Supply device, supply system including supply device, and supply method

Abstract

A supply device, a supply system including the supply device, and a supply method are disclosed. The supply device of the present disclosure comprises: a supply housing, the upper part of which is open; a roller, at least a portion of which is accommodated in the supply housing, and which is rotatably coupled to the supply housing; and a cutter unit located inside the supply housing and protruding upward, the roller being rotatable toward one side of the supply housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a feeding device, a feeding system including the feeding device (FEEDING DEVICE AND FEEDING SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME), and a feeding method. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a feeding device for feeding powder by cutting a bag containing the powder, a feeding system including the feeding device, and a feeding method. Background Art

[0002] The active material used in secondary batteries can be processed in powder form and coated on electrodes. During the process of feeding the powder, conventionally, the bag containing the powder is manually cut, the powder is put into the input device, and the bag from which the powder has been discharged is manually removed.

[0003] However, the processes of manually cutting the bag, manually putting the powder into the input device, and manually removing the bag may cause cost and safety problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (I) Technical Problem to be Solved

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a feeding device for cutting a bag containing powder and discharging the bag, a feeding system including the feeding device, and a feeding method.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution

[0007] To achieve the above or other objects, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a feeding device may be provided, including: a feeding housing having an open upper portion; a roller at least a part of which is received in the feeding housing and rotatably coupled to the feeding housing; and a cutter unit located inside the feeding housing and protruding upward, the roller rotating on a surface facing the feeding housing.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a feeding system may be provided, including: a feeding device; and a conveying device located behind the feeding device, the feeding device including: a feeding housing having an open upper portion; a roller at least a part of which is received in the feeding housing and rotatably coupled to the feeding housing; and a cutter unit located inside the feeding housing and protruding upward, the roller rotating on a surface facing the feeding housing, the conveying device including: a conveying frame located behind the feeding housing; and a first conveying module and a second conveying module coupled to the conveying frame and arranged side by side.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a supply method can be provided. The supply method supplies powder by cutting a bag containing the powder, and the supply method includes the following steps: measuring the state of the bag in a state where the bag is put into a supply housing; determining whether the state of the bag is in a final state; when the state of the bag is in the final state, determining whether the bag is discharged from the supply housing; when the bag is not discharged from the supply housing, determining whether the time of maintaining the final state is greater than or equal to a second time; and when the time of maintaining the final state is greater than or equal to the second time, rearranging the bag in the supply housing, and after completing the step of rearranging the bag, measuring the state of the bag.

[0010] (III) Advantageous Effects

[0011] According to at least one embodiment among the embodiments of the present disclosure, a supply device for cutting a bag containing powder and discharging the bag, a supply system including the supply device, and a supply method can be provided.

[0012] The supply device, the supply system including the supply device, and the supply method of the present disclosure can be widely applied to green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, other battery-utilizing photovoltaic power generation, and wind power generation.

[0013] The supply device, the supply system including the supply device, and the supply method of the present disclosure can be used for eco-friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc. that prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a view showing a feeding device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line A1 - A2 of the feeding device shown.

[0016] Figure 3 is a view showing a feeder unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line A1 - A2 of the feeding device shown, and is a view showing a state where a discharge assist unit is coupled to a supply housing.

[0018] Figure 5 is a view showing a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a supply method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing steps of rearranging a bag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0024] 10: Supply system 20: Supply device

[0025] 30: Conveying device 100: Supply housing

[0026] 110: Front part of the housing 120: Rear part of the housing

[0027] 130: Bending part of the housing 140: Side part of the housing

[0028] 200: Cutter unit 250: Filter

[0029] 320: Roller 400: Feeder unit

[0030] 600: Sensor unit 700: Discharge assisting unit

[0031] 800: Conveying unit 801: Conveying frame

[0032] 810: First conveying module 820: Second conveying module Detailed description of the embodiments

[0033] Next, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 9 However, this is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described exemplarily.

[0034] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is to Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line A1 - A2 of the supply device shown.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a bag can be inserted into the supply device 20. Bag 5 (refer to Figure 5) can accommodate powder. The powder accommodated in bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can include, for example, substances used in secondary batteries.

[0036] When bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is put into the supply device 20, bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can be cut, and the powder accommodated in bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can be conveyed by the feeder unit 400. The bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) from which the powder has been discharged can be discharged to the outside of the supply housing 100 through the roller unit 300.

[0037] The supply device 20 can include a supply housing 100. The supply housing 100 can form an upwardly open space. Bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can be put into the supply housing 100 from above the supply housing 100.

[0038] The supply housing 100 can include, for example, a housing front part 110. The housing front part 110 can form one side of the supply housing 100. For example, the housing front part 110 can form the front face of the supply housing 100.

[0039] The housing front part 110 can form an inner side and an outer side. For example, the inner side of the housing front part 110 can face or be oriented towards the space formed in the supply housing 100. For example, the outer side of the housing front part 110 can face or be oriented towards the front.

[0040] For example, the housing front part 110 can be inclined forward. For example, the housing front part 110 can be inclined downward. For example, the housing front part 110 can face or be oriented towards the forward-downward direction. For example, the housing front part 110 can be inclined in the forward-upward direction.

[0041] The housing front part 110 can be inclined with respect to the vertical plane. For example, the lower the housing front part 110 is, the more it is located at the back. That is, the upper end part of the housing front part 110 can be located in front of the lower end part of the housing front part 110. For example, when the powder is put onto the inner side of the housing front part 110, the powder can move downward along the inner side of the housing front part 110.

[0042] The supply housing 100 can include a housing rear part 120. The housing rear part 120 can form the other side of the supply housing 100. For example, the housing rear part 120 can form the rear face of the supply housing 100.

[0043] The rear part 120 of the housing can form an inner side surface and an outer side surface. For example, the inner side surface of the rear part 120 of the housing can face or be oriented towards the space formed within the supply housing 100. For example, the outer side surface of the rear part 120 of the housing can face or be oriented towards the rear.

[0044] The inner side surface of the rear part 120 of the housing can face the inner side surface of the front part 110 of the housing. The rear part 120 of the housing can be inclined relative to the front part 110 of the housing. For example, the rear part 120 of the housing and the front part 110 of the housing can form an angle. For example, the horizontal distance between the rear part 120 of the housing and the front part 110 of the housing decreases more and more downwards.

[0045] The supply housing 100 can include a housing exhaust part 130. The housing exhaust part 130 can be coupled to the rear part 120 of the housing. The housing exhaust part 130 can include an exhaust body 131 and an exhaust opening part 132. The exhaust body 131 can be coupled to the rear part 120 of the housing.

[0046] The rear part 120 of the housing can include an upper rear part 121 and a lower rear part 122. For example, the exhaust body 131 can extend rearward from the lower end of the upper rear part 121 to the upper end of the lower rear part 122.

[0047] The exhaust body 131 can be in the shape of a plate. The exhaust body 131 can form an outer side surface and an inner side surface. The outer side surface of the exhaust body 131 can be the upper face of the exhaust body 131. The inner side surface of the exhaust body 131 can be the lower face of the exhaust body 131.

[0048] The outer side surface of the exhaust body 131 can face or be oriented upwards. The inner side surface of the exhaust body 131 can face or be oriented towards the space formed within the supply housing 100. The inner side surface of the exhaust body 131 can face or be oriented downwards.

[0049] The exhaust opening part 132 can be an opening formed in the exhaust body 131. The exhaust opening part 132 can extend from the inner side surface of the exhaust body 131 to the outer side surface of the exhaust body 131.

[0050] The supply housing 100 can include a housing side part 140. The housing side part 140 can extend rearward from the front part 110 of the housing to the rear part 120 of the housing.

[0051] The housing side part 140 can include a first housing side part 141. The first housing side part 141 can extend rearward from the first end of the front part 110 of the housing to the first end of the rear part 120 of the housing.

[0052] The side portion 140 of the housing may include a second side portion 142 of the housing. The second side portion 142 of the housing may extend rearward from the second end of the front portion 110 of the housing to the second end of the rear portion 120 of the housing.

[0053] The first side portion 141 of the housing may form a lateral face of the supply housing 100. For example, the first side portion 141 of the housing may form the right lateral face of the supply housing 100.

[0054] The second side portion 142 of the housing may form another lateral face of the supply housing 100. For example, the second side portion 142 of the housing may form the left lateral face of the supply housing 100. The second side portion 142 and the first side portion 141 may face each other.

[0055] The supply device 20 may include a cutter unit 200. The cutter unit 200 may be located inside the supply housing 100. For example, the cutter unit 200 may be coupled to the supply housing 100. The cutter unit 200 may protrude upward. For example, the cutter unit 200 may have a pointed shape facing upward.

[0056] The supply device 20 may include a filter 250. The filter 250 may be coupled to the supply housing 100. The filter 250 may be adjacent to the cutter unit 200. The filter 250 may be in the form of a net formed with at least one opening. For example, the filter 250 may allow the powder contained in the bag 5 (see Figure 5 ) to pass through, while not allowing the bag 5 (see Figure 5 ) to pass through.

[0057] The supply device 20 may include a feeder unit 400. The feeder unit 400 may be located in or coupled to the supply housing 100. The feeder unit 400 may be located below the cutter unit 200. The feeder unit 400 may be located below the filter 250. The feeder unit 400 may convey the powder contained in the bag 5 (see Figure 5 ) to the outside of the supply housing 100.

[0058] The supply device 20 may include a roller unit 300. The roller unit 300 may include a roller 320. The roller 320 may be coupled to the supply housing 100. At least a part of the roller 320 may be located inside the supply housing 100.

[0059] A plurality of rollers 320 may be provided. For example, the roller unit 300 may include a main roller 321 and a sub-roller 322. The main roller 321 may be referred to as the "first roller". The sub-roller 322 may be referred to as the "second roller". For example, the roller 320 may include or refer to at least one of the main roller 321 and the sub-roller 322.

[0060] For example, the outer side surface of the roller 320 may be surface-treated. For example, the outer side surface of the roller 320 may be roughened. For example, a silicon-containing component may be attached to the outer side surface of the roller 320.

[0061] For example, the outer side surface of the roller 320 may be processed to have a relatively high coefficient of friction, or irregularities may be formed on the surface of the roller 320. Thus, the bag 5 (see Figure 5 ) can be easily moved upward by the roller 320.

[0062] The roller 320 may be coupled to the housing side portion 140. For example, the roller 320 may be rotatably coupled to the housing side portion 140. For example, the roller 320 may rotate about the axis of the roller 320.

[0063] The roller 320 may rotate facing one side of the supply housing 100. For example, the roller 320 may rotate facing the front portion 110 of the housing. For example, the roller 320 may rotate facing the inner side surface of the front portion 110 of the housing.

[0064] The roller 320 may be located behind the front portion 110 of the housing. The roller 320 may be spaced apart from the front portion 110 of the housing. The roller 320 may be provided between the front portion 110 of the housing and the rear portion 120 of the housing.

[0065] For example, the roller 320 may be provided between the front portion 110 of the housing and the upper rear portion 121. The distance between the roller 320 and the front portion 110 of the housing may be less than the distance between the roller 320 and the rear portion 120 of the housing.

[0066] The central axis of the sub-roller 322 may be higher than the central axis of the main roller 321. The distance between the sub-roller 322 and the front portion 110 of the housing may be less than the distance between the main roller 321 and the front portion 110 of the housing.

[0067] The radius of the main roller 321 may be different from the radius of the sub-roller 322. For example, the radius of the main roller 321 may be greater than the radius of the sub-roller 322. The radius of the roller 320 may refer to the distance from the central axis of the roller 320 to the outer side surface of the roller 320 in the radial direction.

[0068] For example, when the roller 320 rotates in the first rotation direction, the upper surface of the roller 320 may face the rear part 120 of the housing. For example, when the roller 320 rotates in the first rotation direction, the rear surface of the roller 320 may face downward. For example, when the roller 320 rotates in the first rotation direction, the lower surface of the roller 320 may face the front part 110 of the housing.

[0069] The second rotation direction may be a direction opposite to the first rotation direction. When the roller 320 rotates in the first rotation direction, the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) located between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing may be discharged to the outside of the supply housing 100 through the roller 320. In this case, the first rotation direction may be referred to as the "discharge rotation direction".

[0070] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a feeder unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Refer to Figure 3 , the feeder unit 400 may include a feeder driving unit 410. The feeder driving unit 410 may include, for example, a motor. For example, the feeder driving unit 410 may generate a rotational force.

[0072] The feeder unit 400 may include a feeder screw 420. The feeder screw 420 may be connected or coupled to the feeder driving unit 410. The feeder screw 420 may receive a rotational force from the feeder driving unit 410. The feeder screw 420 may rotate.

[0073] The feeder screw 420 may be located between the front part 110 of the housing and the rear part 120 of the housing. For example, the feeder screw 420 may be located between the front part 110 of the housing and the rear lower part 122.

[0074] When powder is provided to the feeder screw 420, the feeder screw 420 may convey the powder. For example, the feeder screw 420 may convey the powder in the axial direction of the feeder screw 420.

[0075] Refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) put into the supply housing 100 may be in an initial state. The initial state of the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) may be a state in which powder is accommodated inside the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) and the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is not cut.

[0076] The bag 5 (refer to Figure 5can be inserted between the rear part 120 of the housing and the roller 320. The roller 320 can rotate in a first rotation direction. For example, the main roller 321 can rotate in the first rotation direction to move the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) downward.

[0077] The bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can be cut by the cutter unit 200. For example, the lower surface of the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can be cut by the cutter unit 200. When the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is cut, the powder contained in the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can be discharged from the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ). The powder discharged from the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can reach the feeder unit 400 through the filter 250.

[0078] The bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) discharged to the outside of the supply housing 100 through the roller 320 can be in a final state. The final state of the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can be a state where the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is cut and all the powder has been discharged from the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0079] The bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) in the final state can move toward the front part 110 of the housing by, for example, the main roller 321. When the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is sandwiched between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing, the roller 320 can move the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) upward. That is, the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is located between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing and can move upward.

[0080] The bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can be in an intermediate state. The intermediate state of the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can be a state between the initial state and the final state. In other words, in the intermediate state, the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is in a cut state, and a part of the powder contained in the bag 5 in the initial state (refer to Figure 5 ) has been discharged, while another part remains in the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0081] When the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is not sandwiched between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing, it may be difficult to discharge the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) to the outside of the supply housing 100. Therefore, it may be necessary to use something to move the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5The device sandwiched between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing.

[0082] Figure 4 It is Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the supply device shown taken along the line A1 - A2, and it is a view showing the state where the discharge assist unit is combined with the supply housing.

[0083] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the supply device 20 may include a discharge assist unit 700. The discharge assist unit 700 may include a pushing module 710. The pushing module 710 may be combined with the supply housing 100. For example, the pushing module 710 may be combined with the rear part 120 of the housing. For example, the pushing module 710 may be combined with the upper rear part 121.

[0084] The pushing module 710 may include a pushing driving part 711 and a push rod 712. The push rod 712 may be connected or combined with the pushing driving part 711. The push rod 712 may receive a driving force from the pushing driving part 711.

[0085] An opening may be formed in the upper rear part 121. The push rod 712 may be located in the opening formed in the upper rear part 121. The push rod 712 may move forward from the upper rear part 121. The opening formed in the upper rear part 121 may be referred to as the "rear opening".

[0086] For example, the push rod 712 may telescopically move forward from the upper rear part 121. For example, the push rod 712 may protrude or extend forward from the upper rear part 121. For example, the push rod 712 may push the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) forward from the rear of the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0087] The discharge assist unit 700 may include a pulling module 720. The pulling module 720 may be combined with the supply housing 100. For example, the pulling module 720 may be combined with the front part 110 of the housing.

[0088] The pulling module 720 may rotate in the second rotation direction. At least a part of the pulling module 720 may be located inside the supply housing 100. For example, the pulling module 720 may be located in the opening formed in the front part 110 of the housing. The opening formed in the front part 110 of the housing may be referred to as the "front opening".

[0089] The bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) may be located between the pulling module 720 and the push rod 712. When the pulling module 720 rotates in the second rotation direction, the pulling module 720 may lift the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) upward. When the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5When it is lifted upward, the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can be clamped between the front part 110 of the housing and the roller 320. When the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is clamped between the front part 110 of the housing and the roller 320, the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) can be lifted upward by the roller 320 and discharged to the outside of the supply housing 100.

[0090] Figure 5 FIG. is a view showing a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Refer to Figure 5 , the conveying device 30 may include a conveying unit 800. The conveying unit 800 may include a conveying frame 801. The conveying frame 801 may form a perimeter.

[0092] For example, the conveying frame 801 may include a conveying front end portion 801a. The conveying front end portion 801a may form the front end or the front face of the conveying frame 801.

[0093] For example, the conveying frame 801 may include a conveying rear end portion 801b. The conveying rear end portion 801b may form the rear end or the rear face of the conveying frame 801.

[0094] For example, the conveying frame 801 may include a first conveying side end portion 801c. The first conveying side end portion 801c may form the first side surface of the conveying frame 801. The first conveying side end portion 801c may extend backward from one end of the conveying front end portion 801a to one end of the conveying rear end portion 801b.

[0095] For example, the conveying frame 801 may include a second conveying side end portion 801d. The second conveying side end portion 801d may form the second side surface of the conveying frame 801. The second conveying side end portion 801d may extend backward from the other end of the conveying front end portion 801a to the other end of the conveying rear end portion 801b.

[0096] The first side surface of the conveying frame 801 may be the right side surface of the conveying frame 801. The second side surface of the conveying frame 801 may be the left side surface of the conveying frame 801.

[0097] The conveying frame 801 may be in a shape extending in one direction. For example, the conveying frame 801 may extend backward from the conveying front end portion 801a to the conveying rear end portion 801b.

[0098] The conveying unit 800 may include a first conveying module 810 and a second conveying module 820. The first conveying module 810 and the second conveying module 820 may be provided on or coupled to a conveying frame 801. The first conveying module 810 and the second conveying module 820 may be arranged side by side.

[0099] For example, the first conveying module 810 may be adjacent to the second conveying side end 801d. For example, the second conveying module 820 may be adjacent to the first conveying side end 801c.

[0100] The first conveying module 810 and the second conveying module 820 may convey the bag 5. For example, the first conveying module 810 and the second conveying module 820 may convey the bag 5 forward. That is, the first conveying module 810 and the second conveying module 820 may convey the bag 5 from the conveying rear end 801b to the conveying front end 801a.

[0101] The first conveying module 810 and the second conveying module 820 may operate independently. For example, the first conveying module 810 and the second conveying module 820 may operate independently in terms of conveying speed and / or direction. Since the first conveying module 810 and the second conveying module 820 operate independently, the conveying unit 800 can control the attitude of the bag 5.

[0102] The conveying unit 800 may be connected to or adjacent to the supply device 20 (refer to Figure 1 ). For example, the conveying unit 800 may be located behind the supply device 20 (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0103] The conveying unit 800 may supply the bag 5 to the supply device 20 (refer to Figure 1 ). For example, the conveying unit 800 may drop the bag 5 into the supply housing 100 (refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 ). For example, the conveying unit 800 may drop the bag 5 between the rear housing 120 (refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 ) and the roller 322 (refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 ).

[0104] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] Refer to Figures 1 to 6 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a supply system 10 may include a supply device 20. The supply device 20 may include a control unit 500.

[0106] The control unit 500 can process a signal. The control unit 500 can perform operations. The control unit 500 can be implemented by at least one of a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphical processing unit (GPU), a circuit board (CB), a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a computer, a laptop, and a server.

[0107] The control unit 500 can receive input supply signals FS1 and FS2. The input supply signals FS1 and FS2 can include at least one of a first supply signal FS1 and a second supply signal FS2.

[0108] The control unit 500 can generate output supply signals FS3, FS4, and FS5 based on the input supply signals FS1 and FS2. The output supply signals FS3, FS4, and FS5 can include or refer to at least one of a third supply signal FS3, a fourth supply signal FS4, and a fifth supply signal FS5.

[0109] The supply device 20 can include a sensor unit 600. The sensor unit 600 can be connected to the control unit 500. For example, the sensor unit 600 can transmit at least one of the first supply signal FS1 and the second supply signal FS2 to the control unit 500.

[0110] The sensor unit 600 can include a weight sensor 610. The weight sensor 610 can be connected or integrated with the supply housing 100. The weight sensor 610 can measure the load applied to the supply housing 100. For example, the weight sensor 610 can include a load cell.

[0111] For example, the weight sensor 610 can measure the weight of the bag 5 put into the supply housing 100. If the powder contained in the bag 5 passes through the filter 250, the value measured by the weight sensor 610 will become smaller. The first supply signal FS1 can include information about the weight of the bag 5 put into the supply housing 100.

[0112] The control unit 500 can determine the state of the bag 5 based on the first supply signal FS1. For example, the control unit 500 can determine whether the bag 5 is in the final state based on the first supply signal FS1.

[0113] If the bag 5 is in the initial state or the intermediate state, the control unit 500 can wait without performing further operations. If the time during which the bag 5 is in the initial state or the intermediate state is greater than or equal to a preset time, the control unit 500 can determine that the powder has not been smoothly discharged from the bag 5.

[0114] If it is determined that the powder has not been smoothly discharged from the bag 5, the control unit 500 can operate the discharge assisting unit 700. For example, the control unit 500 can transmit a fifth supply signal FS5 to the discharge assisting unit 700. The fifth supply signal FS5 can include information about the operation of the discharge assisting unit 700.

[0115] For example, the push rod 712 can push the bag 5 forward according to the fifth supply signal FS5. For example, the traction module 720 can rotate in the first rotation direction or the second rotation direction according to the fifth supply signal FS5. Thereby, the bag 5 will move or shake. During this process, the powder contained in the bag 5 can be discharged from the bag 5.

[0116] The sensor unit 600 can include a roller sensor 620. The roller sensor 620 can measure the load applied to the roller 320. The bag 5 can be clamped between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing.

[0117] When the bag 5 in the final state is located between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing, the load applied by the bag 5 to the roller 320 can be relatively small. For example, when the bag 5 in the final state is located between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing, the load measured by the roller sensor 620 can be greater than or equal to the first load and less than or equal to the second load. The second load can be greater than the first load.

[0118] When the bag 5 in the initial state or the intermediate state is located between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing, the load applied by the bag 5 to the roller 320 can be relatively large. When the bag 5 in the initial state or the intermediate state is located between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing, the roller sensor 620 can measure a load exceeding the second load.

[0119] The roller sensor 620 can transmit a second supply signal FS2 to the control unit 500. The second supply signal FS2 can include information about the load applied to the roller 320.

[0120] As another example, the roller sensor 620 can measure the rotation direction and speed of the roller 320. For example, the roller sensor 620 can include an encoder connected or coupled to the roller 320.

[0121] The control unit 500 can determine the state of the bag 5 based on the input supply signals FS1, FS2.

[0122] For example, the control unit 500 may determine the weight of the powder contained in the bag 5 based on the first supply signal FS1 to determine whether the bag 5 is in the final state.

[0123] For example, the control unit 500 may determine whether powder is contained in the bag 5 based on the second supply signal FS2 to determine whether the bag 5 is in the final state.

[0124] For example, when the load measured by the roller sensor 620 is less than the first load, the control unit 500 may determine that the bag 5 is not inserted between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing.

[0125] For example, when the load measured by the roller sensor 620 is greater than or equal to the first load and less than or equal to the second load, the control unit 500 may determine that the bag 5 in the final state is inserted between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing. In this case, the control unit 500 may control the roller unit 300 to rotate the roller 320 in the first rotation direction. When the roller 320 rotates in the first rotation direction, the bag 5 may be discharged to the outside of the supply housing 100.

[0126] For example, when the load measured by the roller sensor 620 exceeds the second load, the control unit 500 may determine that the bag 5 in the initial state or the intermediate state is inserted between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing. In this case, the control unit 500 may control the roller unit 300 and the discharge assisting unit 700 to reshape the bag 5.

[0127] During the process of reshaping the bag 5, the control unit 500 controls the roller unit 300, and the roller 320 may rotate in the second rotation direction. When the roller 320 rotates in the second rotation direction, the bag 5 may move downward of the roller 320. Thereafter, the control unit 500 may control the discharge assisting unit 700 to shake the bag 5.

[0128] During the process of shaking the bag 5, the powder contained in the bag 5 may be discharged from the bag 5. And the control unit 500 controls the roller unit 300, and the roller 320 may rotate in the first rotation direction.

[0129] The rotation of the roller 320 in the first rotation direction may mean that the roller 320 rotates forward. The rotation of the roller 320 in the second rotation direction may mean that the roller 320 rotates backward.

[0130] The control unit 500 may control the roller unit 300. For example, the control unit 500 may transmit a third supply signal FS3 to the roller unit 300. The roller unit 300 may operate according to the third supply signal FS3.

[0131] The control unit 500 can control the feeder unit 400. For example, the control unit 500 can transmit a fourth supply signal FS4 to the feeder unit 400. The feeder unit 400 can operate according to the fourth supply signal FS4.

[0132] The control unit 500 can control the discharge assist unit 700. For example, the control unit 500 can transmit a fifth supply signal FS5 to the discharge assist unit 700. The discharge assist unit 700 can operate according to the fifth supply signal FS5.

[0133] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the supply system 10 may include a conveying device 30. The conveying device 30 may include a control unit 500. The control unit 500 of the conveying device 30 may be substantially the same as the control unit 500 (refer to Figure 6 ) of the supply device 20 (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0135] The control unit 500 can receive an input conveying signal TS1. The input conveying signal TS1 may include a first conveying signal TS1. The attitude sensor 630 can transmit the first conveying signal TS1 to the control unit 500.

[0136] The conveying device 30 may include a sensor unit 600. The sensor unit 600 may include an attitude sensor 630. The attitude sensor 630 can measure the attitude and / or location of the bag 5 loaded on the conveying unit 800.

[0137] The attitude sensor 630 may include a light sensor 631. The light sensor 631 may include, for example, a light emitting part that emits at least one of a laser beam and infrared rays, and a light receiving part that receives the light generated by the light emitting part.

[0138] The attitude sensor 630 may include an ultrasonic sensor 632. The ultrasonic sensor 632 may include an ultrasonic transmitting part that transmits ultrasonic waves and an ultrasonic receiving part that receives the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic transmitting part.

[0139] The attitude sensor 630 may include a camera 633. The camera 633 may be disposed on the conveying modules 810, 820. The camera 633 can acquire an image of the bag 5. The conveying modules 810, 820 may include or refer to at least one of a first conveying module 810 and a second conveying module 820.

[0140] The control unit 500 may generate a second conveyance signal TS2 based on the first conveyance signal TS1. The second conveyance signal TS2 may be transmitted to the conveyance unit 800.

[0141] The conveyance unit 800 may operate based on the second conveyance signal TS2. The second conveyance signal TS2 may include information regarding the operations of the first conveyance module 810 and the second conveyance module 820, respectively.

[0142] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a supply method S200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 8 ,the supply method S200 may include a step S210 of measuring the state of the bag. In this step S210, the sensor unit 600 may transmit at least one of the first supply signal FS1 and the second supply signal FS2 to the control unit 500.

[0144] The supply method S200 may include a step S220 of determining whether the bag is in a final state. In this step S220, the control unit 500 may determine whether the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is in a final state based on the input supply signals FS1 and FS2.

[0145] The supply method S200 may include a step S230 of comparing the time during which the bag is maintained in the initial state or the intermediate state with a first time T1. When it is determined that the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is not in the final state, the control unit 500 may execute this step S230. When the time during which the bag is maintained in the initial state or the intermediate state is less than the first time T1, the step S210 of measuring the state of the bag may be executed.

[0146] The supply method S200 may include a step S240 of rearranging the bag. When it is determined that the time during which the bag is maintained in the initial state or the intermediate state is greater than or equal to the first time T1, the control unit 500 may execute this step S240.

[0147] In this step S240, the control unit 500 may control the roller unit 300 and the discharge assist unit 700. For example, in this step S240, at least one of the roller unit 300 and the discharge assist unit 700 may move the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) or shake the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ). During this process, the powder accommodated in the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) may be discharged from the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ). After this step S240 ends, the measurement of the bag 5 (refer toFigure 5 Step S210 of the state of ().

[0148] The supply method S200 may include a step S250 of determining whether the bag is discharged. When it is determined that the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 is in the final state, the control unit 500 may determine whether the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is discharged from the supply housing 100.

[0149] After the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is discharged from the supply housing 100, the weight of the supply housing 100 is substantially the same as the weight of the supply housing 100 before the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is put into the supply housing 100.

[0150] The control unit 500 may determine whether the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) has been discharged from the supply housing 100 based on this assumption and the first supply signal FS1.

[0151] In order for the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) to be discharged from the supply housing 100, the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) passes between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing. When the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) passes between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing, the load measured by the roller sensor 620 can be viewed over time.

[0152] Before the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is inserted between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing, the load measured by the roller sensor 620 is substantially zero.

[0153] When the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is inserted between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing and moves, the load measured by the roller sensor 620 is greater than or equal to the first load and less than or equal to the second load. The second load may be greater than the first load.

[0154] If the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) comes out from between the roller 320 and the front part 110 of the housing, the load measured by the roller sensor 620 is substantially zero.

[0155] The control unit 500 may determine whether the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) has been discharged from the supply housing 100 based on this assumption and the second supply signal FS2.

[0156] The supply method S200 may include a waiting step S260. When it is determined that the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5When it has been discharged from the supply housing 100, this step S260 can be executed. In this step S260, the supply device 20 can wait for the input of a new bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0157] The supply method S200 can include a step S270 of comparing the time when the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) maintains its final state with a second time T2. When it is determined that the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) has not been discharged from the supply housing 100, the control unit 500 can execute this step S270.

[0158] When the time when the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) maintains its final state is greater than or equal to the second time T2, the control unit 500 can execute a step S240 of reshaping the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ). When the time when the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) maintains its final state is less than the second time T2, the control unit 500 can execute a step S250 of determining whether the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) has been discharged.

[0159] Figure 9 FIG. is a flowchart showing the step of reshaping a bag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] Refer to Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the step S240 of reshaping the bag can include a roll reverse rotation step S241. In this step S241, the control unit 500 can transmit a third supply signal FS3 to the roll unit 300, and the roll 320 can rotate in the reverse direction according to the third supply signal FS3.

[0161] In this step S241, the roll 320 can rotate in the second rotation direction. In this step S241, the control unit 500 can transmit a fifth supply signal FS5 to the traction module 720, and the traction module 720 can rotate in the first rotation direction according to the fifth supply signal FS5.

[0162] Even if the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) is sandwiched between the roll 320 and the front part 110 of the housing, in this step S241, the engagement between the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ) and the roll 320 can be released.

[0163] The step S240 of rearranging the bag may include an operation step S242 of the discharge assisting unit. In this step S242, the control unit 500 may transmit a fifth supply signal FS5 to the discharge assisting unit 700. The push rod 712 may move or expand and contract in the front-rear direction according to the fifth supply signal FS5, and the traction module 720 may rotate. Thereby, at least one of the attitude and position of the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ), relative to the supply housing 100 (refer to Figure 4 ), may be changed.

[0164] In this step S242, the discharge assisting unit 700 may shake the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ), or change the position of the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ). During this process, the powder contained in the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ), may be discharged from the bag 5 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0165] The step S240 of rearranging the bag may include a step S243 of forward rotation of the roller. In this step S243, the control unit 500 may transmit a third supply signal FS3 to the roller unit 300, and the roller 320 may rotate forward according to the third supply signal FS3. In this step S243, the roller 320 may rotate in the first rotation direction.

[0166] In this step S243, the control unit 500 may transmit a fifth supply signal FS5 to the traction module 720, and the traction module 720 may rotate in the second rotation direction according to the fifth supply signal FS5.

[0167] The above content is only an example of applying the principles of the present disclosure. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, other configurations may also be included.

Claims

1. A supply device, comprising: a supply housing, the upper portion of which is open; a roller, at least a portion of which is accommodated in the supply housing and the roller is rotatably coupled to the supply housing; as well as a cutter unit, located inside the supply housing and protruding upward, The roller rotates facing one side of the supply housing.

2. The supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The cutter unit is located below the roller.

3. The supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The supply housing comprises: a housing front portion located forward of the roller; and The rear portion of the housing, located behind the roller, The distance between the roller and the front of the housing is smaller than the distance between the roller and the rear of the housing.

4. The supply device according to claim 3, wherein: The roller faces the front of the housing, The front portion of the housing is inclined toward the front and upward direction.

5. The supply device according to claim 3, wherein: The rear portion of the housing comprises: an upper rear portion extending downwardly from an upper end of the rear portion of the housing; and a lower rear portion extending upward from a lower end of the rear portion of the housing, The supply housing further includes a housing exhaust portion, the housing exhaust portion including an exhaust body, the exhaust body extending rearwardly from the lower end of the upper rear portion to the upper end of the lower rear portion, The housing exhaust portion includes an exhaust opening portion, and the exhaust opening portion is an opening portion formed in the exhaust body.

6. The supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The roller comprises: a main roller coupled to the supply housing; and A secondary roller, spaced apart from the primary roller, The rotation axis of the auxiliary roller is located above the rotation axis of the main roller.

7. The supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The roller comprises: a main roller coupled to the supply housing; and A secondary roller, spaced apart from the primary roller, The supply housing comprises: a front portion of the housing, located in front of the roller and inclined in a forward and upward direction; and The rear portion of the housing, located behind the roller, The distance between the main roller and the front of the housing is greater than the distance between the secondary roller and the front of the housing.

8. The supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge auxiliary unit, The supply housing comprises: a housing front portion located in front of the roller; as well as The rear portion of the housing, located behind the roller, The discharge assisting unit includes a push module including a push rod located in an opening portion formed at the rear of the housing and capable of protruding from the rear of the housing toward the front of the housing.

9. The supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge auxiliary unit, The supply housing comprises: a housing front portion located in front of the roller; as well as The rear portion of the housing, located behind the roller, The discharge assisting unit includes a traction module located in an opening portion formed in the housing front, and at least a portion of the traction module is located between the housing front and the housing rear and rotates.

10. A supply system comprising: Supply device; as well as A conveying device, located behind the supply device, The supply device comprises: a supply housing, the upper portion of which is open; a roller at least a portion of which is accommodated in the supply housing and rotatably coupled to the supply housing; and a cutter unit, located inside the supply housing and protruding upward, The roller rotates toward one side of the supply housing, The conveying device comprises: a conveyor frame located behind the supply housing; and The first conveying module and the second conveying module are coupled to the conveying frame and arranged side by side.

11. The supply system according to claim 10, wherein: The first conveying module and the second conveying module are each formed by extending backward from the front end portion of the conveying frame. The first conveying module and the second conveying module operate independently of each other.

12. The supply system according to claim 11, wherein: The first conveying module and the second conveying module convey bags, The conveying device further comprises a posture sensor for measuring the posture of the bag, The posture sensor includes at least one of an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor and a camera, wherein the optical sensor includes a light transmitting unit that transmits at least one of a laser beam and an infrared ray and a light receiving unit that receives the light generated by the light transmitting unit, and the ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic transmitting unit that transmits an ultrasonic wave and an ultrasonic receiving unit that receives the ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic transmitting unit. The camera is located above the bag to obtain an image of the bag.

13. A supply method for supplying powder by cutting a bag containing the powder, the supply method comprising the following steps: measuring a state of the bag when the bag is put into the supply housing; determining whether the state of the bag is in a final state; when the state of the bag is in the final state, determining whether the bag is discharged from the supply housing; when the bag is not discharged from the supply housing, determining whether the time for maintaining the final state is greater than or equal to a second time; as well as When the time for maintaining the final state is greater than or equal to a second time, rearranging the bags in the supply housing, After the step of rearranging the bag is completed, the state of the bag is measured.

14. The supply method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps: When the bag is not in the final state, determining whether the time for which the bag maintains the initial state or the intermediate state is greater than or equal to the first time, When the time for which the state of the bag remains in the initial state or the intermediate state is less than the first time, performing a step of measuring the state of the bag, When the state of the bag maintains the initial state or the intermediate state for a time greater than or equal to a first time, a step of rearranging the bag in the supply housing is performed.

15. The supply method according to claim 13, wherein: The step of rearranging the bags in the supply housing comprises: a roller reverse rotation step, wherein the roller rotates in a second rotational direction, wherein the roller is located in the supply housing and discharges the bag from the supply housing when the roller rotates in the first rotational direction; a discharge assisting unit operating step, wherein the discharge assisting unit operates to change the position or posture of the bag relative to the supply housing; and The roller is rotated in the forward direction.

Images