Cell transport apparatus

Abstract

A unit cell conveying apparatus for conveying unit cells in which a predetermined number of electrodes and separators are stacked, includes a conveyor configured to travel in one direction while the unit cells are disposed thereon and convey the disposed unit cells, a first rail provided in parallel with the conveyor at one side of the conveyor, and a second rail provided in parallel with the conveyor at the other side of the conveyor, wherein a protrusion is protruded from a surface of each of the first rail and the second rail in a direction of travel of the unit cells, the unit cells being supported by the protrusion when conveyed by the conveyor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0024397, filed on February 23, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a cell transfer device for transferring cell units with electrodes (negative and positive electrodes) and separators stacked in a predetermined number and order. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cell transfer device that minimizes wear and damage to cell units caused by frictional forces generated at the point of contact between the cell unit and the track during transfer. Background Technology

[0003] The demand for high-efficiency rechargeable batteries is rapidly increasing in the mobile device and electric vehicle sectors. Among these rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries, which have high energy density, maintain high voltage, and have low self-discharge rates, are widely used commercially, and research and development to improve their performance are actively underway.

[0004] Secondary batteries have a structure in which electrode assemblies and electrolytes are embedded in a casing (such as a can or bag). The electrode assembly has a structure in which positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes are repeatedly stacked. Generally, electrode assemblies can be divided into wound electrode assemblies, which are formed by rolling up the stacked positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes to embed them in the casing, and stacked electrode assemblies, which are formed by stacking positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes that have been cut to predetermined sizes.

[0005] Because of their helical winding structure, wound electrode assemblies are suitable for mounting in cylindrical batteries. However, they are disadvantageous in terms of space utilization for prismatic or pouch batteries. On the other hand, since the dimensions of stacked electrode assemblies can be adjusted during electrode and separator cutting, it is easy to obtain a prismatic shape that fits the casing. However, the manufacturing process is relatively complex, and stacked electrode assemblies are relatively susceptible to external influences.

[0006] Furthermore, a stacking and folding process was developed in which, after manufacturing dual cells (dual cells having a stacked structure of positive electrode / separator / negative electrode, wherein the electrodes at the top and bottom are the same) and / or half cells (half cells having a stacked structure of positive electrode / separator / negative electrode, wherein the electrodes at the top and bottom are different from each other) into cell units of appropriate size, the cell units are arranged at a certain distance on a folding separator, and then the folding separator is folded to manufacture the electrode assembly, thereby combining the advantages of the wound electrode assembly with the advantages of the stacked electrode assembly.

[0007] In the stacking and folding process, after cell units with a pre-planned structure are pre-manufactured, these cell units are transferred one by one from the starting position of the storage cell units to the target position. Then, these cell units are placed on a folding partition to put them into the manufacturing equipment for folding the folding partition.

[0008] Here, the cell units are conveyed via a conveying device. A cell unit conveying device according to the prior art is illustrated schematically. Figure 1A and 1B When the unit battery 4 placed on the conveying device 1 is conveyed to the target position, the clamp 5 with the clamp structure clamps the unit battery 4, and then the clamp 5 further moves the unit battery 4 and puts the unit battery 4 into the roller 6 set at the entrance of the manufacturing equipment.

[0009] Here, the conveying device 1 includes a conveyor 2 and a first track 3a and a second track 3b. When the unit battery 4 is placed on the conveyor 2, the conveyor 2 moves to one side to convey the placed unit battery 4. The first track 3a and the second track 3b are respectively set on one side and the other side of the conveyor 2.

[0010] In the structure of conveyor 2, the conveyor belt is coupled to simultaneously wind around multiple rollers similar to a track, and the conveyor belt is configured to rotate continuously while the rollers rotate. Thus, when the unit battery 4 is placed on the conveyor belt, the unit battery 4 is moved by the conveyor belt. Here, the middle portion of the unit battery 4 is positioned on the conveyor belt, and when the unit battery 4 is mounted on the first track 3a and the second track 3b, the two facing sides of the unit battery 4, along with the middle portion therebetween, are conveyed together.

[0011] In the existing structure, since each of the first track 3a and the second track 3b is made of a metallic material and has a plate-like shape, friction occurs at the points where the cell 4 contacts the first track 3a and the second track 3b during transport. This friction may wear down the surface of the cell, and such wear may damage the cell.

[0012] In particular, in the cell 4, the separator is usually set on the surface of the conveyor on which the cell 4 is placed. Therefore, when the separator is made as thin as possible to increase capacity, as the length of the conveyor 1 increases, friction causes the separator to wear, which in turn leads to various problems such as short circuits and reduced production. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] Accordingly, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a cell battery conveying device in which the contact area between the tracks (first track and second track) and the cell battery is minimized in order to reduce the frictional force generated between them, thereby solving the problem caused by friction that may occur during the conveying of cell batteries.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a cell transport device for transporting cell stacks of a predetermined number of electrodes and separators, comprising: a conveyor configured to travel and transport the cell stacked thereon in one direction; a first track disposed parallel to the conveyor on one side of the conveyor; and a second track disposed parallel to the conveyor on the other side of the conveyor, wherein protrusions protrude from the surface of each of the first track and the second track along the direction of travel of the cell stack, the cell stack being supported by the protrusions as it is transported by the conveyor.

[0017] The protrusion can protrude continuously along the longitudinal direction of the first track and the second track.

[0018] At least two or more protrusions may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other on each of the first track and the second track.

[0019] The first track and the second track can move away from or towards the conveyor in a width direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the cell.

[0020] Each of the first and second tracks can move vertically to ascend or descend.

[0021] The length of the second track can be less than the length of the first track, and when the cell is being transported, a tab guide can be continuously provided in the direction of travel of the cell, and the electrode tabs protruding from each electrode pass through the tab guide to prevent the electrode tabs from sagging.

[0022] In the electrode guide, the lower arm disposed below the electrode contact and the upper arm disposed above the electrode contact can be arranged parallel to each other to form a guide groove between the upper arm and the lower arm. When the cell is transferred, the electrode contact enters the guide groove to limit the vertical separation of the electrode contact.

[0023] Each of the lower arm and the upper arm may have a sloping surface to increase the size of the guide groove at the end where the electrode tab begins to enter.

[0024] The height of each of the lower arm and the upper arm, which are fixed in the vertical direction, can be adjustable so that the distance and height between the lower arm and the upper arm are adjustable.

[0025] Furthermore, the track is preferably made of a synthetic resin to minimize friction. In particular, the synthetic resin preferably includes acetal resin, and the tab guide can also be made of acetal resin.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] According to the present invention having the above-described structure, since the protrusions protrude from each of the first and second tracks, and the cell battery contacts only the protrusions of each of the first and second tracks during travel, wear and damage caused by friction can be suppressed or prevented to the greatest extent, thereby reducing the occurrence rate of defects.

[0028] At least two or more protrusions may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other on each of the first and second tracks in order to distribute the load.

[0029] The first and second tracks can be configured to move away from or towards the conveyor in a width direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the cell, thereby enabling the transport of cell cells of various sizes.

[0030] Since each of the first and second tracks can move vertically to rise and fall, the cell load applied to the protrusion can be adjusted.

[0031] The length of the second track is less than that of the first track, and when the cell is being transported, a guide for the electrode contacts to pass through in the direction of travel of the cell can be provided to prevent sagging.

[0032] By adjusting the distance and height between the lower and upper arms, the electrode contacts guide can guide electrode contacts of their respective sizes and shapes, and each of the lower and upper arms can have an inclined surface to increase the size of the guide groove at the end where the electrode contacts begin to enter, thereby smoothly guiding the electrode contacts between the lower and upper arms without impact or bending.

[0033] Furthermore, in this invention, each of the track and the tab guide can be made of acetal resin with low friction to minimize wear on the cell. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1A This is a schematic side view of a cell battery transfer device based on existing technology.

[0035] Figure 1B It is a schematic plan view of a cell battery transfer device based on existing technology.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a cell battery transfer device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a unit battery transfer device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the splicing guide.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a side view of the splice guide. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in a manner readily practiced by those skilled in the art. However, the invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0041] In order to clearly describe the invention, parts that are not related to the description of the invention will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will always be assigned to the same or similar parts in the specification.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as having a general meaning or a dictionary-based meaning, but rather should be interpreted as having a meaning and concept consistent with the scope of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can properly define the terms and concepts to best describe the invention.

[0043] This invention relates to a cell transfer device for transferring a predetermined number of stacked positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes from a starting position where the cell is placed to a predetermined specific target position (e.g., a position where the clamp is ready). The cell transfer device according to embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] First Embodiment

[0045] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a cell battery transfer device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a plan view of a unit battery transfer device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The conveying device of the present invention includes a conveyor 10 and a first track 20 and a second track 30 respectively disposed on one side and the other side of the conveyor 10.

[0047] Conveyor 10 is configured such that the conveyor belt moves longitudinally by the rotation of a roller (not shown). Figure 2 The conveyor rotates continuously in the direction of travel shown, and transports the placed unit battery 4 while placing it on the conveyor belt. That is, the lengths of the conveyor 10 and each of the first track 20 and the second track 30 are determined such that the unit battery 4 is transported to the target point.

[0048] Furthermore, a first track 20 is disposed on one side of the conveyor 10 so as to be parallel to the conveyor 10, and a second track 30 is disposed on the other side of the conveyor 10 so as to be parallel to the conveyor 10, with the conveyor 10 located between the first track 20 and the second track 30.

[0049] Furthermore, in this invention, protrusions 21 and 31 protrude from the surface of each of the first track 20 and the second track 30 along the travel direction of the unit battery 4. Here, each of the first track 20 and the second track 30 has the same or nearly similar length as the conveyor 10, and each of the protrusions 21 and 31 protrudes in all portions of each of the first track 20 and the second track 30 for the unit battery 4 to travel.

[0050] When the cell 4 is placed on each of the protrusions 21 and 31, the height and size of each protrusion 21 and 31 are such that the bottom surface of the cell 4 does not contact the remaining area other than the protrusion.

[0051] Therefore, when the unit battery 4 is conveyed by the conveyor 10, both ends of the unit battery 4 are supported by the protrusions 21 and 31, and then it is conveyed. That is, when the unit battery 4 is conveyed by the conveyor 10, the unit battery 4 is supported only by the protrusions 21 and 31 on the first track 20 and the second track 30, respectively, and then it is conveyed.

[0052] Preferably, the protrusions 21 and 31 protrude continuously along the longitudinal direction of the first track 20 and the second track 30 (continuously along the direction of travel), but the protrusions 21 and 31 may also be formed discontinuously, thus being discontinuous at one or more points. Here, the discontinuity can be determined according to the width of the cell. Furthermore, preferably, each end of the protrusions 21 and 31 is formed in a circular shape with appropriate dimensions, thereby smoothly transporting the cell 4 without scratches.

[0053] Furthermore, on each of the first track 20 and the second track 30, at least two or more protrusions 21 and 31 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other. Preferably, in each of the first track 20 and the second track 30, the gaps between adjacent protrusions are spaced apart to the greatest extent possible in the width direction in order to distribute the load of the cell 4.

[0054] Furthermore, the first track 20 and the second track 30 can be configured to move away from or towards the conveyor 10 in a width direction perpendicular to the travel direction of the cell 4. Thus, in such a way... Figure 3 When the unit battery 4 is arranged as shown, the first track 20 and the second track 30 can be adjusted in the width direction according to the size of the unit battery 4.

[0055] Furthermore, each of the first track 20 and the second track 30 can move vertically to rise or fall. Therefore, by adjusting the load distribution applied to the conveyor 10 by the unit battery 4 and to the first track 20 and the second track 30, the load applied to the first track 20 and the second track 30 can be reduced, thereby minimizing the occurrence of friction.

[0056] For reference, the movement of each of the first track 20 and the second track 30 can be achieved by known methods and combinations thereof, such as a combination of an electric motor and a linkage device or a combination of a pneumatic device and a gear device.

[0057] Second Embodiment

[0058] As a second embodiment, the present invention provides a cell battery transfer device that further includes a tab guide 40 for preventing electrode tabs 4a from sagging.

[0059] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the length of the second track 30 is less than the length of the first track 20, and when the unit battery 4 is being transported, a contact guide 40 is continuously provided in the traveling direction of the unit battery 4, and the electrode contact 4a passes through the contact guide 40 to prevent the electrode contact 4a from drooping.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the splice guide 40. Figure 5 This is a side view of the connector guide 40. (Example) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the tab guide 40 is constructed by coupling the lower arm 41 to the upper arm 42, and a guide groove is formed between the lower arm 41 and the upper arm 42 so that the electrode tab 4a can slide into the guide groove.

[0061] That is, the lower arm 41 is positioned below the electrode tab 4a, and the upper arm 42 is spaced apart from the lower arm 41 in a parallel manner to form a guide groove 43. During the transfer of the cell 4, the electrode tab 4a enters this guide groove 43. The electrode tab 4a is a positive electrode tab protruding from the positive electrode disposed in the cell 4 or a negative electrode tab protruding from the negative electrode disposed in the cell 4. For reference, although in Figure 3 The diagram shows a structure in which the contact guide 40 is provided only on the second track 30. However, if the positive and negative electrode contacts of the cell protrude in opposite directions, the contact guide 40 can be mounted on both the first track 20 and the second track 30. Furthermore, preferably, each of the first track 20 and the second track 30 is connected to the contact guide 40 to have the same length as the conveyor 10.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, compared to the lower arm 41, the upper arm 42 can be formed to be relatively shorter in the direction of travel, and can be configured such that when picking up the unit battery 4, at the point where the gripper (not shown) holds the unit battery 4, the unit battery 4 does not interfere with the upper arm 42.

[0063] Furthermore, the height of each of the lower arm 41 and upper arm 42, which are fixed in the vertical direction, is adjustable so that the distance and height between the lower arm 41 and the upper arm 42 can be adjusted.

[0064] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown more clearly in the diagram, the lower arm 41 and the upper arm 42 can be configured to enter from the end of the electrode tab 4a, increasing the area for the electrode tab 4a to enter (increasing the size of the guide groove). Thus, even if there is a slight bend in the electrode tab 4a, the electrode tab 4a can easily enter the guide groove 43 along the inclined surfaces 41a and 42a.

[0065] In this invention, the tracks (first track and second track) are preferably made of synthetic resin, thereby minimizing the generation of friction. In particular, the synthetic resin material is preferably made of acetal resin, and the tab guide 40 is also made of acetal resin.

[0066] In the present invention having the above-described structure, protrusions 21 and 31 protrude from the first track 20 and the second track 30, respectively. Since the unit battery 4 only contacts the protrusions 21 and 31 of the first track 20 and the second track 30 during the transmission process, wear and damage caused by friction can be suppressed or prevented to the greatest extent.

[0067] On each of the first and second tracks, at least two or more protrusions 21 and 31 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in order to distribute the load.

[0068] The first track 20 and the second track 30 can be configured to move away from or near the conveyor 10 in a width direction perpendicular to the travel direction of the cell 4, thereby conveying cell 4 of various sizes.

[0069] Since each of the first track 20 and the second track 30 can move vertically to rise or fall, the cell load applied to the protrusions 21 and 31 can be adjusted.

[0070] The length of the second track 30 can be less than the length of the first track 20. When the unit battery 4 is being transported, the electrode contact guide 40 can be continuously provided in the direction of travel of the unit battery 4. The electrode contact 4a passes through the electrode contact guide 40 to prevent the electrode contact 4a from drooping, thus preventing the electrode contact from drooping.

[0071] By adjusting the distance and height between the lower arm 41 and the upper arm 42, the electrode contact guide 40 can guide electrode contacts 4a of various sizes and shapes, and the lower arm 41 and the upper arm 42 can have inclined surfaces 41a and 42a to increase the size of the guide groove 43 at the end where the electrode contact 4a begins to enter, thereby guiding the electrode contact 4a between the lower arm 41 and the upper arm 42 without impact.

[0072] Furthermore, in this invention, each of the tracks (first track and second track) and the tab guide can be made of acetal resin with low friction in order to minimize wear on the cell.

[0073] Although embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to specific examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0074] [Symbol Description]

[0075] 4: Unit cell

[0076] 4a: Electrode contacts

[0077] 10: Conveyor

[0078] 20: First Track

[0079] 21, 31: Protrusions

[0080] 30: Second Track

[0081] 40: Splice guide

Claims

1. A cell conveying apparatus for conveying a cell stack in which a predetermined number of electrodes and separators are stacked, the cell conveying apparatus comprising: a conveyor configured to travel in one direction while the cell stack is placed thereon and to convey the placed cell stack; a first rail provided in parallel with the conveyor on one side of the conveyor; a second rail provided in parallel with the conveyor on the other side of the conveyor; and a tab guide connected to the second rail, wherein a protrusion is protruded from a surface of each of the first rail and the second rail in the direction of travel of the cell stack, the cell stack being supported by the protrusion while being conveyed by the conveyor, wherein the tab guide is continuously provided in the direction of travel of the cell stack while the cell stack is conveyed, an electrode tab protruding from each electrode passing through the tab guide to prevent the electrode tab from sagging.

2. The cell conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is continuously protruded in a longitudinal direction of the first rail and the second rail.

3. The cell conveying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least two or more protrusions are provided on each of the first rail and the second rail to be spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other.

4. The cell conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first rail and the second rail are movable away from or close to the conveyor in a width direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the cell stack.

5. The cell conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first rail and the second rail is movable in a vertical direction so as to be raised or lowered.

6. The cell conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a length of the second rail is smaller than a length of the first rail.

7. The cell conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the tab guide, a lower arm provided below the electrode tab and an upper arm provided above the electrode tab are provided to be parallel to each other so as to form a guide groove between the upper arm and the lower arm, the electrode tab entering the guide groove while the cell stack is conveyed to restrict vertical separation of the electrode tab.

8. The cell conveying apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of the lower arm and the upper arm has an inclined surface to increase a size of the guide groove at an end where the electrode tab starts to enter.

9. The cell conveying apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a height of each of the lower arm and the upper arm that is fixed in a vertical direction is adjustable so that a distance and a height between the lower arm and the upper arm are adjustable.

10. The cell conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first rail and the second rail are made of synthetic resin.

11. The cell conveying apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the synthetic resin includes acetal resin. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12. The cell transfer apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tab guide is made of acetal resin.

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