MXPA97006637A - Brake holder for cylinder cells in transportation system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transport fastener for cylindrical cells, which is capable of stably supporting a cylindrical cell regardless of the variation in the outer diameter of the cell or impact during transfer. An outer wall member (20) is provided, of which the internal diameter is larger than the diameter of a cylindrical cell (7). A plurality of elastic inner wall portions (21) are concentrically accommodated to have a distance from the inner side of the wall member (20), each elastic internal wall portion (21) being joined at both ends to the outer wall member (20). ). A cell fastening portion (22) is provided projecting in an inward direction from the inner side of each elastic inner wall portion (21), and having a cell fastening surface (29) thereof, corresponding in shape to outer side of the cylindrical cell (7). The cell fastening surfaces (29) are arranged along a concentric circle which is smaller in diameter than the cylindrical cells (7), so that they can hold the cylindrical cells (7) between them under pressure.

Description

BRAKE HOLDER FOR CYLINDER CELLS IN CONVEYOR SYSTEM DESCRIPTION D-E THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a transport fastener for a cylindrical cell, which is manufactured in a mounting process, which determines the orientation of the cell and transports the cell while supporting it in a vertical state. Since the demand for batteries is growing more and more today, it is desired to produce a large quantity of batteries while preserving their quality level, as well as the con iabiliaad. In a battery manufacturing process, the unfinished batteries are transported by a known conveyor system from one passage to the other to fill a cell housing with an electrode assembly, emptying an electrolyte, applying a sealant, closing the housing of the cell with a sealing member, and so on. In the aforementioned processes, the accommodations for the cell are held in their vertical state by a transporting means for a series of passes. The transport fastener can be used to fasten a cell housing, a cell in process, or a finished cell product in each step for precise positioning. To simplify the description and understanding, these will henceforth be referred to as "cells" in this specification. A transportation fastener method known for the above-described purpose is typically shown in Figure 6. The transportation fastener is particularly designed to hold a common cylindrical cell produced in mass production and consists mainly of two curved plates fasteners the and which are manufactured by separating a cylinder of synthetic resin, of which the internal diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cell, in two segments on a plane, including the axial center thereof. The two curved fastening plates la and Ib are connected in opposite relation to one another by a tension spring member 3 of the O-ring type, which is fitted within the notches 2 of the fastener, provided on the outer sides of the plates curves la and Ib, so that there is a small empty space lc between the two curved plates Ia and Ib of the fastener, constituting substantially a tubular assembly. The transport fastener allows the cell to be securely held in a vertical state in a clamping space between its curved plates la and Ib, with the help of a pushing force of the tension spring member 3. In some steps, the cell has to be placed in a given direction. For precise positioning, one of the curved fastening plates Ia and Ib of the transportation fastener shown in Figure 6 has a recessed surface 4 provided on an outer side thereof at an end opposite the opening end through which it is inserted. the cell. More specifically, the cell can be loaded into the transportation fastener with its guide extending from an electrode plate that is curved with respect to the recessed surface 4. At each step of production, the cell in the transportation fastener can to be automatically oriented by detecting the recessed surface 4. Also, a conveying means for positioning the cell is proposed, to improve the productivity of the batteries as shown in Figure 7. The conveyor means of placing cells includes a carrier 8 for transporting cells, of cylindrical shape to hold a cell 7 in its vertical state, which has been loaded from an upper opening of the carrier 8 during production. The cell transport carrier 8 has a notch or recess 9, similar to the recessed surface 4 shown in Figure 6, provided on an outer side thereof near the lower end. The recess 9 is used to place a charged cell 7 on the transport carrier conveyor 8 in its vertical state. In action, the transport carrier 8 that holds the cell 7, is transported in a forward direction, denoted by a dark arrow along a conveyor system 11, while being guided from both sides by a pair of carrier guides 10 in bar shape. In the transportation process described above, the transport carrier 8 is transferred while a rotational force is exerted by a difference in friction between the pair of carrier guides 10. The conveyor system 11 includes a fixedly mounted carrier slope 12. on it having a moderately tapered surface. At the time it turns, the transport carrier 8 runs on the carrier slope 12, until its hole 9 comes into direct contact with one side of the carrier slope 12, when the transport carrier 8 descends and rests on the conveyor system 11. Since the recess or notch 9 is directly coupled to the side of the carrier slope 12, the transport carrier 8 is adjusted in an angular position. This allows the cell 7 on the transportation carrier 8 to be automatically placed and transported further while maintaining its position. However, it is difficult for the transport fastener of the cell shown in Figure 6 to have a true roundness of the cell fastening space defined by the internal walls of the curved fastening plates la and Ib. Also, the two curved fastening plates la and Ib are pushed by the resilient force of the tension spring member 3 in a direction in which they will be closer to one another. Accordingly, the contact condition between the cell and the curved clamping plates la, Ib can vary greatly depending on a combination of the size of the clamping space of the cell and the diameter of the cell.

Particularly, when the radius of curvature of the two curved clamping plates Ia and Ib is greater than that of the cell, the curved clamping plates Ia and Ib contact the cell only at two points in their respective centers. If the radius of curvature of the two curved clamping plates la and Ib is smaller than that of the cell, the clamping plates la and Ib touch the cell at four points at their respective ends. In the latter case, the direction of the pressure force exerted on the cell by the curved clamping plates la and Ib, differs from that of the pressing force exerted from four points of contact between the curved clamping plates the, Ib and the cell. This causes the resistance for the clamping of the cell to be varied to a great extent corresponding to the variations of the contact points between the curved clamping plates the, Ib and the cell, and the difference in the direction between the points of contact and the pressure force, even if it is assumed that a variation in the elastic force of the tension spring member 3 is negligible. Since it is impossible to stably support the cell, it is difficult to produce cells of required properties effectively.

Also, while the tension spring member 3 projects slightly from the outer sides of the curved fastening plates la and Ib, the void space in the form of a slit or groove is drawn between the two curved plates Ia and Ib substantially semicircular cross section, arranged opposite one another. This, together with the fact that the cells can not be stably supported, can cause changes in the positions and position of the cells in relation to the transport fastener, while the transport fasteners that support the cell in its vertical state they are slid with or collided against each other on a transfer conveyor in the manufacturing process, or on a rotary table for temporary storage of unfinished products. Also, due to the projection and the empty space, the transportation fastener itself may become stuck or jammed in a feeder shot between the guides. The cell placing conveyor means of Figure 7 is not always able to hold the cell 7 stably, since the cell transporting carrier 8 simply has a tubular shape of which the internal diameter does not always match the diameter of the cell. cell 7. In addition, the cell transport carrier 8 is moved forward with its notch or recess 9 which is slid with the carrier slope 12 for placement. It is thus required that the carrier 8 for transporting cells is continuously guided by the pair of carrier guides 10, of which the coefficients of friction are different from one another for the rotary movements. In such an arrangement, the transportation carrier 8 often tilts or rises during travel, causing the forward movement of the cell transporting carrier 8 to be affected in efficiency and stability. For achieving the above objective, the transport fastener for cylindrical cells according to the present invention is provided with an outer wall member having an inner circumferential surface that is larger in diameter than the cylindrical cell; a plurality of elastic inner wall portions arranged concentrically with respect to the outer wall member and spaced from the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall member, each attached at both ends to the outer wall member; and a plurality of cell holding portions projecting inwardly from an inner side of the elastic inner wall portions, each having a cell holding surface which corresponds to the contour of the cylindrical cell; in which the cylindrical cell is inserted into and tightly clamped between the cell holding surfaces, accommodated to be positioned along a concentric circle having a smaller diameter than that of the cylindrical cell. The transport fastener for cylindrical cells holds a cylindrical cell inserted therein with its cell clamping surfaces in a vertical state. More particularly, the elastic inner wall portions spaced apart by the distance from the outer wall member are urged outwardly by the insertion of the cell between the cell fastening portions and elastically deformed radially towards the outer wall member. The elastic deformation of the elastic inner wall portions produces a repulsive force which causes the clamping surfaces of the cells of the cell holding portions to press directly against the outer side of the cell. Consequently, the cell is clamped on its outer side by the clamping surfaces of cells under pressure, and maintained in its initial vertical state. Since the elastic inner wall portions are arranged along the concentric circle with the outer wall member in the transport fastener for cylindrical cells, they also receive the pressing force of the charged cell and thus are deformed with direction outward in radial directions towards the inner side of the outer wall member, so that the circle defined by the inner elastic wall portions is increased in diameter. This allows the inner elastic wall portions to remain in a true circle of which the diameter is identical to that of the cell. Also, since the cell gripping surfaces of the cell holding portions projecting inwardly from the inner side of their respective inner elastic wall portions, are brought into direct contact with the cell, the contact force of the Cell clamping surface is hardly affected by the curvature differences of the arcuate clamping surface of the cell and that of the outer side of the cell. As the elastic inner wall portions deform elastically, the corresponding cell attachment portions are radially displaced from the outer wall member. The elastic force holding the cell thus acts in accordance with the contact force of the cell holding surface towards the outer side of the cell. Accordingly, while each of the cell clamping surfaces is brought into contact with the outer side of the cell, under the same conditions, notwithstanding the variation in the external diameter of the cell, the contact force and the force of the cell. pressure from each cell clamping surface, are radially exerted towards the outer side of the cell, in accordance with each other. The cell can thus be stably clamped by the cell clamping surface with uniform pressure. It is preferable that three or more identical internally elastic wall portions having their respective cell holding portions in the center on the inner side thereof, be placed at equal intervals along a circle that is concentric with the exterior wall member. This allows the elastic inner wall portion to receive a pressing force from the inserted cell via the corresponding cell fastening portion, provided in the center of the concave inner side of the elastic inner wall portion, and thus deformed uniformly towards the outer wall member. Three or more elastic inner wall portions that are concentrically accommodated in equal intervals allow the corresponding cell clamping surfaces of the cell clamping portions to press the outer side of the cell in three or more different locations spaced at equal intervals of an angle, thus ensuring that the cell is held in its correct position with the highest stability. Also, the outer wall member may have protrusions or enhancements limiting deformation, provided on the inner circumferential surface thereof, which are positioned radially opposite the corresponding cell attachment surfaces of the cell fastening portions, each protrusion The limitation to deformation is projected such that a distal end thereof is separated by a distance from the outer side of the corresponding elastic inner wall portion. This allows the elastic inner wall portions to avoid being partially over-formed after coming into contact with the projections, when they have been misplaced in an outward direction towards the inner side of the outer wall member, by a pressing force of the cell . It is thus prevented that the cell is accidentally inserted with its axis which is extremely eccentric towards the center of the transport fastener during the loading of the cell. Preferably, the outer wall member can have a recessed or recessed surface for placement that is formed by cutting a portion of the outer wall member into a notch parallel in a tangential direction, and spaced from one end of the outer wall member . This allows the cells to be held in a specific position with respect to the transport fastener when it is loaded with its front part or guide extending from a group of electrodes that are placed towards the undercut surface. Also, when the transport fastener that is rotated by a rotational application means is automatically coupled with a positioning member such as a lever that fits and presses directly against the notched surface, it can be easily and conveniently positioned. definitive The notched surface is located on the outer side of the outer wall member, and spaced from one end thereof so that the positioning member is engaged to securely hold the transport fastener in the direction of the axis of the fastener. Consequently, the transportation fastener can be transferred in a correct orientation without the use of traditional guide bars. It is also preferable that the notched surface be provided at a plurality of different points on the outer side of the outer wall member. This allows the transportation fastener to be correctly placed in different directions with the use of the positioning members which can be engaged with their corresponding undercut surfaces on the outer wall member.

In addition, the outer wall member, the elastic internal wall portions, the cell fastening portions, and the deformation limiting notches can be integrally formed of synthetic resin by molding. Accordingly, the transportation fastener will have a reduced cost of production and increased dimensional accuracy and physical strength compared to a conventional one which consists of elastic internal wall portions made of rubber plank spring, and joined in their respective sites to an exterior wall member. In addition, the outer wall member may have a ring member or an impelled disc of ferromagnetic material that is of higher relative density than the synthetic resin, and inserted in the vicinity of at least one end of the outer wall member. When, for example, a magnetic conveyor is used in the conveyor system to transfer the transport fastener, the transport fastener is securely fastened in a desired position by a magnetic force acting on the ring member or the disc of the transportation fastener . The ring or disc member, which is of higher relative density than the synthetic resin material, is embedded in a lower region of the transportation fastener, thus preventing the transportation fastener from falling off. The specific embodiments of the apparatus suitable for use in this invention are shown in the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of a transport fastener for cylindrical cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the transportation fastener; Figure 3 is a perspective view, partly in section of the transport fastener; Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the placement of the transportation fastener; Figure 5 is a plan view of a transport fastener for cylindrical cells, according to still another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a conventional transportation fastener for cylindrical cells; Y Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a means for placing the conventional transportation fastener.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a transport fastener for securing a cylindrical cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a plan view, Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view, and Figure 3 is a sectional view, in perspective. As shown, the transportation fastener comprises an outer wall member 20 of cylindrical shape, three elastic portions 21 of arcuate inner wall, in transverse section spaced a certain distance from the inner side of the outer wall member 20 and placed at along a circle that is concentric with the outer wall member 20, three cell holding portions 22, each projecting inwardly from a center on the inner side of the inner wall elastic portion 21, and three protrusions 23 which limit the deformation, each projecting in an inward direction from the inner side of the outer wall member 20, to the corresponding cell holding portion 22, which are all integrally formed of synthetic resin. The integral formation can be carried out by means of common injection formation of a thermal plastic resin material, with lower cost. The outer wall member 20 is tubular in shape, having a considerable thickness. A pair of ring members 24 are embedded in the outer wall member 20, at approximately each end thereof by an insert forming method. In this way, a resin forming step is repeated twice to complete the outer wall member 20, in order to insert the two ring members 24 as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The ring members 24 are made of material ferromagnetic which is of greater relative density than at least the resin material, and can be machined solid of mild steel. The two ring members 24 are also separated from their respective ends of the outer wall member 20, so as not to be tilted in a certain direction. In the event that the outer wall member 20 is a tubular member having a bottom and thus one end thereof is inevitably of greater weight than the other, a simple disc member may be inserted in the vicinity of the member bottom. of outer wall 20, instead of the ring members 24. The outer wall member 20 has two biased, fixing surfaces 27, formed on both opposite sides thereof in a radial direction. The two notched surfaces 27 are spaced at a distance from both ends of the outer wall member 20, respectively to prevent the transport fastener from having a directional quality. The notched surface 27 is shaped to be a groove-shaped indentation by grooving a portion of the outer side of the outer wall member 20, in parallel with a tangential direction to have a flat bottom surface.

The three elastic inner wall portions 21 are identically shaped, for example, a thin strip 0.4 to 1.2 mm thick having such an arched shape in cross section, as adapted by axially cutting segments of a tube of which the internal diameter is substantially equal to the diameter of the cell to be clamped. The elastic inner wall portions 21 are concentrically positioned within the outer wall member 20 and joined at their two ends to the outer wall member 20. In this way, the elastic inner wall portions 21 can be elastically deformed radially and in a direction toward outside towards the outer wall member 20. The elastic inner wall portion 21 has two tapered surfaces 28 provided on both sides thereof, respectively at the axial ends of the outer wall member 20, so that the cell can be easily inserted. inside the transportation bra. The cell holding portion 22 projecting inwardly from the center of the inner side of the elastic inner wall portion 21, has an arcuate cell holding surface 29 provided on the inner side thereof, of which the curvature corresponds to the outer periphery of the cell 7. In particular, the cell fastening surface 29 is accommodated along a circle which is slightly smaller than the outer circumference of the cell 7. The tapered surface 28 above mentioned also extends at either end of the three cell fastening portions 22 to assist smooth insertion of the cell 7 between the cell fastening surfaces 29 The protrusion 23 which limits the deformation, integrally formed on and projecting radially from the inner side of the outer wall member 20, towards the corresponding cell holding portion 22, is separated at its distal end by a distance d from the outer side of the elastic inner wall portion 21, as shown in Figure 2. The distance d may preferably be from 0.1 to 0.6 mm. Consequently, the elastic inner wall portion 21 can be deformed in an outward direction up to the distance d. The fastening of a cell 7 in the transport fastener of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the cell 7 in the manufacturing process has a front terminal 31 extending from a assembly of electrode 30 thereof. Since the cell 7 is not symmetrical about its axis, its orientation is determined by the front terminal 31. More specifically, the cell 7 is inserted inside the transport fastener with the front terminal 31, positioned with respect to the grooved surface 27 of the transportation bra. The cell 7 is gently inserted into the transport fastener, guided by the tapered surfaces 28, and then received by the cell fastening surfaces 29 of the three cell holding portions 22. Since the cell-holding surfaces 29 are located on the circle that is smaller than the outer periphery of the cell 7, its cell-holding portions 22 cause the elastic-internal wall portions 21 to be elastically deformed in an outward direction. as cell 7 moves inward. After the cell 7 is completely inserted in its correct place in the transport fastener, the cell fastening surfaces 29 press the outer periphery of the cell 7 by the elasticity of the elastic inner wall portions 21. This allows the cell 7 is securely clamped in its correct position in the transfer holder by frictional forces between its outer wall and the cell holding surfaces 29. The elastic force that is urged toward the center of the outer wall member 20 is aligned with the contact direction of each cell holding surface 29, against cell 7. Also, when cell 7 has been loaded, the cell fastening portions 22 are deformed in an outward direction according to the true circle defined by their cell fastening surfaces 29, also increasing their diameter. In other words, as the cell fastening portion 22 is deformed outwardly along the radial direction of the outer wall member 20, its elastic force remains aligned with the contact direction of the cell fastening surface 29 with the cell 7. In addition, cells 7 are held by equal clamping force from three different directions spaced at equal intervals of 120 degrees. If the cell 7 were held from four or more equally spaced directions, the clamping force could be unbalanced by the variation of the periphery of the cell 7, causing instability in the clamping of the cell 7. This mode ensures the clamping of the cell 7 with the same clamping force, even with some variation of the shape and diameter of the cell 7. In the event that the cell 7 is inserted with its axis that is eccentric to the transport fastener due to some error, any excessive dislocation greater than the distance d of the elastic inner wall portions 21, is prevented by the protuberances 23 that limit the deformation. Since the elastic deformation of each elastic inner wall portion 21 is prevented from exceeding its limit, and the deformation of the cell 7 is maintained within the distance d in the transportation fastener, any damage or distortion on the cell 7 will be prevented. and your transportation bra. The modal transportation fastener has no problematic projections and empty spaces compared to the prior art arrangement shown in Figure 6 and will hardly be disturbed or interrupted by the feeder shot or guide members during the transportation operation. Even when the transport fastener is slid with or hit against another in a conveyor system or on a turntable, its force to hold the cell 7 remains unchanged, thereby keeping the cell 7 stable and fixed in its relative position and position correct Therefore, the cell 7, once held in its correct position in the transport fastener, can easily be placed in any subsequent step by detecting the notched surface 27 of the transport fastener. The transportation action and the placement of the transportation fastener will be explained. As the transport fastener carries cell 7 in its vertical state as shown in Figure 4, it is necessary to prevent cell 7 from falling into a transfer process. To that end, the two ring 2-pieces 24 which are of greater relative density than the synthetic resin material, are inserted into the outer wall member 20 proximally to both ends thereof. This allows the transportation fastener to have a weight greater than that of the cell 7, and thus hold the cell 7 stably. A simple ring member 24 can be inserted in the vicinity of the lower end of the outer wall member 20, in order to maintain the center of gravity of the transportation fastener to be smaller. The transport fastener is easily centered with the help of an arched portion of its outer wall member 20, and oriented relative to the cell 7 with the use of its notched surface 27, thereby facilitating the processing and assembly operations in the subsequent steps. An example of means for positioning the transport fastener is now explained with reference to Figure 4. The transport fastener carrying the cell 7 in its vertical state, is introduced with its outer wall member 20 fitted in a fastening groove of a semicircular cross-sectional shape (not shown) provided on the outer side of a turntable (not shown), and the site of its axial center in relation to the rotary table is detected. At the same time, the transport fastener is fully supported with the outer grooves of the ball bearings mounted to the lower surface of the fastening groove. As shown in Figure 4, the transport fastener is rotated directly on the ball bearings by a flat strip 32 running on the opposite side of the ball bearings, and pushed against the outer wall member 20. During the movement of rotation, the outer wall member 20 of the transport fastener is pressed on its outer side with a positioning member 33, such as a lever that remains pushed by a spring or the like, in a direction shown by the arrow. As the positioning member 33 engages with the recessed or recessed surface 27 of the transportation fastener that is rotated, it is brought into direct contact with the notched surface 27, thereby ceasing rotation of the transportation fastener. When the positioning member 33 engages the notched surface 27 similarly to channel or notch separated by the distance of one end of the outer wall member 20, it securely holds the transportation fastener, limiting upward movements and downwards and thus preventing the transport fastener from rising during the movements, compared to the previous arrangement shown in Figure 7. With the use of a magnetic conveyor system, the carrier guides for transportation can be omitted, since the The transport fastener can always be held in its correct position by a magnetic force of the conveyor system acting on the ring member 24 made of ferromagnetic material. The ring member 24 is smaller in the thermal expansion factor, and less affected by moisture in the air than the resin material, thus contributing to the smaller dimensions of the transportation fastener, including the outer wall member 20. A plurality of the notched surfaces 27a as denoted by the double-portion chain lines in Figure 4, may be provided by the outer wall member 20 at another point, by which it is possible to place the cell 7 in different points with the use of respective positioning members 33. The deformation limiting protuberances 33 may not necessarily be provided on the outer wall member 20 as shown in Figure 1. With reference to Figure 5, each of the inner elastic wall portions 21 can have a deformation limiting protrusion 23a, formed in the middle part of the outer side thereof, the c ual is located radially opposite the cell holding surface 29 of the cell holding portion 22, and spaced at its distal end by a distance from the inner side of the outer wall member 20, to produce the same effect. According to a second feature of the transport fastener for cylindrical cells of the present invention, the elastic internal wall portions provided with the cell fastening portions are arranged concentric with the outer wall member thereof. When a cell is inserted, the cell holding portions are deformed radially and outwardly due to the elastic deformation of the elastic inner wall portions and the elastic force of the elastic internal wall portions acting as a clamping force on the cell holding portions, they are aligned with the contact direction of the cell holding surfaces towards the outer side of the cell. This allows the cell to be held stably by the cell fastening surfaces with a constant clamping force notwithstanding the variation of the outer periphery of the cell.

According to a second feature of the transport fastener for the cylindrical cell of the present invention, three or more elastic internal wall portions are provided having their respective cell fastening portions in the center of their inner side. This allows the cell fastening surfaces of the cell fastening portions to clamp the outer side of the cell under pressure in three or more different locations spaced at equal angular intervals, thereby ensuring the clamping of the cell in its housing. Correct position with greater stability. According to a third characteristic of the transport fastener for cylindrical cells of the present invention, the protrusions limiting the deformation are provided to allow a space between their distal ends and the outer side of the corresponding elastic inner wall portions. This prevents the cell from being inserted with its axis, which is eccentric to the transport fastener, by some error. According to a fourth additional feature of the transport fastener for cylindrical cells of the present invention, the fastened fixing surface of the outer wall member is provided in the form of a groove by grooving a part thereof, in parallel with a tangential direction on the outer side of the outer wall member separated from one end. This allows the cell to be loaded placed correctly in relation to the notched surface and the transport fastener that is transported in a correct orientation, without the aid of traditional guide bars. - According to a fourth characteristic of the transport fastener for cylindrical cells of the present invention, two or more grooved surfaces are provided on axially different points on the outer side of the outer wall member. This allows the transportation fastener to be correctly positioned in different directions with the use of positioning members, which can be engaged with their corresponding notched surfaces on the outer wall member. According to a sixth characteristic of the transport fastener for cylindrical cells of the present invention, the complete body of the fastener is monolithically formed of a synthetic resin material, by molding. This allows the transportation fastener to have a reduced production cost and increased dimensional accuracy and physical resistance. According to a seventh characteristic of the transport fastener for cylindrical cells of the present invention, the ring or disk member made of ferromagnetic material, which is of greater relative density than the synthetic resin, is embedded near one end of the member of exterior wall. When a magnetic conveyor is employed in the conveyor system, this allows the transport fastener to be transported while being securely held in a desired position by a magnetic force, which acts on the ring member or disk of the transport fastener. With the use of such a conveyor system, the transport fastener can also be transferred vertically or in an inclined direction.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property.

Claims (7)

1. A transport fastener for cylindrical cells, which transfers a cylindrical cell inserted from an opening, by means of a driving force of a conveyor system, while keeping the cell in a vertical state, characterized by the fastener because it comprises: a member of exterior wall having an inner circumferential surface that is larger in diameter than the cylindrical cell; a plurality of inner elastic wall portions concentrically accommodated with respect to the outer wall member, and spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall member, each attached at both ends to the outer wall member; and a plurality of cell holding portions projecting inwardly from an inner side of the elastic internal wall portions, each having a cell holding surface corresponding to the contour of the cylindrical cell; wherein the cylindrical cell is inserted and hermetically clamped between the cell clamping surfaces arranged to be positioned along the concentric circle having a diameter smaller than that of the cylindrical cell.

2. A transport fastener for cylindrical cells, according to claim 1, characterized in that three or more portions of elastic internal wall of identical shape having their respective cell fastening portions in the center on the inner side thereof, are placed at equal intervals along a circle that is concentric with the outer wall member.

3. A transport fastener for cylindrical cells according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer wall member has deformation limiting protrusions, provided on the internal circumferential surface thereof, which are positioned radially opposite to the clamping surfaces of corresponding cells of the cell holding portions, each deformation limiting protrusion projects so that a distal end thereof is spaced a distance from the outer side of the corresponding elastic inner wall portion.

4. A transport fastener for cylindrical cells according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outer wall member is provided with a notched surface for the positioning which is formed by the cutting of a part of the outer wall member, in a notch or groove in parallel with a tangential direction and spaced from one end of the outer wall member.

5. A transport fastener for cylindrical cells according to claim 4, characterized in that the notched surface is provided in a plurality of different points on the outer side of the outer wall member.

6. A transport fastener for cylindrical cells according to claim 3, characterized in that the outer wall member, the elastic internal wall portions, the cell fastening portions, and the protrusions that limit the deformation, are integrally formed of synthetic resin , by molding.

7. A transport fastener for cylindrical cells according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer wall member has a ring member or a disc made of ferromagnetic material that is of higher relative density than the synthetic resin, and inserted in the vicinity of at least one end of the outer wall member. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A transport fastener for cylindrical cells is described, which is capable of stably supporting a cylindrical cell regardless of the variation in the outer diameter of the cell or the impact during the transfer. An outer wall member (20) is provided, of which the internal diameter is greater than the diameter of a cylindrical cell (7). A plurality of elastic inner wall portions (21) are concentrically accommodated to have a distance from the inner side of the wall member (20), each elastic internal wall portion (21) is attached at both ends to the outer wall member ( twenty) . A cell fastening portion (22) is provided projecting in an inward direction from the inner side of each inner elastic wall portion. (21), and having a cell holding surface (29) thereof, corresponding in shape to the outer side of the cylindrical cell (7). The surfaces (29) Cell fastening are arranged along a concentric circle which is smaller in diameter than the cylindrical cells (7), so that these can hold the cylindrical cells (7) between them under pressure.