Laminated saggar single separator

Abstract

A stacked refractory casing separator is disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a separator for separating refractory casings stacked in a plurality of layers, each containing an anode active material, is provided, comprising: a lifting / lowering unit having a lifting / lowering rod provided below a plurality of conveying rollers that convey the stacked refractory casings in one direction and for raising / lowering the refractory casings; an operating unit for operating the lifting / lowering unit; and a clamping unit disposed on the upper side of the conveying rollers to selectively support and fix the refractory casings being raised / lowered; wherein the operating unit operates at a predetermined operating distance and has a plurality of cylinders having different operating distances.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stage separator, and more specifically, to a stage separator for separating a refractory casing stacked in multiple layers. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery which cannot be recharged. Such secondary batteries are widely used in the field of high-tech electronic devices, such as phones, laptop computers, and camcorders.

[0003] Among secondary batteries, lithium-ion batteries that use lithium have the advantages of high energy density, excellent output characteristics, and suitability for lightweighting.

[0004] Lithium-ion batteries primarily use LiCoO2 as the cathode material, but recently, NCM-based cathode materials containing nickel, cobalt, and manganese are being researched to replace expensive cobalt and increase capacity per unit weight.

[0005] The manufacturing process of the cathode material includes the process of firing a sagger (referred to as a saga or crucible) containing battery raw material powder in a kiln at a temperature of approximately 400°C to 1,100°C depending on the characteristics of the raw material. At this time, the kiln may be a Roller Hearth Kiln (RHK), which is a linear kiln, and the firing process of the cathode material may consist of an input and preheating section, a heating section, a temperature holding section, a cooling section, and a room temperature cooling and discharge section. At this time, the saggers fed into the kiln are stacked in multiple layers, and are fired with the battery raw material powder contained in each sagger. Typically, the saggers are stacked in three layers for firing.

[0006] As described above, when transferring the cathode active material manufactured through the kiln to a subsequent process, the refractory plates stacked in multiple layers are separated into individual stages for transfer. To achieve this, the separation is performed by repeating the process of lifting and fixing the stacked refractory plates, and then lowering only the bottommost refractory plate for transfer. This lifting and lowering motion of the refractory plates utilizes a ball screw type power converter that converts the rotational force of a motor into linear motion.

[0007] However, the ball screw type was vulnerable to dust generated during the anode manufacturing process, leading to problems with ball screw breakage. Additionally, dust-induced sensor false detections caused equipment malfunctions or damage. Consequently, issues such as reduced productivity arose due to increased maintenance time and equipment failure. The problem to be solved

[0008] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a stacked refractory separator that can improve durability and reduce maintenance time by utilizing a plurality of dust-resistant cylinders. means of solving the problem

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a stacked refractory casing separator for separating a plurality of layers of refractory casings each containing an anode active material is provided, comprising: a lifting / lowering unit having a lifting / lowering rod provided below a plurality of conveying rollers that convey the stacked refractory casings in one direction and for raising / lowering the refractory casings; an operating unit for operating the lifting / lowering unit; and a clamping unit disposed on the upper side of the conveying rollers to selectively support and fix the refractory casings being raised / lowered; wherein the operating unit operates at a predetermined operating distance and has a plurality of cylinders having different operating distances.

[0010] The above plurality of cylinders can be arranged in a vertical direction and connected to each other.

[0011] The above refractory box is stacked in three layers, and the operating unit comprises: a first cylinder having a first rod; a second cylinder having a second rod that is positioned below the first cylinder and connected to the first rod; and a third cylinder having a third rod that is positioned below the second cylinder and connected to the second cylinder; and the first to third rods may be provided to have different lengths.

[0012] The above lifting / lowering unit may include: a lifting / lowering rod that has a predetermined length in the vertical direction and is raised / lowered to support the bottom surface of the refractory case; upper and lower sleeves spaced apart in the vertical direction to guide the lifting / lowering rod; a fixed plate connected to the upper sleeve and the first cylinder; an upper movable plate provided between the second cylinder and the third cylinder and connected to the lower sleeve; and a lower movable plate connected to the lower end of the lifting / lowering rod and the third operating rod.

[0013] The above fixing plate further includes a main body portion to which it is fixed, and the upper sleeve and the first cylinder can be fixed in position by the fixing plate.

[0014] The upper moving plate is provided to move together with the lower sleeve according to the operation of the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and the lower moving plate may be provided to move together with the lifting rod according to the operation of the first to third cylinders.

[0015] The upper moving plate, lower moving plate, and lower sleeve may be arranged to move up and down together with the lifting / lowering rod when the operating unit is operated.

[0016] A sensor for detecting the position of the above lifting / lowering rod may be further provided.

[0017] The sensor may include a first sensor for detecting the state before operation of the operating unit, a second sensor for detecting the state in which the first cylinder is operated, a third sensor for detecting the state in which the first and second cylinders are operated together, and a fourth sensor for detecting the state in which the first to third cylinders are operated together.

[0018] The above lifting and lowering rods may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged to move together when operated by the above operating unit.

[0019] The above lifting and lowering rods may be provided in four numbers so as to be located near each corner of the bottom surface of the refractory case.

[0020] The above lifting / lowering rod may be configured to be raised and lowered between the above transfer rollers.

[0021] The clamping unit may be positioned at a support line higher than the height of the lowest layer of the refractory box, based on the upper surface transfer line of the transfer roller.

[0022] The operating distance of the first cylinder above may correspond to the difference between the height of the support line and the height of the first stage of the refractory box.

[0023] The sum of the operating distances of the first to third cylinders can correspond to the distance from the top of the lifting rod to the support line. Effects of the invention

[0024] A laminated refractory separator according to one aspect of the present invention can improve the durability of the separator through a dust-resistant cylinder and effectively reduce maintenance time. Accordingly, product productivity can be improved.

[0025] In addition, the lengths of multiple cylinder rods are fixed, so the risk of damage due to malfunction is reduced by moving within a predetermined operating distance.

[0026] In addition, manufacturing costs can be reduced by using cylinders instead of basic servo motors and ball screws. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] The present invention will be specifically described by the drawings below, but since these drawings represent preferred embodiments of the invention, the technical concept of the invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to those drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a stacked refractory plate separator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a stacked refractory plate separator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a stacked refractory plate separator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an operating unit and a lifting / lowering unit provided in a stacked refractory box separator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5 to 7 are drawings showing the operation state of performing separation of stacked refractory plates using a stacked refractory plate separator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are presented to sufficiently convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented herein and may be embodied in other forms. In order to clarify the present invention, the drawings may omit the illustration of parts unrelated to the description and may slightly exaggerate the size of components to aid understanding.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a stacked refractory plate separator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view showing a stacked refractory plate separator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a stacked refractory plate separator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an operating unit and a lifting / lowering unit provided in a stacked refractory plate separator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a stacked refractory casing separator (100) according to one aspect of the present invention is a separator (100) for separating a plurality of layers of refractory casings (1) that are stacked and each contain an anode active material. That is, the separator (100) performs the role of separating the refractory casings (1) stacked in multiple layers, which have completed a firing process in a firing furnace, into individual layers when transported to a subsequent process. Such a separator (100) may include a lifting / lowering unit (120) provided below a plurality of transport rollers (10) that transport the stacked refractory casings in one direction, an operating unit (130) that operates the lifting / lowering unit (120), and a clamping unit (140) provided above the transport rollers (10). Additionally, the stage separator (100) may further include a main body (110) on which a lifting / lowering unit (120), an operating unit (130), and a clamping unit (140) are installed.

[0031] The main body (110) may include a lower frame (111) provided at the bottom relative to the transfer roller (10) and an upper frame (112) provided at the top of the transfer roller (10).

[0032] A lifting / lowering unit (120) and an operating unit (130) may be installed on the lower frame (111), and a clamping unit (140) may be installed on the upper frame (112). Additionally, a stopper (150) that supports the refractory box (1) so that the stacked refractory box (1) transported via the transport roller (10) stops at a designated position may be provided on the upper frame (112). At this time, the designated position may refer to the upper end facing the lifting / lowering unit (120). That is, the designated position refers to a position where the refractory box (1) is located at the upper end of the lifting / lowering unit (120) and is stably lifted / lowered. For example, the stopper (150) may be provided to be selectively operated by a driving source. At this time, the driving source may be provided as a servo motor, a cylinder, etc. This stopper (150) is provided in an open state in the direction in which the refractory box (1) is transported, and can be configured to rotate in the direction in which the refractory box (1) is transported by receiving power from a driving source. That is, the stopper (150) can be operated to close the direction in which the refractory box (1) is transported. Accordingly, the refractory box (1) in contact with the stopper (150) is provided in a state in which its movement is restricted on the upper side of the lifting / lowering unit (120).

[0033] The operating unit (130) can perform the function of raising and lowering the lifting and lowering unit (120). Additionally, the operating unit (130) may be configured to operate at a predetermined operating distance. For example, the operating unit (130) may be equipped with a plurality of cylinders (131, 132, 133) having different operating distances. That is, a plurality of cylinders (131, 132, 133) having different operating distances may each be configured to operate by a predetermined operating distance. Such an operating unit (130) may be equipped with three cylinders (131, 132, 133). This is because refractory casings (1) of different heights are stacked in three layers. At this time, the refractory casings (1) stacked in three layers may be divided into a first-layer refractory casing (1a), a second-layer refractory casing (1b), and a third-layer refractory casing (1c). That is, the refractory box (1a) located at the bottom is expressed as 1st layer, the refractory box (1b) located in the middle is expressed as 2nd layer, and the refractory box (1c) located at the top is expressed as 3rd layer. In addition, when the 1st layer refractory box (1a) of the bottom layer is separated through the 1st layer separator (100) according to one aspect of the present invention, the refractory box is stacked in a total of 2 layers. However, since there is a possibility of misunderstanding due to redundant explanation when describing the refractory box (1) divided into 3 layers, it will be described as a 2nd layer refractory box (1b) and a 3rd layer refractory box (1c) according to the initial definition.

[0034] Meanwhile, the height (h1) of the refractory box (1a) located at the bottom has a longer length than the heights (h2, h3) of the refractory boxes (1b, 1c) located at the second and third stages, and the refractory boxes (1b, 1c) at the second and third stages can be arranged to have the same height.

[0035] The operating unit (130) may include a first cylinder (131) having a first rod (131a), a second cylinder (132) having a second rod (132a), and a third cylinder (133) having a third rod (133a). In this case, the operating distances of the first to third rods (131a, 132a, 133a) may be set differently from each other. That is, the first to third rods (131a, 132a, 133a) may be provided to have different lengths (R1, R2, R3). In addition, a plurality of cylinders (131, 132, 133) may be arranged in a vertical direction and connected to each other.

[0036] The first cylinder (131) may be positioned at the top of a plurality of cylinders. That is, it may be positioned close to the transfer roller (10). Additionally, the first cylinder (131) may be arranged so that the first rod (131a) is positioned on the lower side. The first cylinder (131) may be mounted and fixed to the fixed plate (123) of the lifting / lowering unit (120) to be described later.

[0037] The second cylinder (132) may be positioned below the first cylinder (131). Additionally, the second cylinder (132) may be arranged so that the second rod (132a) is connected to the first rod (131a). That is, the second cylinder (132) may be arranged so that the second rod (132a) is positioned above it. The first rod (131a) and the second rod (132a) may be connected to each other by a joint (135). The second cylinder (132) may be installed on the upper movable plate (124) of the lifting / lowering unit (120) to be described later.

[0038] The third cylinder (133) may be located at the lowest of the plurality of cylinders. The third cylinder (133) may be arranged so that the third rod (133a) is located at the lower side. The third cylinder (133) may be installed at the bottom of the upper movable plate (124). Additionally, the end of the third rod (133a) may be installed on the lower movable plate (125) of the lifting / lowering unit (120) to be described later.

[0039] These first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133) can be provided as pneumatic cylinders with excellent durability in dusty environments. Accordingly, there is an effect of preventing malfunction of the operating unit (130).

[0040] Meanwhile, although the first cylinder (131), the second cylinder (132), and the third cylinder (133) are shown and described as being connected sequentially along the vertical direction, they are not limited thereto, and as long as the three cylinders (131, 132, 133) are installed to be connected to each other in the vertical direction, they may be arranged in any order.

[0041] The lifting / lowering unit (120) is raised and lowered by the operating unit (130) and supports the lower part of the refractory box (1) and performs the function of raising and lowering the refractory box (1). The lifting / lowering unit (120) may be equipped with a lifting / lowering rod (121), upper and lower sleeves (122a, 122b), a fixed plate (123), an upper moving plate (124), and a lower moving plate (125).

[0042] The lifting / lowering rod (121) may be provided with a predetermined length in the vertical direction. This lifting / lowering rod (121) can be raised and lowered to support the bottom surface of the refractory box (1). Accordingly, the lifting / lowering rod (121) may be provided in multiple numbers to stably support the refractory box (1). For example, the lifting / lowering rod (121) may be provided in four numbers so as to be located near each corner of the bottom surface of the refractory box (1). These multiple lifting / lowering rods (121) may be provided to move together when operated by the operating unit (130). At this time, as the lifting / lowering rod (121) is located below the transfer roller (10), the lifting / lowering rod (121) may be provided to be raised and lowered between the transfer rollers (10). Additionally, the upper end of the lifting / lowering rod (121) may be positioned below the upper surface of the transfer roller (10) so that the stacked refractory box (1) can be easily moved along the transfer roller (10).

[0043] The upper sleeve (122a) and the lower sleeve (122b) are spaced apart vertically from each other and serve to guide the lifting / lowering rod (121). For example, the upper sleeve (122a) and the lower sleeve (122b) may be provided in the shape of a hollow tube at the center. Accordingly, the lifting / lowering rod (121) is fitted into the upper sleeve (122a) and the lower sleeve (122b) and moves up and down, thereby enabling stable movement.

[0044] Meanwhile, the upper sleeve (122a) can be fixed by a fixed plate (123) to be described later. Accordingly, the upper sleeve (122a) can be fixed to the fixed plate (123) together with the first cylinder (131) to restrict its movement. The lower sleeve (122b) can be combined with the upper moving plate (124) to be described later and move together with the lifting / lowering rod (121). The movement of the lower sleeve (122b) moving with the lifting / lowering rod (121) will be explained again below.

[0045] A fixed plate (123) can be installed on the main body (110). As illustrated, the fixed plate (123) can be mounted on the top of the lower frame (111). An upper sleeve (122a) and a first cylinder (131) can be mounted on this fixed plate (123). Accordingly, the movement of the upper sleeve (122a) and the first cylinder (131) can be fixed.

[0046] The upper movable plate (124) may be provided between the second cylinder (132) and the third cylinder (133). That is, the second cylinder (132) and the third cylinder (133) may be mounted facing each other at the center of the upper movable plate (124). Additionally, the upper movable plate (124) may be connected to the lower sleeve (122b). Accordingly, the upper movable plate (124), the lower sleeve (122b), and the second and third cylinders (132, 133) may move together. Specifically, the upper movable plate (124) may be provided to move together with the lower sleeve (122b) according to the operation of the first cylinder (131) and the second cylinder (132).

[0047] The lower moving plate (125) may be positioned below the third cylinder (133) and connected to the third rod (133a). Accordingly, the lower moving plate (125) may move according to the operation of the third rod (133a). Additionally, the lower end of the lifting / lowering rod (121) may be connected to the lower moving plate (125). Thus, the lifting / lowering rod (121) may be raised / lowered together with the lower moving plate (125) by the operation of the third rod (133a). For example, the lower moving plate (125) may be arranged to move together with the lifting / lowering rod (121) according to the operation of the first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133). Specifically, the upper moving plate (124), the lower moving plate (125), and the lower sleeve (122b) may be arranged to move up and down together with the lifting rod (121) when the operating unit (130) is operated.

[0048] The clamping unit (140) can perform the function of selectively supporting and fixing the refractory box (1) that has been raised by the lifting / lowering unit (120). Accordingly, the clamping unit (140) can be positioned on the upper side of the transfer roller (10) and can be mounted on the upper frame (112). Such a clamping unit (140) can be positioned at a predetermined location on the upper side of the transfer roller (10). Specifically, the clamping unit (140) can be arranged to be positioned at a support line (FL) that is higher than the height (h1) of the first stage refractory box (1a) based on the upper surface transfer line (ML) of the transfer roller (10). That is, the predetermined location may refer to the support line (FL).

[0049] Additionally, the operating distance of the first cylinder (131) may correspond to the difference between the height (H1) of the support line (FL) and the height (h1) of the first refractory box (1a), and the sum of the operating distances of the first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133) may correspond to the distance from the top of the lifting rod (121) to the support line (FL). This is intended to separate the refractory box (1) by a logic determined by the operation of a plurality of cylinders (131, 132, 133) operating at a predetermined distance and the difference in height of the refractory box (1), and will be explained in detail in the operation of separating the stacked refractory box (1).

[0050] The clamping unit (140) can be configured to move toward the side of the first refractory box (1a) and the second refractory box (2b) to support the lower surface of the second refractory box (1b) when the stacked refractory boxes (1) are raised and the upper surface of the first refractory box (1a) is positioned on the support line (FL), that is, when the lower surface of the second refractory box (1b) is positioned on the support line (FL). Accordingly, the second and third refractory boxes (1b, 1c) can be maintained in a state supported by the clamping unit (140), and the first refractory box (1a) can be lowered by the lowering operation of the lifting / lowering unit (120). This clamping unit (140) can be provided and operated as a ball screw type that changes rotational motion into linear motion according to the operation of a motor, or as a cylinder type operated by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure.

[0051] Meanwhile, the operating unit (130) and the clamping unit (140) can be controlled by a control unit (170). For example, the control unit (170) may be provided as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) control unit (170). Accordingly, the stacked refractory casing (1) can be operated to easily separate the stacked casings through predetermined operation control.

[0052] Furthermore, each cylinder (131, 132, 133) of the operating unit (130) is provided with a solenoid valve that can be operated via a PLC control unit (170). For example, the solenoid valve may be operated by the PLC control unit (170) to open or close the flow path and may be configured to control the pressure transmitted to each cylinder (131, 132, 133).

[0053] According to one aspect of the present invention, the stacked refractory plate separator (100) may further be equipped with a sensor (160) for detecting the position of the lifting / lowering rod (121).

[0054] The sensor (160) may be equipped with a first sensor (161) for detecting the pre-operation state of the operating unit (130), a second sensor (162) for detecting the operating state of the first cylinder (131), a third sensor (163) for detecting the state in which the first cylinder (131) and the second cylinder (132) are operated together, and a fourth sensor (164) for detecting the state in which the first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133) are operated together. As illustrated, each sensor (161, 162, 163, 164) may be installed sequentially at a certain interval along the vertical direction on the lower frame (111). For example, the first sensor (161) may be positioned on a first line (L1) where the end of the third rod (133a), connected to the lower moving plate (125) before the operation of the operating unit (130), is located. The second sensor (162) may be positioned on a second line (L2) where the end of the third rod (133a), which is moved together with the lower moving plate (125) as the first cylinder (131) operates, is located. That is, the second line (L2) is a position spaced apart from the first line (L1) so as to correspond to the distance the first rod (131a) of the first cylinder (131) is operated. The third sensor (163) may be arranged to be located on a third line (L3) at the end of the third rod (133a) which is moved together with the lower moving plate (125) by the first and second cylinders (131, 132) operating together. That is, the third line (L3) is a position spaced apart from the first line (L1) so as to correspond to the sum of the distances at which the first rod (131a) and the second rod (132a) are operated. The fourth sensor (164) may be arranged to be located on a fourth line (L4) at the end of the third rod (133a) which is moved together with the lower moving plate (125) by all of the first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133) operating together. That is, the fourth line (L4) is located at a position spaced apart from the first line (L1) so as to correspond to the sum of the distances at which the first rod (131a), the second rod (132a), and the third rod (133a) are operated.

[0055] Meanwhile, according to one aspect of the present invention, the operation of the operating unit (130) can be controlled by the first to fourth sensors (161, 162, 163, 164), but since the lengths of the first to third rods (131a, 132a, 133a) are formed to have different lengths, the operating distance of each cylinder (131, 132, 133) can be implemented to be operated at a required distance even if the sensor (160) is not installed.

[0056] Then, a method for separating stages using the stacked refractory plate separator (100) as described above will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0057] FIG. 5 shows the operation state of separating the bottommost refractory box (1a) by raising and lowering the refractory box (1) stacked in three layers, FIG. 6 shows the operation state of separating the bottommost 2nd refractory box (1b) among the 2nd refractory boxes (1) stacked in two layers after the 1st stage is separated, and FIG. 7 shows the operation state of discharging the last remaining 3rd refractory box (1c).

[0058] First, referring to FIG. 5, a refractory box (1) stacked in three layers can be transported to a stage separator (100) via a transport roller (10) and stopped at a designated position. Here, the designated position may mean being located at the top of a lifting / lowering unit (120). At this time, the refractory box (1) can be stopped by a stopper (150). Specifically, when the refractory box (1) moves along the transport roller (10), the stopper (150) can operate in the transport direction of the refractory box (1) to block movement.

[0059] Additionally, when the refractory box (1) moves along the conveyor roller (10), it may become misaligned in a horizontal direction in a plane, so to correct this, a guide member may be further included to press both sides of the refractory box (1) to position it correctly.

[0060] When the stacked refractory box (1) stops in the correct position, the operating unit (130) can be operated to raise and lower the refractory box (1). Specifically, the first cylinder (131) is operated so that the lifting / lowering rod (121) is raised by the length (R1) of the first rod (131a). At this time, since the first cylinder (131) and the upper sleeve (122a) are fixed to the fixed plate (123), the movement of the first cylinder (131) is restricted, and only the first rod (131a) is operated to move. Accordingly, the second cylinder (132) connected to the first rod (131a), the upper movable plate (124) connected to the second cylinder (132), the lower sleeve (122b) connected to the upper movable plate (124), the third cylinder (133), the lower movable plate (125) connected to the third cylinder (133), and the lifting / lowering rod (121) connected to the lower movable plate (125) are raised together. At this time, the end of the third rod (133a) is raised to the position where the second line (L2) is formed.

[0061] As the lifting rod (121) is raised and lowered, the upper end of the lifting rod (121) can be moved upward from the upper transfer line (ML) of the transfer roller (10) while supporting the bottom surface of the stacked refractory box (1). That is, the refractory box (1) stacked in three layers is lifted. At this time, the upper surface of the lowest 1st refractory box (1) and the bottom surface of the 2nd refractory box (1b) among the 3-layer stacked refractory boxes (1) are positioned on the support line (FL). This is because the operating distance of the first cylinder (131) corresponds to the difference between the height (H1) of the support line (FL) and the height (h1) of the 1st refractory box (1a). In this state, the clamping unit (140) operates to support the bottom surface of the 2nd refractory box (1b). At this time, the clamping unit (140) can be inserted along the guide groove formed on the upper edge of the refractory box (1a).

[0062] When the second stage of the refractory box (1b) is supported by the clamping unit (140), the first cylinder (131) is operated to return to its original state, thereby lowering the lowest stage of the refractory box (1a) to the transfer roller (10). That is, the first cylinder (131) is operated so that the first stage of the refractory box (1a) is positioned on the transfer line (ML). The first stage of the refractory box (1a) lowered to the transfer roller (10) is transported so as to be removed from the upper part of the lifting / lowering unit (120) via the transfer roller (10).

[0063] Next, referring to FIG. 6, the operating unit (130) can be operated to support the bottom surface of the stacked refractory box (1b, 1c) supported by the clamping unit (140). More specifically, the first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133) can all be operated to raise and lower the lifting rod (121). At this time, the movement of the upper sleeve (122a) and the first cylinder (131) is restricted because the upper sleeve (122a) and the first cylinder (131) are fixed to the fixed plate (123). In this state, the first rod (131a), the second rod (132a) connected to the first rod (131a), the second cylinder (132), the upper movable plate (124) connected to the second cylinder (132), the lower sleeve (122b) connected to the upper movable plate (124), and the third cylinder (133), the third rod (133a), the lower movable plate (125) connected to the third rod (133a), and the lifting / lowering rod (125) connected to the lower movable plate (125) are raised together. At this time, the end of the third rod (133a) is raised to the position where the fourth line (L4) is formed. Accordingly, the upper end of the lifting / lowering rod (121) is raised to come into contact with the bottom surface of the two-stage refractory box (1b) supported by the clamping unit (140). This is because the sum of the operating distances of the first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133) corresponds to the distance from the top of the lifting rod (121) to the support line (FL).

[0064] When the lifting / lowering rod (121) supports the bottom surface of the 2-stage refractory box (1b), the clamping unit (140) returns to its original state, releasing the restraint of the refractory box (1b). In this state, only the third cylinder (133) can be operated to return to its original position. That is, as the third cylinder (133) returns to its original state, the first and second cylinders (131, 132) become operated. Accordingly, the end of the third rod (133a) descends to the position where the third line (L3) is formed.

[0065] When the lower moving plate (125) descends to the third line (L3), the upper surface of the second refractory box (1b) or the bottom surface of the third refractory box (1c) is positioned on the support line (FL). In this state, the clamping unit (140) operates to support the bottom surface of the third refractory box (1c).

[0066] When the third stage of the refractory box (1c) is supported by the clamping unit (140), the first cylinder (131) and the second cylinder (132) are operated to return to their original state, thereby lowering the second stage of the refractory box (1b) onto the transfer roller (10). That is, the first and second cylinders (131, 132) are operated so that the second stage of the refractory box (1b) is positioned on the transfer line (ML). This is the state before the operation of the operating unit (130), at which point the end of the third rod (133a) is positioned on the first line (L1). The second stage of the refractory box (1b), lowered onto the transfer roller (10), is transported so as to be removed from the upper part of the lifting / lowering unit (120) via the transfer roller (10).

[0067] Finally, referring to FIG. 7, the operating unit (130) can be operated to support the bottom surface of the three-stage refractory box (1c) supported by the clamping unit (140). More specifically, the first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133) can be operated to raise and lower the lifting rod (121). At this time, the movement of the upper sleeve (122a) and the first cylinder (131) is restricted because the upper sleeve (122a) and the first cylinder (131) are fixed to the fixed plate (123).

[0068] In this state, the first rod (131a), the second rod (132a) connected to the first rod (131a), the second cylinder (132), the upper movable plate (124) connected to the second cylinder (132), the lower sleeve (122b) connected to the upper movable plate (124), and the third cylinder (133), the third rod (133a), the lower movable plate (125) connected to the third rod (133a), and the lifting / lowering rod (125) connected to the lower movable plate (125) are raised together. At this time, the end of the third rod (133a) is raised to the position where the fourth line (L4) is formed. Accordingly, the upper end of the lifting / lowering rod (121) is raised to come into contact with the bottom surface of the three-stage refractory box (1c) supported by the clamping unit (140). This is because the sum of the operating distances of the first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133) corresponds to the distance from the top of the lifting rod (121) to the support line (FL).

[0069] When the lifting / lowering rod (121) supports the bottom surface of the 3-stage refractory box (1c), the clamping unit (140) returns to its original state, releasing the restraint of the refractory box (1c). In this state, the first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133) can be operated to return to their original positions. That is, the first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133) are operated so that the 3-stage refractory box (1c) is positioned on the transfer line (ML). This is the state prior to operation of the operating unit (130), where the end of the third rod (133a) is positioned on the first line (L1). The 3-stage refractory box (1c), lowered by the transfer roller (10), is transported so as to be removed from the upper part of the lifting / lowering unit (120) via the transfer roller (10).

[0070] In this way, the operating distances of the first to third cylinders (131, 132, 133) are set in a predetermined state and configured to operate according to a set logic, thereby enabling smooth separation of the stacked refractory casings (1). That is, since the operation of the first to third rods (131a, 132a, 133a) is set, it is possible to eliminate the risk of equipment damage caused by malfunction. In addition, by using pneumatic cylinders that are highly durable against dust even in dusty environments, equipment malfunctions can be prevented, and costs can be reduced compared to existing servo motors and ball screw types.

[0071] Meanwhile, the refractory box (1) stacked in three layers as described above has three cylinders (131, 132, 133) applied as the first refractory box (1a) is longer than the height of the second and third refractory boxes (1b, 1c), but if the height of the refractory box (1) is the same, two cylinders may be applied to perform the separation of the layers.

[0072] For example, when refractory boxes of the same height are stacked in three layers, the stacked refractory boxes can be separated into layers simply by performing the operation of raising and lowering the refractory boxes of the first and second layers so that the space between them is located on the support line (FL) and the operation of raising and lowering the lifting rod (121) so that it is located on the support line (FL). Accordingly, the stacked refractory boxes of the same height can be separated into layers by applying a cylinder that operates for a predetermined distance.

[0073] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Explanation of the symbols

[0074] 1 : Firearm 10: Transfer roller 100 : Laminated refractory case separator 110 : Main body 120 : Lifting / Lowering Unit 130 : Operating unit 140 : Clamping unit 150 : Stopper 160 : Sensor 170 : Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A stacked refractory casing separator for separating refractory casings stacked in multiple layers, each containing a positive electrode active material, comprising: a lifting / lowering unit having a lifting / lowering rod provided below a plurality of conveying rollers that convey the stacked refractory casings in one direction and for raising / lowering the refractory casings; an operating unit for operating the lifting / lowering unit; and a clamping unit disposed on the upper side of the conveying rollers to selectively support and fix the refractory casings being raised / lowered; wherein the operating unit operates at a predetermined operating distance and has a plurality of cylinders having different operating distances. Claim 2 In claim 1, the plurality of cylinders are arranged in a vertical direction and connected to each other in a stacked refractory casing separator. Claim 3 In claim 1, the refractory casing is stacked in three layers, and the operating unit comprises: a first cylinder having a first rod; a second cylinder having a second rod disposed below the first cylinder and connected to the first rod; and a third cylinder having a third rod disposed below the second cylinder and connected to the second cylinder; wherein the first to third rods are arranged to have different lengths. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the above lifting / lowering unit comprises: a lifting / lowering rod that has a predetermined length in the vertical direction and is lifted / lowered to support the bottom surface of the refractory box; upper and lower sleeves spaced apart in the vertical direction to guide the lifting / lowering rod; a fixed plate connected to the upper sleeve and the first cylinder; an upper movable plate provided between the second cylinder and the third cylinder and connected to the lower sleeve; and a lower movable plate connected to the lower end of the lifting / lowering rod and the third operating rod; comprising a stacked refractory box separator. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the stacked refractory plate separator further comprises a main body portion to which the fixed plate is fixed, and the upper sleeve and the first cylinder are positioned by the fixed plate. Claim 6 A stacked refractory plate separator according to claim 4, wherein the upper moving plate is arranged to move together with the lower sleeve according to the operation of the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and the lower moving plate is arranged to move together with the lifting rod according to the operation of the first to third cylinders. Claim 7 In paragraph 4, the upper moving plate, lower moving plate, and lower sleeve are arranged to move up and down together with the lifting / lowering rod when the operating unit is operated, forming a stacked refractory plate separator. Claim 8 In paragraph 3, a stacked refractory casing separator further equipped with a sensor for detecting the position of the lifting / lowering rod. Claim 9 In claim 8, the above sensor comprises a first sensor for detecting the pre-operation state of the operating unit, a second sensor for detecting the state in which the first cylinder is operated, a third sensor for detecting the state in which the first and second cylinders are operated together, and a fourth sensor for detecting the state in which the first to third cylinders are operated together. Claim 10 In claim 1, the above-mentioned lifting and lowering rods are provided in multiple numbers and are arranged to move together when operated by the above-mentioned operating unit, forming a stacked refractory plate separator. Claim 11 In claim 1, the stacked refractory box separator is provided with four lifting and lowering rods positioned near each corner of the bottom surface of the refractory box. Claim 12 In claim 1, the above-mentioned lifting / lowering rod is arranged to be raised and lowered between the above-mentioned transfer rollers, forming a stacked refractory casing separator. Claim 13 In paragraph 3, the clamping unit is a stacked refractory casing separator arranged to be positioned at a support line higher than the height of the lowest layer of the refractory casing, based on the upper surface transfer line of the transfer roller. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the operating distance of the first cylinder corresponds to the difference between the height of the support line and the height of the first stage of the refractory box, forming a stacked refractory box stage separator. Claim 15 In paragraph 13, the sum of the operating distances of the first to third cylinders corresponds to the distance from the top of the lifting / lowering rod to the support line, forming a stacked refractory casing separator.

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