Electrode ear guide device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrode ear guide device for guiding electrode ears positioned at the edge of an electrode plate being moved by a roller. The electrode ear guide device comprises: a guide body positioned at the periphery of the roller; a first guide which is positioned away from the guide body along the periphery of the roller, and guides the electrode ears onto the outer periphery of the roller; and a first adjuster which is coupled correspondingly to the first guide and the guide body, and adjusts the distance between the first guide and the guide body.

Description

Electrode tab guide device

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0132759, dated October 5, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to an electrode tab guide device for guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet transported by a roller.

[0005] The recent rapid proliferation of battery-powered electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles, has led to a rapid increase in demand for compact, lightweight, and relatively high-capacity secondary batteries. Lithium secondary batteries, in particular, are attracting attention as power sources for portable devices due to their lightweight nature and high energy density.

[0006] Electrode sheets are typically used to manufacture these secondary batteries. Electrode tabs can be formed along the edges of the electrode sheets using a notching process. These electrode tabs can later be connected to electrode leads, electrically connecting the secondary battery to an external power source or load.

[0007] Meanwhile, in the notching process, an electrode tab guide device is used to guide the electrode tab of the electrode sheet, and much research is being conducted to improve the problems of the conventional guide device.

[0008] The present invention provides an electrode tab guide device capable of appropriately guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet conveyed by a roller to suit various manufacturing environments.

[0009] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0010] An electrode tab guide device according to one aspect of the present invention is an electrode tab guide device for guiding an electrode tab provided on the edge of an electrode sheet conveyed by a roller, the electrode tab guide device including: a guide body that can be arranged on the circumferential side of the roller; a first guide member that is spaced apart from the guide body in the circumferential direction of the roller and can guide the electrode tab onto the outer circumferential surface of the roller; and a first adjustment unit that is coupled to the first guide member and the guide body, respectively, and is configured to adjust a distance between the first guide member and the guide body.

[0011] The first adjusting unit may be configured such that at least a portion thereof can be bent or rotated in the radial direction of the roller.

[0012] The first control unit may have at least a portion of a Javara shape.

[0013] The first adjustment unit may include a plurality of link members connected in a row so as to be rotatable relative to one another.

[0014] The first adjustment unit includes a guide body-side sliding member connected to the guide body and a guide member-side sliding member connected to the first guide member, and the guide body-side sliding member and the guide member-side sliding member can be slidably coupled to each other.

[0015] The above guide body may have an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction of the roller.

[0016] The above first guide member may extend in the circumferential direction of the roller, but its cross-section may decrease as it goes toward the end.

[0017] The first guide member may include a first guide surface that extends such that the distance from the roller becomes increasingly farther away along the circumferential direction of the roller.

[0018] The second guide member may further include a second guide member spaced apart from the first guide member in the circumferential direction of the roller with the guide body interposed therebetween, and capable of guiding the electrode tab from the outer surface of the roller to the outside of the roller.

[0019] The second guide member and the guide body may further include a second adjustment unit that is respectively coupled to the second guide member and the guide body and can adjust the distance between the second guide member and the guide body.

[0020] An electrode tab guide device according to one aspect of the present invention can appropriately adjust the distance between the first guide member and the guide body by the first adjustment unit, so that the electrode tab of the electrode sheet conveyed by the roller can be appropriately guided to suit various manufacturing environments.

[0021] An electrode tab guide device according to one aspect of the present invention can appropriately adjust the position of the first guide member in the radial direction of the roller by bending or rotating the first adjustment unit, so that the electrode tab of the electrode sheet conveyed by the roller can be appropriately guided to suit various manufacturing environments.

[0022] An electrode tab guide device according to one aspect of the present invention can adjust the distance between first and second guide members spaced apart along the radial direction of the roller with the guide body as the center by first and second adjusting members, so that the electrode tab of the electrode sheet conveyed by the roller can be appropriately guided to suit various manufacturing environments.

[0023] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0024] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrode tab guide device according to a first embodiment of the present invention guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet conveyed by a roller.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an electrode tab guide device according to a first embodiment of the present invention guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet conveyed by a roller.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating that the distance between the guide body and the first guide member of the electrode tab guide device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is adjusted according to the width of the electrode tab.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating that the distance between the guide body and the first guide member of the electrode tab guide device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is adjusted according to the size of the roller.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating that the distance between the guide body and the first guide member of the electrode tab guide device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is adjusted according to the transport direction of the electrode sheet.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an electrode tab guide device according to a second embodiment of the present invention guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet conveyed by a roller.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an electrode tab guide device according to a third embodiment of the present invention guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet conveyed by a roller.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an electrode tab guide device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet conveyed by a roller.

[0033] In some of the accompanying drawings, corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings illustrate elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to facilitate understanding of various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements depicted in the drawings, such as the size or line thickness, may be exaggerated compared to other elements. Furthermore, elements of known technology that are useful or essential in commercially feasible embodiments may often not be depicted so as not to obscure the spirit of various embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0035] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0036] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0037] In the secondary battery manufacturing process, electrode sheets are often transported by rollers. However, as the electrode sheets pass over the rollers, the electrode tabs formed along the edges of the electrode sheets can become folded or distorted due to gravity or roller fluctuations. Such deformation of the electrode tabs can cause defects in the secondary battery or lead to problems with roller tension control and speed.

[0038] The rollers transporting the electrode sheets are equipped with a separate device for guiding the electrode tabs. This separate device for guiding the electrode tabs guides the electrode tabs so that they naturally bend along the curvature of the rollers as they pass over them, thereby minimizing deformation of the electrode tabs as described above.

[0039] The present invention provides a guide device that can appropriately adjust parameters, etc. according to the situation during the process, rather than designing and installing such a guide device according to a preset manufacturing environment. For example, the guide device of the present invention provides a guide device configured to appropriately guide the electrode tab by adjusting parameters, such as adjusting the length of the guide device accordingly, even when the shape of the electrode tab, such as the width of the electrode tab, changes when the electrode tab passes over the roller.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrode tab guide device according to a first embodiment of the present invention guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet being conveyed by a roller. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an electrode tab guide device according to a first embodiment of the present invention guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet being conveyed by a roller.

[0042] FIG. 1 discloses an electrode tab guide device (hereinafter, referred to as a guide device) (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The guide device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a device for guiding an electrode tab (5) of an electrode sheet (4) for a secondary battery conveyed by a roller (3) to naturally pass through the roller (3).

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the present disclosure, the electrode sheet (4) for a secondary battery may be provided in the form of a long sheet in which an electrode active material is applied to a metal sheet.

[0044] In this embodiment, the metal sheet used for the electrode sheet (4) may be made of aluminum (Al) or copper (Cu). In addition, the electrode active material may be made of lithium-cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium-manganese oxide (LMO), nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM), nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA), lithium-iron phosphate (LFP), graphite (C), silicon (Si), etc.

[0045] The type of metal sheet and electrode active material used in the electrode sheet (4) can be appropriately selected depending on the type of electrode to be manufactured using the electrode sheet (4), for example, whether the type of electrode is a negative electrode or a positive electrode. However, the type of material of the metal sheet and the type of electrode active material are not limited to those described above, and various materials and types can be used, for example, depending on the shape or type of the secondary battery.

[0046] A plurality of electrode tabs (5) may be provided on the edge side of the electrode sheet (4). The plurality of electrode tabs (5) may be provided at regular intervals along the extension direction of the electrode sheet (4). The electrode tabs (5) may have a rectangular shape protruding outward from the electrode sheet (4) and having a predetermined width (W1), but are not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the electrode tabs (5) may be appropriately modified as needed.

[0047] These electrode tabs (5) can function as a passage for connecting the electrode manufactured by the electrode sheet (4) to an external power source or load. At this time, the electrode tabs (5) can generally be formed by a notching process, but are not limited thereto.

[0048] In the present disclosure, the electrode sheet (4) can be transported by passing over the outer periphery of a roller (3) that extends in the Y-axis direction and can rotate around its own axis. To this end, the electrode sheet (4) can be transported toward the roller (3) along a first direction (D1) and wound from a point on the roller (3). At this time, the first direction (D1) can be a direction parallel to a tangent line to the point on the roller (3).

[0049] The electrode sheet (4) can be unrolled from the roller (3) along a second direction (D2) from the other point of the roller (3). At this time, the second direction (D2) may be a direction parallel to a tangent line to the other point of the roller (3). The first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) can be appropriately adjusted as needed.

[0050] In the present disclosure, the roller (3) may be a drive roller. A driver may be operatively coupled to the drive roller. Accordingly, the drive roller may be rotated by the driving force of the driver, and the electrode sheet (4) may be transported by the force generated by the driving force of the driver.

[0051] Alternatively, the roller (3) may be a driven roller. The driven roller may not be coupled with a separate driver. Instead, the driven roller may be rotated through friction with the electrode sheet (4). Such a driven roller may be used to change the transport direction of the electrode sheet (4) or to support the electrode sheet (4).

[0052] Meanwhile, the electrode tab (5) may be damaged during the process of the electrode sheet (4) being transported by passing over the roller (3). For example, the electrode tab (5) may be bent or folded due to gravity or the fluctuation of the roller (3). Such deformation of the electrode tab (5) may cause defects in the secondary battery or problems with the tension control and driving speed of the roller (3).

[0053] To solve this problem, a guide device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be used. The guide device (1) according to this embodiment can prevent unexpected deformation of the electrode tab (5) by guiding the electrode tab (5) so that the electrode tab (5) naturally bends and passes over the roller (3).

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a guide body (10). In this embodiment, the guide body (10) is a member that guides the electrode tab (5) to pass over the outer periphery of the roller (3).

[0055] In this embodiment, the guide body (10) may be spaced apart from the roller (3) to form a gap on the circumferential side. At this time, the guide body (10) may be restricted from moving or rotating relative to the roller (3). As illustrated, the guide body (10) may be fixed in position by being connected to a specific fixing portion of, for example, a notching device by a separate support rod (2). However, the method for fixing the position of the guide body (10) is not particularly limited, and any method that can maintain the relative position with respect to the roller (3) that can exhibit the effects of the present invention may be appropriately selected.

[0056] In this embodiment, the guide body (10) can be positioned and fixed on the path along which the electrode tab (5) moves on the circumferential side of the roller (3). This is so that the guide body (10) directly contacts and guides the electrode tab (5).

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, the guide body (10) of the guide device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may have an arc shape in which at least a portion thereof follows the circumferential direction of the roller (3).

[0058] According to the present embodiment, a body-side guide surface (12) facing the outer circumference of the roller (3) may be provided on the side of the guide body (10). At this time, the length of the section in which the guide body (10) or the body-side guide surface (12) surrounds the outer circumference of the roller (3) may be appropriately adjusted.

[0059] In this embodiment, the body-side guide surface (12) can be spaced apart from the outer surface of the roller (3) by a predetermined distance. As a result, a predetermined gap can be formed between the body-side guide surface (12) and the outer surface of the roller (3). In addition, the gap can be provided along the circumferential direction of the roller (3).

[0060] Accordingly, the electrode tab (5) can naturally pass over the outer periphery of the roller (3) by passing through the gap. At this time, the size of the gap (e.g., the gap between the body-side guide surface (12) and the outer periphery of the roller (3)) can be appropriately adjusted according to the thickness or width of the electrode sheet (4) or electrode tab (5), the rotation speed or size of the roller (3), etc.

[0061] In this embodiment, the size of the gap may be constant along the circumferential direction of the roller (3). To this end, the body-side guide surface (12) may extend parallel to the outer circumferential surface of the roller (3) along the circumferential direction of the roller (3). However, the shape of the body-side guide surface (12) is not particularly limited as long as it can guide the electrode tab (5) to pass over the outer circumferential surface of the roller (3).

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a guide device (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a first guide member (20). In this embodiment, the first guide member (20) is a member for guiding an electrode tab (5) being transported toward a roller (3) onto an outer surface of the roller (3). By means of the first guide member (20), the electrode tab (5) can be guided between the guide body (10) and the outer surface of the roller (3) (gap).

[0063] In this embodiment, the first guide member (20) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from one end of the guide body (10). At this time, the first guide member (20) may be positioned toward the electrode sheet (4) being transported toward the roller (3). This is so that the first guide member (20) faces the electrode tab (5) before the guide body (10) and guides it.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the first guide member (20) may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction (D1). According to one embodiment, the cross-section of the first guide member (20) may be configured in a wedge shape that decreases toward the end so as to stably guide the electrode tab (5).

[0065] At this time, a first guide surface (22) may be provided on the side of the first guide member (20). In this embodiment, the first guide surface (22) may be a surface that first faces and guides the electrode tab (5) being transported toward the roller (3).

[0066] According to the present embodiment, the first guide surface (22) may be extended so that the distance from the outer surface of the roller (3) becomes increasingly farther away along the circumferential direction of the roller (3). In other words, the first guide surface (22) may be extended obliquely in the outer direction of the roller (3) along the circumferential direction of the roller (3). At this time, the first guide surface (22) may face the electrode sheet (4) being transported toward the roller (3).

[0067] By the above configuration, the space between the first guide surface (22) and the outer surface of the roller (3) can gradually narrow along the first direction (D1) and be connected to the gap between the guide body (10) and the roller (3).

[0068] Due to this, the electrode tab (5) being transported toward the roller (3) side can be naturally guided between the guide body (10) and the roller (3) along the space between the first guide surface (22) and the roller (3). Therefore, for example, the electrode tab (5) can be prevented from riding up to the outside of the first guide member (20).

[0069] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the first guide member (20) has a wedge shape and the first guide surface (22) is provided as an inclined plane, but is not limited thereto, and the shapes of the first guide member (20) and the first guide surface (22) are not particularly limited as long as they can guide the electrode tab (5) between the guide body (10) and the roller (3). For example, the first guide member (20) may be provided in the form of a frame or a plate, and the first guide surface (22) may be formed such that a portion thereof is curved.

[0070] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a first adjustment unit (30). In this embodiment, the first adjustment unit (30) is a unit for adjusting the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10).

[0071] To this end, the first adjustment unit (30) of the guide device (1) according to the present embodiment may have one side coupled to the guide body (10) and the other side coupled to the first guide member (20). In addition, the first adjustment unit (30) may be configured so that its length can be changed or bent in the radial direction of the roller (3).

[0072] As an example, as illustrated, the first adjustment unit (30) may include a jabara (32) (e.g., a bellows) extending along the circumference of the roller (3). At this time, the jabara (32) may be connected to the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) at both sides in the extension direction, respectively. By changing the length of the jabara (32), the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) may be adjusted.

[0073] Alternatively, the position of the first guide member (20) may be adjusted by bending or tilting the Javara (32). The specific effects thereof will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the length, bending, and / or tilting of the Javara (32) may be adjusted manually, for example, by a worker, or may be adjusted using an appropriate automation method, for example, by using a driving device such as a motor and a controller.

[0074] Meanwhile, the first adjustment unit (30) of the guide device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a support member (34). The support member (34) is a member for supplementing the rigidity of the aforementioned Javara (32).

[0075] In this embodiment, the support member (34) may be provided inside the Javara (32). In addition, the support member (34) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the Javara (32). At this time, both sides of the support member (34) in the extension direction may be respectively coupled to the guide body (10) and the first guide member (20). Accordingly, since the guide body (10) or the first guide member (20) may be supported by the support member (34), the load applied to the Javara (32) may be alleviated.

[0076] According to the present embodiment, the support member (34) may be made of a material or structure that has a predetermined flexibility or elasticity against an external force greater than a predetermined size, but has a rigidity that resists an external force less than a predetermined size.

[0077] Due to this, the support member (34) can be stretched or bent together with the change in length of the Javara (32) or the degree of bending of the Javara (32) by a large external force, while maintaining the deformed length or bent shape of the Javara (32) by resisting a small external force such as the weight of the first guide member (20).

[0078] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a second guide member (40). In this embodiment, the second guide member (40) is a member for guiding an electrode tab (5) extending outward on the outer surface of the roller (3). At this time, the electrode tab (5) may be guided in the second direction (D2) described above by the second guide member (40).

[0079] According to the present embodiment, the second guide member (40) may be disposed opposite the first guide member (20) in the longitudinal direction of the guide body (10) with the guide body (10) interposed therebetween. At this time, the second guide member (40) may be disposed so as to have a predetermined distance from the other end of the guide body (10). This is so that the second guide member (40) guides the electrode tab (5) that comes out between the guide body (10) and the outer surface of the roller (3).

[0080] Referring to FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the second guide member (40) may extend in a direction approximately parallel to the second direction (D2). In addition, the cross-section of the second guide member (40) may decrease toward the end.

[0081] At this time, a second guide surface (42) may be provided on the side of the second guide member (40). In this embodiment, the second guide surface (42) may be a surface for guiding the electrode tab (5) coming out of the gap between the outer surface of the roller (3) and the guide body (10).

[0082] According to the present embodiment, the second guide surface (42) may be extended so that the distance from the outer surface of the roller (3) becomes increasingly farther away along the circumferential direction of the roller (3). In other words, the second guide surface (42) may be extended obliquely in the outer direction of the roller (3) along the circumferential direction of the roller (3). At this time, the second guide surface (42) may face the direction in which the electrode sheet (4) is unwound from the roller (3) (i.e., the second direction (D2)).

[0083] By means of the above configuration, the space between the second guide surface (42) and the outer surface of the roller (3) can be gradually widened along the second direction (D2). As a result, the electrode tab (5) being transported to the outside of the roller (3) can be naturally guided along the space between the second guide surface (42) and the outer surface of the roller (3). In other words, the electrode tab (5) can be prevented from being unexpectedly deformed during the process of being transported to the outside of the roller (3).

[0084] Meanwhile, in the illustrated embodiment, the second guide member (40) is illustrated to have a shape symmetrical to the first guide member (20), but is not limited thereto. For example, the second guide member (40) may have a shape different from the first guide member (20) if it can guide the electrode tab (5) to the outside of the roller (3).

[0085] Hereinafter, examples of various effects by the first adjustment unit (30) of the guide device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with different drawings. One of the various effects by the first adjustment unit (30) of the guide device according to the present embodiment may be as follows.

[0086] Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating that the distance between the guide body and the first guide member of the electrode tab guide device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is adjusted according to the width of the electrode tab. Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating that the distance between the guide body and the first guide member of the electrode tab guide device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is adjusted according to the size of the roller. Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating that the distance between the guide body and the first guide member of the electrode tab guide device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is adjusted according to the conveying direction of the electrode sheet.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 3, the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) needs to be adjusted depending on the width (W2) of the electrode tab (5). For example, in order to guide an electrode tab (5) having a longer width (W2), the first guide member (20) may need to be spaced further apart from the guide body (10). This is because, as the width (W2) of the electrode tab (5) becomes longer, the length of the section that the first guide member (20) needs to guide may become longer.

[0088] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the guide device (1) can have the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) appropriately adjusted according to the width of the electrode tab (5) by the first adjustment unit (30). This adjustment can be achieved by changing the length of the first adjustment unit (30).

[0089] As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) can be spaced apart by a first distance (L1) to guide the electrode tab (5) having a first width (W1).

[0090] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) can be spaced apart by a second distance (L2) longer than the first distance (L1) to guide the electrode tab (5) having a second width (W2) longer than the first width (W1).

[0091] Another of the various effects of the first adjustment unit of the guide device according to the present embodiment may be as follows. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 together, the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the roller (3), i.e., the radius of the roller (3). This is because, as the radius of the roller increases, the length or curvature of the section to be guided by the first guide member (20) may change.

[0092] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the guide device (1) can have the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) appropriately adjusted according to the radius of the roller (3) by the first adjustment unit (30). This adjustment can be achieved by changing the length of the first adjustment unit (30).

[0093] As an example, in FIG. 2, the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) is shown to be spaced apart by a first distance (L1) to guide the electrode tab (5) to pass over the roller (3) having the first radius (R1).

[0094] Meanwhile, in FIG. 4, the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) is shown to be spaced apart by a second distance (L2) longer than the first distance (L1) in order to guide the electrode tab (5) to pass over the roller (3) having a second radius (R2) larger than the first radius (R1).

[0095] Of course, the above-described effect may be achieved by maintaining the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) constant at the first distance (L1), while the first adjustment unit (30) is bent and the relative position between the first guide member (20) and the roller (3) is adjusted. Alternatively, the effect may be achieved by adjusting both the length and the bending angle of the first adjustment unit (30).

[0096] Another effect of the first adjustment unit of the guide device according to the present embodiment may be as follows. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 together, the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) may need to be adjusted depending on the transport direction of the electrode sheet (4) by the roller (3). This is because the length of the section to be guided by the first guide member (20) may change depending on the transport direction of the electrode sheet.

[0097] This adjustment can be made by changing the length of the first adjustment unit (30). At this time, the transport direction of the electrode sheet (4) can also be expressed as an angle between the first direction (D1), which is the direction in which the electrode sheet (4) is wound, and the second direction (D2), which is the direction in which the electrode sheet (4) is unwound.

[0098] As an example, FIG. 2 depicts a case where the angle between the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) is a first angle (A1), and at this time, the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) can be spaced apart by a first distance (L1) to guide the electrode tab (5) to pass over the roller (3).

[0099] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 depicts a case where the angle between the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) is a second angle (A2) greater than the first angle (A1), and at this time, the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) can be spaced apart by a second distance (L2) longer than the first distance (L1) in order to guide the electrode tab (5) to pass over the roller (3).

[0100] Of course, the above-described effect may be achieved by maintaining the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) constant at the first distance (L1), while the first adjustment unit (30) is bent and the relative position between the first guide member (20) and the roller (3) is adjusted. Alternatively, the effect may be achieved by adjusting both the length and the degree of bending of the first adjustment unit (30).

[0101] In this way, according to the guide device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) and / or the relative position between the first guide member (20) and the roller (3) can be appropriately adjusted by the first adjustment unit (30), so that the electrode tab (5) can be appropriately guided to suit various manufacturing environments.

[0102] Hereinafter, a guide device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with different drawings. Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an electrode tab guide device according to a second embodiment of the present invention guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet being conveyed by a roller. Fig. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an electrode tab guide device according to a third embodiment of the present invention guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet being conveyed by a roller. Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an electrode tab guide device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention guiding an electrode tab of an electrode sheet being conveyed by a roller.

[0103] FIG. 6 discloses a guide device (101) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the guide device (101) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may further include a second adjustment unit (150) in addition to a guide body (10), a first guide member (20), a first adjustment unit (30), and a second guide member (40).

[0104] In this embodiment, the second adjustment unit (150) may be configured to be coupled to the guide body (10) and the second guide member (40), respectively, to adjust the distance between the second guide member (40) and the guide body (10).

[0105] Alternatively, the second adjustment unit (150) may be configured to be able to bend or flex in the radial direction of the roller (3). Through this, the second adjustment unit (150) can adjust the position of the second guide member (40).

[0106] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated, the second adjustment unit (150) may include a Javara (152). At this time, the Javara (152) may extend in the circumferential direction of the roller (3). In addition, both sides of the Javara (152) in the extension direction may be coupled to the guide body (10) and the second guide member (40), respectively.

[0107] Accordingly, the distance between the guide body (10) and the second guide member (40) can be adjusted by unfolding or folding the wrinkle structure of the Javara (152). Furthermore, the position of the second guide member (40) can also be adjusted by bending the Javara (152) in one direction.

[0108] Meanwhile, the second adjustment unit (150) of the guide device (101) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a support member (154). In this embodiment, the support member (154) of the second adjustment unit (150) may be provided inside the Javara (152).

[0109] In addition, the support member (154) can be extended parallel to the Javara (152) and both sides can be connected to the guide body (10) and the second guide member (40), respectively. Accordingly, since the guide body (10) or the first guide member (20) can be supported by the support member (154), the load applied to the Javara (152) can be alleviated.

[0110] The support member (154) of the guide device (101) according to the present embodiment may be made of the same or similar material or structure as the support member (34) (illustrated in FIG. 2) of the guide device (1) (illustrated in FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above. Accordingly, the extended length or curved shape of the Javara (152) can be maintained with a predetermined rigidity.

[0111] In this way, according to the guide device (101) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the second guide member (40) and the guide body (10) and / or the relative position between the second guide member (40) and the roller (3) can be appropriately adjusted by the second adjustment unit (150), so that the electrode tab (5) can be appropriately guided to suit various manufacturing environments.

[0112] Meanwhile, in the illustrated embodiment, the first control unit (30) and the second control unit (150) are configured with similar Javara structures, but the first control unit (30) and the second control unit (150) may be configured with different structures.

[0113] Fig. 7 discloses a guide device (201) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 7, the first adjustment unit (130) of the guide device (201) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be formed in a link structure.

[0114] In other words, in the present embodiment, the first adjustment unit (130) may include a plurality of link members (132). At this time, the link members (132) may have a rod shape extending in one direction.

[0115] In the present embodiment, a plurality of link members (132) may be coupled in a row. In addition, the plurality of link members (132) may be coupled to be relatively rotatable with respect to one another. For this purpose, the link members (132) may be coupled to other adjacent link members (132) by a pin member (134). However, the coupling structure between the plurality of link members (132) is not limited thereto, and is not particularly limited as long as, for example, they can be relatively rotated.

[0116] Accordingly, the distance between the guide body (10) and the first guide member (20) can be adjusted by the first adjustment unit (130) described above. For example, if a plurality of link members (132) are spread apart from each other, the distance can be increased, and if a plurality of link members (132) are folded together to come closer to each other, the distance can be shortened.

[0117] Additionally, the position of the first guide member (20) can be adjusted. For example, if the angles between the plurality of link members (132) are adjusted differently, the first guide member (20) can be moved radially outward or inward of the roller (3).

[0118] In this way, according to the guide device (201) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the first guide member (20) and the guide body (10) and / or the relative position between the first guide member (20) and the roller (3) can be appropriately adjusted by the first adjustment unit (130), so that the electrode tab (5) can be appropriately guided to suit various manufacturing environments.

[0119] Fig. 8 discloses a guide device (301) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8, the first adjustment unit (230) of the guide device (301) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be formed of a sliding coupling structure.

[0120] In other words, the first adjustment unit (230) of the guide device (301) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a guide body-side sliding member (232) and a guide member-side sliding member (234).

[0121] In this embodiment, the guide body-side sliding member (232) may be connected to the guide body (10). In addition, the guide body-side sliding member (232) may be provided with a guide groove (233). The guide groove (233) may extend in a direction from the guide body (10) toward the first guide member (20). Of course, the guide groove (233) may also be provided in the form of a hole.

[0122] In this embodiment, the guide member-side sliding member (234) may be connected to the first guide member (20). In addition, the guide member-side sliding member (234) may be provided with a protrusion that is slidably coupled to the aforementioned guide groove (233).

[0123] Accordingly, when the guide member-side sliding member (234) slides along the guide groove (233), the distance between the guide body (10) and the first guide member (20) can be adjusted. Therefore, the guide device (301) according to the present embodiment can appropriately guide the electrode tab (5) to suit various manufacturing environments.

[0124] Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, the first adjustment unit (or second adjustment unit) is configured with a Java structure, a link structure, or a sliding coupling structure, but is not limited thereto. For example, if the distance between the guide body and the first guide member (or second guide member) or the position of the first guide member (or second guide member) can be adjusted, the structure of the first adjustment unit (or second adjustment unit) is not particularly limited.

[0125] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope equivalent to the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. An electrode tab guide device for guiding an electrode tab provided on the edge of an electrode sheet transported by a roller, A guide body that can be placed on the circumference side of the above roller; A first guide member spaced apart from the guide body in the circumferential direction of the roller and capable of guiding the electrode tab onto the outer surface of the roller; and An electrode tab guide device comprising a first adjustment unit, each of which is coupled to the first guide member and the guide body, and configured to adjust the distance between the first guide member and the guide body.

2. In paragraph 1, An electrode tab guide device, wherein the first adjusting unit is configured such that at least a portion thereof can be bent or rotated in the radial direction of the roller.

3. In paragraph 2, An electrode tab guide device, wherein at least a portion of the first adjustment unit has a Javara shape.

4. In paragraph 2, An electrode tab guide device, wherein the first adjustment unit comprises a plurality of link members connected in a row so as to be rotatable relative to one another.

5. In paragraph 1, The first adjustment unit includes a guide body-side sliding member connected to the guide body and a guide member-side sliding member connected to the first guide member, An electrode tab guide device in which the above guide body-side sliding member and the above guide member-side sliding member are slidably coupled to each other.

6. In paragraph 1, An electrode tab guide device, wherein the above guide body has an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction of the roller.

7. In paragraph 1, An electrode tab guide device in which the first guide member has a shape in which the cross-section decreases toward the end while extending in the circumferential direction of the roller.

8. In paragraph 1, An electrode tab guide device, wherein the first guide member includes a first guide surface extending such that the distance from the roller becomes increasingly farther away along the circumferential direction of the roller.

9. In paragraph 1, An electrode tab guide device further comprising a second guide member spaced apart from the first guide member in the circumferential direction of the roller with the guide body interposed therebetween, the second guide member capable of guiding the electrode tab from the outer peripheral surface of the roller to the outside of the roller.

10. In paragraph 9, An electrode tab guide device further comprising a second adjustment unit, each of which is coupled to the second guide member and the guide body, and capable of adjusting the distance between the second guide member and the guide body.

Images