JP2001176453A - Device for inserting cylindrical battery in order - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for inserting cylindrical batteries to be stored in alignment in a case, while eliminating possibility of damaging the cylindrical batteries. SOLUTION: This device for inserting the cylindrical batteries in alignment comprises a transporting mechanism 8 for vertically delivering in multiple steps the case 10, in which the cylindrical batteries 9 are stored in order, a case detecting sensor 11 for detecting the delivered case 10 at least at a first step, a movable stopper 12 put in contact with the inside wall face of the case 10 delivered in steps for setting a reference position, a pusher 13 for positioning the case 10 thrust at its outside wall face, with the inside wall face of which the movable stopper 12 is put in contact, and a cylindrical battery supply part 14 for inserting and storing the cylindrical batteries 9 in order, into the positioned case 10 in the almost horizontal direction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for aligning cylindrical batteries, and more particularly, to an apparatus for aligning cylindrical batteries in a transfer container or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, cordless electronic devices such as portable telephones and portable notebook personal computers and miniaturized measuring devices have been developed.
Cylindrical or prismatic batteries are frequently used. As the demand for cylindrical batteries has increased, the performance of cylindrical batteries has been improved. On the other hand, the production volume of batteries has also increased, and the production line has been accelerated.

[0003] In the manufacture of batteries, battery intermediate products are arranged in containers in order and transported between manufacturing processes, or battery products are arranged in predetermined containers (packed in boxes) and marketed. It is put on. In any case, the batteries (battery intermediate products or battery products) housed in the container are staggered so that they do not fall down or move in a sliding manner, causing damage to the external shape. It is hoped that it will be.

[0004] The cylindrical battery is inserted into a required container in an aligned manner by means as schematically shown in the perspective view of FIG. That is, the container 2 separated and supplied from the container supply unit 1 is transferred to the battery insertion position by the transfer unit 3 and positioned. On the other hand, a battery supply unit 4 is arranged to face the battery insertion position, and a battery (battery intermediate product or battery product) 5 is inserted and stored in the positioned container 2 in an aligned manner.

[0005] Here, the battery supply unit 4 pushes the endless type conveyor 4a which conveys a row of batteries 5 aligned in a certain direction in a certain direction, and pushes out the five rows of batteries on the endless type conveyor 4a into the container 2. It has an insertion pusher 4b and an air cylinder 4c for moving the insertion pusher 4b forward and backward, and is configured to insert and store aligned battery groups in the container 2.

On the other hand, the transporting means 3 is constructed so as to be able to run stepwise or intermittently. When the insertion and storage of batteries in the first row in the container 2 is completed, the batteries are inserted.・ The container 2 is moved (downward) by the amount stored,
It is configured to repeat the operation of inserting the battery in the next row in an aligned manner.

In order to insert the batteries 5 in the container 2 in an aligned manner, the batteries 5 are positioned in advance (in the vertical and horizontal directions) so as to correspond to the aligned insertion of the batteries 5 so that the adjacent alignments maintain a staggered shape. The insertion pusher 4b is displaced horizontally in the container 2), and the batteries 5 are staggered and inserted in a staggered manner.

FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are perspective views of the means for positioning in the left-right direction. In the case of FIG. 3A, in the process of transporting the container 2 to the battery supply unit 4,
The guide plate 6a, 6b disposed along the traveling means 3 is used to align or correct the position on the outer wall surface side of the container 2. Also, in the case of FIG.
In consideration of the gaps between a and 6b, the outer wall surface of the container 2 conveyed to the battery supply unit 4 is pressed against the guide plate 6a on one side by the positioning pusher 7 to increase the positioning accuracy.

[0009]

However, the following inconvenience is recognized in practical use for the means for inserting the cylindrical battery 5 into the container 2 in an aligned manner. That is, the cylindrical batteries 5 are inserted and stored in the container 2 in a staggered arrangement, thereby preventing or suppressing the occurrence of displacement, falling, and the like of the batteries 5 during transportation and movement. However, in order to achieve this purpose efficiently and reliably, it is necessary to insert and insert
It is premised that cylindrical batteries to be inserted and stored in the next row in a row with respect to the stored cylindrical batteries do not interfere (eg, swing). Therefore, the inner dimensions of the container 2 with respect to the five rows of cylindrical batteries to be inserted and stored usually do not have a sufficient margin.

[0010] Incidentally, in the case of a battery container suitable for a large demand and a mass production type, there is a demand for cost reduction. In addition, deformation and a change in the thickness of the side wall are liable to occur due to a dry or wet state. Therefore, in the positioning based on the outer wall surface of the container 2, the position inside the container 2 may be displaced and the battery 2 may not be constantly inserted and stored in a regular manner. That is, the aligned and zigzag insertion of the battery 5 into the container 2 is disturbed, and the insertion device is temporarily stopped or the battery 2 is disturbed.
This may cause problems such as damage to the device.

[0011] Here, problems such as a temporary stop of the battery insertion device for aligning the batteries decrease the productivity of the batteries or the operating efficiency of the production line, and the damage of the batteries decreases the yield and the reliability. Is reduced. In any case, the conventional means for inserting the cylindrical battery 5 into the container 2 is not practically sufficient in terms of production yield and productivity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a cylindrical battery insertion device which can eliminate the possibility of damage to the cylindrical battery and can be inserted and stored in a container in an aligned manner. With the goal.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer mechanism for vertically and vertically feeding a container in which cylindrical batteries are housed in an aligned manner, and a method for transferring the container to be delivered in a first stage. A container detection sensor for detecting, a movable stopper which abuts on an inner wall surface of the container sent out in the first stage to set a reference position, and presses and positions an outer wall surface of the inner wall surface which the movable stopper abuts. A cylindrical pusher comprising: a positioning pusher; and a cylindrical battery supply unit for aligningly inserting and storing the cylindrical battery from a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the positioned and multi-stepped container. An alignment device for batteries.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transport mechanism for feeding a container in which cylindrical batteries are arranged in an aligned manner in multiple stages in a vertical direction, and a container detecting sensor for detecting the container to be sent in a first stage. A movable stopper that abuts against an inner wall surface of the container that is sent out in the first step and sets a reference position; a positioning pusher that presses and positions an outer wall surface of the inner wall surface that the movable stopper abuts; And a cylindrical battery supply unit for inserting and storing the cylindrical batteries in a staggered arrangement in a staggered arrangement in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the container that is sent out in a multi-step manner. An alignment device for batteries.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the transport mechanism for feeding the containers in the vertical direction is, for example, an endless type conveyor, which transports the containers to be transferred / supplied in the container supply section in a certain direction. The structure is such that the transfer can be performed in multiple stages (intermittent running). Here, the container is a container for transporting the battery intermediate product or a container for packing the battery product, and the multi-step traveling / moving involves intermittently a distance corresponding to one row of batteries to be inserted in a line. It has the function to be able to run in a natural way. Further, the transport mechanism for sending out the container has a guide mechanism for holding and supplying the transferred and supplied container in a substantially constant state.

The transfer mechanism has a container receiving portion that abuts and engages with the outer wall of the lower end of the transferred container. When the battery is inserted or stored, the transfer mechanism drops or separates from the transfer mechanism. It is preferable to arrange a slip stopper (for example, a rubber sheet) having a large frictional resistance so as not to cause a displacement or the like.

In the first and second aspects of the present invention, each stage means that the delivered container reaches a position where the battery rows are sequentially inserted into the container (first row, second row,...). Yes, the time (position) when the container first arrives is detected by the container detection sensor. Here, the container detection sensor is
A light source that irradiates a preset position, for example, an opening end surface or an inner bottom wall surface of a container, and a light receiving unit that receives irradiation reflected light is provided. It is sufficient for practical use if the container detection is performed at least first, but may be appropriately performed at the stage of aligning the battery rows.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the position where the battery rows are inserted in an aligned manner is determined by a movable stopper and a positioning pusher. That is, the container that is sent out to the position where the battery row is inserted and stacked in a line is arranged at the opening end side, and the movable stopper is brought into contact with the inner wall surface of the container using, for example, an air cylinder as a driving source, The position inside the container is temporarily determined as a reference position. On the other hand, the positioning of the container in the left-right direction is performed by pressing the positioning pusher against the outer wall surface corresponding to the contact area of the movable stopper.

After the positioning, that is, when the battery rows are aligned and inserted, at least the movable stopper retreats so as to release (remove) contact with the inner wall surface. The positioning pusher is arranged so as to advance and retreat in a certain direction by a driving source such as an air cylinder. Here, an oil cylinder or the like may be used as a drive source instead of the air cylinder.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the cylindrical battery supply section is arranged opposite to the container opening so that the cylindrical battery can be inserted and stored in the container in the positioning area. Is done. That is, in order to insert and store the cylindrical batteries in the container in an aligned and stacked manner, the cylindrical battery supply unit is installed so that the cylindrical batteries can be inserted and stored in a substantially horizontal direction.

Here, the cylindrical battery supply unit is an endless type conveyor for transporting a row of aligned batteries in a predetermined direction, and pushes out the row of batteries transported by the endless type conveyor to the container side. It has an insertion pusher, and is configured to insert and house an aligned battery group in the positioned container 2. For example, after the insertion / storage of the first battery row, the cylindrical battery supply unit interlocks with the stepwise movement of the container for insertion / storage of the second battery row, and the insertion pusher for the row batteries on the conveyor The pressing area is shifted so that a staggered insertion and storage of the second battery row is performed. The number of batteries forming the battery row and the dimensions of the pressing surface of the insertion pusher are determined by the battery specifications, the size of the container, and the like, and the insertion and retraction of the insertion pusher is driven by, for example, an air cylinder or an oil cylinder. Done as a source.

In any case, the batteries are basically sent in a multi-step manner by the transport mechanism. However, when the batteries are inserted into the container once positioned in an aligned manner, the insertion pusher is operated and adjusted to form a staggered shape of the battery array. Is inserted and stored. In the case of a rectangular battery, it is not necessary to insert and store the battery rows in a staggered arrangement by operating and adjusting the insertion pusher.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, since the battery insertion / supply portion is accurately positioned regardless of the manufacturing variation of the container into which the battery is inserted and stored, the batteries can be aligned (collectively). Staggered insertion and storage are ensured. In other words, in the operation of inserting and storing the battery, the container is accurately positioned in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, and the batteries arranged in a row corresponding to the positioning are collectively inserted. Then, the battery rows are repeatedly inserted into the containers positioned with high accuracy, and are arranged and stacked in a staggered pattern, for example. In other words, storage is achieved without risk of misalignment or falling in the container,
As a result, it greatly contributes to improvement in productivity and cost reduction.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a main structure of a cylindrical battery insertion device, wherein FIG. 1A is a perspective view and FIG. 1B is a sectional view. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 8 denotes a transport mechanism for sending out a container 10 in which cylindrical batteries 9 are arranged in an aligned manner in multiple stages in the vertical direction. Here, the transport mechanism 8 is an endless type conveyor, and has a configuration in which it can run in a certain direction and adjust its running in multiple stages (intermittent running).

The transport mechanism 8 intermittently (multistepwise) moves a distance corresponding to one row of batteries to be inserted in a line.
A guide mechanism (not shown) is provided to hold and supply the container 10 to be transferred and supplied in a substantially constant state. In this embodiment, the container 10 has a container receiving portion 8a which comes into contact with and engages with the outer wall of the lower end of the container 10 transferred to the transport mechanism 8, and has a large frictional resistance so as not to cause a displacement. A slip stopper (for example, a rubber sheet) 8b is provided.

A container detection sensor 11 detects the container 10 sent out by the transport mechanism 8 in a first stage.
Reference numeral 12 denotes a movable stopper that abuts on the inner wall surface of the container 10 that is stepwise fed to set a reference position, and 13 denotes a positioning pusher that presses and positions the outer wall surface of the container 10 that the movable stopper 12 abuts. .

Here, the container detecting sensor 11 detects the container which is transferred and supplied to the transport mechanism 8 in the cylindrical battery supply section.
For example, it is provided with a light source for irradiating the opening end face of the container and a light receiving unit for receiving light reflected by the irradiation. The movable stopper 12 and the positioning pusher 13 are respectively connected to the air cylinders 12a and 1a.
3a to advance and retreat, facing both sides of one side wall of the container 10.
It functions to perform positioning and setting in the up-down direction and the left-right direction by contacting.

Further, reference numeral 14 denotes a cylindrical battery supply unit for inserting and storing the cylindrical battery 9 in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the positioned container. In this embodiment, the directions are aligned. An endless conveyor 14a for conveying a row of batteries 9 in a certain direction;
And an insertion pusher 14b for pushing out a row of batteries 9 conveyed by the container 10 toward the container 10.

That is, after inserting and storing the first battery row,
When the container 10 moves and advances in a stepwise manner to a required position to insert and store the second battery row, the cylindrical battery supply unit 14 Rows are inserted and stored.

In the case of this embodiment, 32 cylindrical batteries 9
A single battery row is formed by pressing the insertion pusher 14b that presses the single battery row with a length of about 32 cm and a width of about 0.6 cm, and the air cylinder 14c moves the insertion pusher 14b forward and backward. ing.

In the cylindrical battery insertion device having the above arrangement, prior to the insertion of the cylindrical battery, the container 10 for inserting and storing the battery 9 with respect to the inner side wall surface of the container 10 is positioned. Subsequent operations for inserting and storing the battery row are performed by stepwise transport of the container 10. That is, prior to the operation of inserting and storing the battery array, the detection of the container, the stepwise movement of the container in the vertical direction, and the positioning in the horizontal direction are performed reliably and accurately. In this state of easy positioning and high accuracy, insertion of the next and subsequent battery rows and staggered storage (lamination)
Thus, problems such as a decrease in productivity are also eliminated.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, instead of a configuration in which a cylindrical battery (an intermediate product or a product) is inserted into a container, a configuration in which a rectangular cylindrical battery is targeted may be adopted.

[0034]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, even if there is a manufacturing variation in a container for carrying or packing a product, the container is not affected by manufacturing variation, slight deformation, etc. of the container caused by the material. The container can be accurately positioned, and the batteries can be aligned (collectively) inserted and stored in a zigzag pattern. In other words, the battery rows are easily arranged and stacked in a zigzag pattern inside the container, achieving storage without the risk of misalignment or falling in the container, greatly contributing to improved productivity and cost reduction of cylindrical batteries. I do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view and FIG. 1B is a sectional view showing a main part of a cylindrical battery insertion device of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a conventional cylindrical battery-inserting means.

FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are perspective views showing different main components of a container positioning means in a conventional cylindrical battery insertion device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1. Container supply unit 2, 10 Container 3, 8 Transport mechanism 4, 14 Battery supply unit 4a, 14a Endless type conveyor 4b, 14b Insert pusher 4c, 12a, 13a, 14c ... Air cylinders 5, 9 ... Cylindrical batteries 6a, 6b ... Guide plates 7, 13 ... Positioning pushers 11 ... Container detection sensors 12 ... Movable stoppers

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3E003 AA01 AB02 BA01 BA03 BB02 BC04 BD05 CA01 CB01 CB05 DA02 DA03 DA07 3E030 AA03 DA06 DA08 EA02 FA01 GA04 5H011 AA09 DD26 5H040 AA03 AT01 GG14 JJ06 JJ10

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A transport mechanism for vertically and vertically feeding containers in which cylindrical batteries are housed in a line, a container detection sensor for detecting the containers to be sent out in a first stage, and the first A movable stopper that abuts an inner wall surface of the container that is sent out in a step and sets a reference position; a positioning pusher that presses and positions an outer wall surface of the inner wall surface that the movable stopper abuts; A cylindrical battery supply unit for inserting and housing the cylindrical battery in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the container to be sent out in a horizontal direction. 2. A transport mechanism for vertically and vertically feeding containers in which cylindrical batteries are stored in a line, a container detection sensor for detecting the sent containers in a first stage, and the first A movable stopper that abuts an inner wall surface of the container that is sent out in a step and sets a reference position; a positioning pusher that presses and positions an outer wall surface of the inner wall surface that the movable stopper abuts; And a cylindrical battery supply unit for inserting and storing the cylindrical batteries in a staggered arrangement in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the container to be sent out. Insertion device.