides a margin that allows the first directional movement guide 210 to move backward. Therefore, it can easily accommodate tolerances d1 in the first directional size of the electrode lead L. Depending on the size of the tolerance, the reverse movement distance of the first directional movement guide 210 may also increase.

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

[0101] In Figures 5 to 9, the movement stroke of the first directional movement member 220 is set so that the first directional movement guide 210 moves until it contacts the first side surface of the electrode lead L and aligns with it. However, as will be described later, the movement stroke of the first directional movement member 220 can be set to be larger so that the first directional movement guide 210 moves to a range that passes through the first side surface of the electrode lead L. Of course, in reality, the first directional movement guide 210 does not move to a range that passes through the first side surface, and when the first directional movement guide 210 contacts the first side surface, it is moved backward by the reverse movement mechanism 230. In this case, regardless of whether or not there is a tolerance in the electrode lead L, the reverse movement mechanism will always operate when alignment is complete, moving the first directional movement guide 210 backward. Setting the movement stroke to be this large has the advantage that all electrode leads L can be stably aligned without considering whether or not there is a tolerance in the electrode lead L.

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

[0103] On the other hand, the electrode lead alignment device 1000 may be further equipped with a second direction alignment mechanism 300.

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

[0105] To prevent this, the electrode lead alignment device 1000 of this embodiment is equipped with a second directional alignment mechanism 300 that includes a reverse movement mechanism 330.

[0106] Referring to Figures 2 and 10, the Y-axis alignment mechanism has almost the same configuration as the X-axis alignment mechanism. That is, the Y-axis alignment mechanism 300 also includes a second-direction movement guide 310 that presses and aligns the electrode leads L on the alignment support base 100 in a second direction, and a second-direction movement member 320 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. Furthermore, the Y-axis alignment mechanism 300 includes a second-direction movement guide reverse movement mechanism 330 that moves the second-direction movement guide 310 backward in the opposite direction to the forward movement of the second-direction movement member 320 when the alignment of the electrode leads L by the second-direction movement guide 310 is completed and the electrode leads L have stopped while the second-direction movement member 320 is moving forward in the second direction.

[0107] In this case, the forward movement distance of the second directional movement guide 310 until the alignment of the electrode leads L is completed is the same as or less than the set second directional movement stroke of the second directional movement member 320.

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

[0109] A second directional moving member 320 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the second moving block 340. A third guide block 350 is slidably connected to the lower part 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] Furthermore, the second direction movement guide reverse movement mechanism 330 includes a second connecting block 331 that connects the second direction movement guide 310 and the second direction movement member 320. One side (upper surface) of the second connecting block 331 is fixedly connected to the second direction movement guide 310, and the other side of the second connecting block 331 is slidably connected to the second direction movement member 320.

[0111] Furthermore, the second direction movement guide reverse mechanism 330 further includes a second connecting shaft 332, which has one end fixedly coupled to one of the second direction movement member 320 and the second connecting block 331, and the other end slidably coupled to the other, and extends in the second direction, and a second elastic member 333, which is installed on the outer circumference of the second connecting shaft 332, and whose ends are restricted by the sides of the second direction movement member 320 and the second connecting block 331, which face each other with the second connecting shaft in between.

[0112] The second directional moving member 320 also includes a horizontal block 321 and a vertical block 322 so that it can be connected to the second connecting block 331.

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

[0114] For stable operation of the second elastic member 333, the end of the second elastic member 333 can be fixed to the opposing side of the vertical block 322 and / or the opposing side of the second connecting block 331. Referring to Figure 10, a mounting groove 322a for the second elastic member is formed on the opposing side of the vertical block 322 facing the second connecting block 331, and the 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 equipped with a reverse movement mechanism 330, which allows it to 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 a perspective view of the electrode lead alignment device of the second embodiment, Figure 12 is a perspective view of an example of a guide roller provided in the alignment device of the second embodiment, Figures 13 to 15 are schematic diagrams showing the process of aligning electrode leads by 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 directional alignment mechanism 200 is equipped with a first guide roller 211 in addition to the reverse movement mechanism.

[0119] As described above, if the end of the first directional movement guide 210 makes so-called surface contact with the first side surface of the electrode lead L, a large surface pressure may be applied to the first side surface of the electrode lead L. In this case, even when the first directional movement guide 210 is moved backward by the reverse 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 directional movement guide 210 is large.

[0120] In this embodiment, the first guide roller 211 is installed in the portion of the first directional movement guide 210 that contacts the electrode lead L to distribute or alleviate the surface pressure.

[0121] As shown in Figure 11, the tip of the first directional movement guide 210 is provided with a first guide roller 211 that rotates around a rotation axis. The first guide roller 211 may be, for example, a cam follower.

[0122] Figure 12 shows the basic structure of a cam follower. The cam follower is a compact, rigid shaft-mounted bearing with needle rollers 211d assembled inside, used as a guide roller for cam mechanisms and linear motion. The outer ring 211b of the cam follower rotates while in direct contact with the mating surface (the first side surface of the electrode lead L), so it is designed to be thick enough to withstand impact loads. Inside the outer ring 211b, the needle rollers 211d attached to the cage 211c are assembled, preventing skew and allowing it to withstand high-speed rotation. The outer ring 211b rotates freely around the rotation axis 211a (stud) and contacts the electrode lead L to align the electrode lead L in the first direction. Reference numeral 211e, which is not explained, is a sealing member.

[0123] To support the rotating shaft of the first guide roller 211, the alignment device 2000 of this embodiment may be provided with a shaft support portion 212. The rotating shaft 211a is fixedly coupled within the shaft support portion 212, and the outer ring 211b of the cam follower can rotate on the shaft support portion 212. The shaft support portion 212 may also be coupled to the end of the first directional movement guide 210. By fastening the shaft support portion 212 to the end of the first directional movement guide 210 with a fastening member B, the first guide roller 211 can be coupled to the end of the first directional movement guide 210.

[0124] Multiple first guide rollers 211 can be arranged at the end of the first directional movement guide 210. In order to alleviate surface pressure and stably guide the electrode lead L, in Figure 11, a pair of first guide rollers 211 are installed on both sides of the tip of the first directional movement guide 210.

[0125] The outer ring 211b of the first guide roller 211 (cam follower) protrudes from the first directional movement guide 210 and contacts 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 can also be used.

[0127] The operation of the alignment device 2000 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 13 to 15.

[0128] In this embodiment, the first directional movement stroke of the first directional movement member 220 is set to be even larger than that disclosed in Figures 7 to 9. That is, the movement stroke of the first directional movement member 220 is set so that the first directional movement guide 210 moves to a range that passes through the first side surface of the electrode lead L which does not have tolerances. In other words, the first directional movement stroke of the first directional movement member 220 is set as a movement stroke that causes the first directional movement guide 210 to move to a specific point P on the electrode lead L. This means that unless there is a reverse movement mechanism 230, the movement of the first directional movement member 220 causes the first directional movement guide 210 to move to point P. Therefore, if there is no reverse movement mechanism 230, the first directional 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 whether the electrode lead L has tolerances or not, the reverse movement mechanism 230 will always operate when alignment is complete, causing the first directional movement guide 210 to move backward. By setting the movement stroke of the first directional moving member 220 to be this large, all electrode leads L can be stably aligned without considering the presence or absence of tolerances in the electrode leads L. Since it is set to advance further by L1, which is the distance from the first side surface of the electrode lead L to point P, the movement stroke of the first directional moving member 220 becomes even larger by the distance L1'. As a result, as will be described later, the first connecting block 231 can be moved backward by the distance L1''. The distances L1, L1', and L1'' are the same or of similar magnitude.

[0129] In Figure 13, as the first directional moving member 220 moves forward toward the electrode lead, the first directional moving guide 210 also moves forward together with it.

[0130] In Figure 14, the first directional movement guide 210 presses the electrode lead L against the first directional fixing guide 290, completing the alignment of the electrode lead L in the X-axis direction.

[0131] In this case, the movement stroke of the first directional movement member 220 is set to be long so that the first directional movement guide 210 moves a predetermined distance L1 to the inside of the electrode lead L. Therefore, as shown in Figure 15, the first directional movement 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 directional movement guide 210 and the electrode lead L are pressed against each other. The first directional movement guide 210 receives a force in the backward direction due to the pressure from the electrode lead L. As a result, the first connecting block 231 coupled to the first directional movement guide 210 moves backward (see Figure 15). At this time, the first connecting shaft 232 slides into the insertion hole 231A-1 of the first connecting block 231, and the first connecting block 231 moves stably backward along the first connecting shaft 232 toward the vertical block 222 of the first directional connecting member. As the first connecting block 231 moves backward, the first elastic member 233 installed on the side of the first connecting block 231 is pressurized and contracted. That is, the first elastic member 233 absorbs the pressure during the backward movement of the first connecting block 231 while being pressurized by the vertical block 222 and the first connecting block 231. This also reduces the contact pressure that the first directional movement guide 210 applies to the first side of the electrode lead L, thereby preventing damage to the electrode lead L.

[0132] Furthermore, the first directional movement guide 210 and the first connecting block 231 can be smoothly guided by the first guide block 280 relative to the first directional movement member 220 and moved backward.

[0133] According to this embodiment, the first directional moving guide reverse movement mechanism 230 can prevent damage to the electrode lead L in accordance with the tolerance of the electrode lead L.

[0134] Furthermore, the first guide roller 211 can more reliably prevent damage to the electrode lead L.

[0135] The alignment device 2000 of this embodiment may also be further equipped with a second direction alignment mechanism 300.

[0136] The second directional alignment mechanism may include a moving guide and a fixed guide, which do not have a reverse movement mechanism as in the conventional system.

[0137] However, in this case, the second side surface of the electrode lead L may be damaged. Therefore, as shown in Figure 16, the second direction alignment mechanism 300 is also equipped with the same second direction movement guide reverse movement mechanism 330 as described in the first embodiment. This makes it possible to protect the electrode lead L in accordance with all size tolerances corresponding to the X-axis and Y-axis directions of the electrode lead L.

[0138] In addition, the second directional movement guide 310 may also include a second guide roller 311 that rotates around 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] To support the rotation axis of the second guide roller 311, the alignment device 2000 of this embodiment may be equipped with a shaft support portion 312. Furthermore, the shaft support portion 312 may be coupled to the end of the second directional movement guide 310.

[0140] As a result, the second directional alignment mechanism 300 can also prevent damage to the electrode lead L by corresponding to the tolerance d2 of the electrode lead L through the second directional movement guide reverse movement mechanism 330. Furthermore, the second guide roller 311 can more reliably prevent damage to the electrode lead L.

[0141] Although not shown in the diagram, a configuration is also possible in which the second direction alignment mechanism 300 has only the second guide roller 311 on the second direction movement guide without the reverse movement mechanism 330.

[0142] (Third embodiment) Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of the reverse movement mechanism of the electrode lead alignment device of the present invention.

[0143] In the alignment devices of the first and second embodiments, the first connecting shaft 232 of the reverse movement mechanism 230 was fixedly coupled to the first directional movement member 220 and slidably coupled to the first connecting block 231.

[0144] In this modified reverse movement mechanism 230', the first connecting shaft 232 is fixedly coupled to the first connecting block 231 and is slidably coupled to the first direction moving member 220.

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

[0146] Furthermore, 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 connected to the vertical block 222 via the through-insertion hole 221-1'.

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

[0148] To absorb the impact caused by the backward movement of the first directional movement guide 210, a first elastic member 233, such as a spring, is installed on the outer circumference of the first connecting shaft 232. The first elastic member 233 is restricted at both ends by the sides of the first directional movement member 220 and the first connecting block 231, which are opposite each other with the first connecting shaft 232 in between. Therefore, for example, when the first connecting block 231 moves backward, the first elastic member 233 is pressurized by the opposing sides of the first directional movement member 220 and the first connecting block 231. This allows the first connecting block 231 to move flexibly relative to the vertical block 222 of the first directional 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 opposing sides of the vertical block 222 and / or the opposing sides of the first connecting block 231. Referring to Figure 17, a first elastic member mounting groove 222a is formed on the inner surface of a vertical block 222 facing the first connecting block 231, and the end of the first elastic member 233 is coupled to the mounting groove 222a. On the other hand, a connecting shaft diameter enlargement portion 232c for pressurizing the first elastic member 233 can be installed on the outer circumference of the first connecting shaft 232. In addition, an installation groove 231C into which the connecting shaft diameter enlargement portion 232c is mounted is provided on the 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 into the insertion hole 231B of the first connecting block 231 and mounted, and at the same time the connecting shaft diameter enlargement portion 232c is mounted in the installation groove 231C of the first connecting block 231. The first elastic member 233 can be pressurized by the connecting shaft diameter enlargement 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 the present invention.

[0150] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in relation to specific embodiments, it is readily apparent to any person with ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] A: Adsorption device L: Electrode lead 100: Alignment support stand 110: Alignment support section 120: Support frame 200: First Direction Alignment Mechanism 210: First Directional Movement Guide 220: First directional moving member 230: First directional movement guide reverse movement 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: First Direction Fixed Guide 291: Guide support frame 300: Second Direction Alignment Mechanism 310: Second Direction Movement Guide 320: Second direction moving member 330: Second directional movement guide reverse movement mechanism 331: Second Link Block 332:Second connection shaft 333: Second elastic member 340: Second moving block 350: Third guide block 370: Sliding Block 380: Fourth guide block 390: First Direction Fixed Guide B: Fastening member F: Base frame

Claims

1. An alignment support stand on which electrode leads are placed, A first-direction moving guide that presses the electrode leads on the alignment support base in a first direction to align them, A first direction moving member moves along the first direction by a set first direction movement stroke, is connected to the first direction movement guide, and moves the first direction movement guide along the first direction, The first direction moving guide reverse movement mechanism includes, when the first direction moving member is moving forward in a first direction and the alignment of the electrode leads by the first direction moving guide is completed and the electrode leads stop, the first direction moving guide is moved backward in the opposite direction to the forward movement of the first direction moving member. The forward movement distance of the first directional movement guide until the alignment of the electrode leads is completed is smaller than the set first directional movement stroke of the first directional movement member. Electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing.

2. Battery manufacturing electrode lead alignment apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a first direction moving mechanism comprising a first moving block that moves along a first direction and is fixedly coupled to the lower part of the first direction moving member to move the first direction moving member along the first direction.

3. Battery manufacturing electrode lead alignment apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a first guide block slidably coupled to the lower part of the first moving block and guiding the movement of the first moving block in a first direction.

4. The first directional guide reverse movement mechanism is, The first connecting block connects the first directional movement guide and the first directional movement member, The electrode lead alignment apparatus for battery manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein one side of the first connecting block is fixedly coupled to the first directional movement guide, and the other side of the first connecting block is slidably coupled to the first directional movement member.

5. The first directional guide reverse movement mechanism is, A first connecting shaft is fixedly connected at one end to one of the first directional moving member and the first connecting block, and slidably connected at the other end to the other, extending in the first direction, The electrode lead alignment apparatus for battery manufacturing according to claim 4, further comprising: a first elastic member installed on the outer circumference of the first connecting shaft, the ends of which are restricted by the side surface of the first directional moving member and the side surface of the first connecting block, which are opposite each other with respect to the first connecting shaft.

6. Fixedly coupled to the first directional moving member, The first connecting block is slidably connected to it, The electrode lead alignment apparatus for battery manufacturing according to claim 5, further comprising a second guide block for guiding the movement of the first connecting block in a first direction.

7. The first directional movement guide is, The electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing according to claim 1, further comprising a first guide roller that rotates around a rotation axis and contacts the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in a first direction.

8. A second-direction moving guide that presses and aligns the electrode leads on the alignment support base in a second direction, Battery manufacturing electrode lead alignment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a second direction moving member that moves along the second direction by a set second direction movement stroke and is connected to the second direction movement guide, and moves the second direction movement guide along the second direction.

9. The electrode lead alignment apparatus for battery manufacturing according to claim 8, further comprising a second direction moving guide reverse movement mechanism that moves the second direction moving guide backward in the opposite direction to the forward movement of the second direction moving member when the alignment of the electrode leads by the second direction moving guide is completed and the electrode leads stop while the second direction moving member is moving forward in the second direction.

10. The electrode lead alignment apparatus for battery manufacturing according to claim 9, wherein the forward movement distance of the second directional movement guide until the alignment of the electrode leads is completed is smaller than the set second directional movement stroke of the second directional movement member.

11. A second direction movement mechanism comprising a second movement block that moves along a second direction and is fixedly coupled to the lower part of the second direction movement member, causing the second direction movement member to move along the second direction, Battery manufacturing electrode lead alignment apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a third guide block slidably coupled to the lower part of the second moving block and guiding the movement of the second moving block in a second direction.

12. The second directional guide reverse movement mechanism is, The system includes a second connecting block that connects the second direction moving guide and the second direction moving member, The electrode lead alignment apparatus for battery manufacturing according to claim 9, wherein one side of the second connecting block is fixedly coupled to the second directional movement guide, and the other side of the second connecting block is slidably coupled to the second directional movement member.

13. The second directional guide reverse movement mechanism is, A second connecting shaft is fixedly connected at one end to one of the second directional moving member and the second connecting block, and slidably connected at the other end to the other, extending in the second direction, The electrode lead alignment apparatus for battery manufacturing according to claim 12, further comprising: a second elastic member installed on the outer circumference of the second connecting shaft, the ends of which are restricted by the side surface of the second directional moving member and the side surface of the second connecting block, which are opposite each other with respect to the second connecting shaft.

14. The second directional movement guide is, The electrode lead alignment device for battery manufacturing according to claim 9, further comprising a second guide roller that rotates around a rotation axis and contacts the electrode lead to align the electrode lead in a second direction.

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