Secondary battery cell transfer device, manufacturing apparatus including the same, and secondary battery manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cell conveying device and a stacking device, and more particularly, to a cell conveying device capable of stably conveying and stacking cells and a secondary battery manufacturing device including the same. According to one example of the present invention, a cell conveying device of a secondary battery can be provided, including: a plurality of suction modules that suction cells; a circulation track on which the suction modules circulate and move; a pusher module that moves the suction modules downward with respect to the circulation track; and a control portion that releases suction of the suction modules after the suction modules are moved downward, so that the cells are separated from the suction modules and stacked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cell battery conveying device and a stacking device, and more specifically, to a cell battery conveying device capable of stably conveying and stacking cell batteries, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus including the same, and a secondary battery manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, with the expansion of the supply of portable small electrical and electronic devices, the development of new types of secondary batteries, such as nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries, is actively underway. Recently, lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in automobiles and power tools.

[0003] A lithium secondary battery is a battery that uses carbon, such as graphite, as the negative electrode active material, lithium oxide as the positive electrode active material, and a non-aqueous solvent as the electrolyte.

[0004] This type of secondary battery is manufactured as a battery assembly by housing an electrode assembly in which the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode are stacked in sequence within an external material such as a bag or cylindrical can. Then, a process is performed to inject electrolyte into the battery assembly using an electrolyte injection device.

[0005] There are many different methods for manufacturing electrode assemblies. Typically, electrode assemblies can be classified as: jelly roll (wound) type electrode assemblies, which have a structure in which elongated positive and negative electrodes are rolled up while diaphragms are inserted in between; stacked (layered) type electrode assemblies in which multiple positive electrodes, multiple diaphragms and multiple negative electrodes cut into predetermined size units are sequentially stacked; and stacked / folded type electrode assemblies are stacked by repeatedly stacking unit positive or negative electrodes on elongated diaphragms and then folding the diaphragms.

[0006] Stacked electrode assemblies can also be formed by repeatedly stacking unit positive electrodes, unit separators, and unit negative electrodes, and can also be formed by stacking multiple unit cells in the form of unit cells. In this case, a unit cell refers to a form in which unit separators are stacked with unit positive electrodes and / or unit negative electrodes, and it can also be called a semi-finished product.

[0007] As an example, a cell in which a unit separator, a unit positive electrode, a unit separator, and a unit negative electrode are stacked can be called a mono-cell, and a cell in which a unit separator, a unit positive electrode, and a unit separator are stacked can be called a half-cell. Of course, in a mono-cell, the order of the positive and negative electrodes can be changed, and in a half-cell, the negative electrode can be stacked instead of the positive electrode. Electrode assemblies can be manufactured by first fabricating mono-cells and half-cells, stacking multiple mono-cells, and then finally stacking the half-cells.

[0008] When multiple cell units are stacked after manufacturing such cell units, it has the advantage of providing sufficient adhesion between the separator and the positive electrode and between the separator and the negative electrode, and it also has the advantage of improving stacking efficiency and stacking reliability.

[0009] Figure 1 An example of a conventional cell battery transfer device 10 is shown.

[0010] Prefabricated cell units are introduced into conveyor belt 1 and then transported. Conveyor belt 1 can be configured to attract and transport cell units 5. Cell units 5 attracted to the upper part of conveyor belt 1 are transported, thus being inverted and transported to the stacking position. That is, when cell unit 5 is located on the upper part of the tray P of the stacked cell units 5, pusher 2 pushes the cell unit 5 from top to bottom. Pusher 2 is located on both sides of the width direction of conveyor belt 1, thus directly impacting the two ends of cell unit 5 that are not in contact with conveyor belt 1.

[0011] Cell units, impacted by a pusher, fall freely, and multiple cell units are sequentially stacked by repeating this free fall, thereby manufacturing an electrode assembly. Therefore, there is a problem of reduced processing capacity due to cell unit distortion, etc. This is because cell units may shift or twist from their correct positions due to impacts during the landing process after falling. Furthermore, there is a problem that defective cell units cannot be removed during the stacking process after being stacked with defects. This is because there is no means to recover and remove defectively stacked cell units falling from conveyor belt 1. Therefore, if cell units are stacked with defects, the entire final electrode assembly will inevitably be defective, thus reducing process efficiency.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need for a cell transfer device and a stacking device or manufacturing apparatus including the same, capable of efficiently and continuously performing a pick-up process for introducing cell units, a stacking process for stacking cell units, and a discharge process for returning defective cell units. Furthermore, there is a need for an efficient manufacturing method using such a device. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of stacking cell units by dropping them.

[0015] By way of an example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a cell battery conveying apparatus and a manufacturing apparatus capable of stacking cell batteries after the cell batteries are lowered to the stacking position.

[0016] By way of one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a cell battery conveying apparatus and a manufacturing apparatus capable of immediately picking up and discharging defective cell batteries after they have been stacked.

[0017] By way of one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a cell battery conveying apparatus and manufacturing apparatus that can continuously perform picking and stacking by picking up cell batteries to be stacked in a picking area and stacking cell batteries in a stacking area.

[0018] Through one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a manufacturing method for effectively and efficiently manufacturing secondary batteries by eliminating the falling of cell cells during stacking.

[0019] Technical solution

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a cell transfer device for a secondary battery can be provided, comprising: a plurality of adsorption modules for adsorbing cell units; a circulation track on which the adsorption modules circulate and move; a pusher module for moving the adsorption modules downward relative to the circulation track; and a control unit for releasing the adsorption of the adsorption modules after the adsorption modules have moved downward, thereby separating the cell units from the adsorption modules and stacking them.

[0021] The unit battery conveying device may be a part of the unit battery stacking device, and may also be a part of the secondary battery manufacturing device.

[0022] The plurality of adsorption modules can be configured to move along the circulation track at predetermined intervals.

[0023] The aforementioned adsorption modules can be controlled to move and stop simultaneously along the circulation track.

[0024] The actuator module can be configured to move only a specific adsorption module among multiple adsorption modules downwards.

[0025] Multiple actuator modules can be provided, and their positions can be fixed. That is, they can be operated so that only the adsorption module that has moved to the position of the relevant actuator module moves downward.

[0026] Preferably, the control unit independently controls the adsorption and desorption of the plurality of adsorption modules.

[0027] The loop track can consist of an upper linear segment and a lower linear segment facing each other in the direction of gravity, and a left curved segment and a right curved segment connecting the upper linear segment and the lower linear segment. That is, the loop track can be set in a 90-degree vertical position, so that the lower linear segment forms the bottom surface.

[0028] The loop track may include a runway-shaped main body, guide rails formed on the main body, and a moving device that moves along the guide rails.

[0029] The adsorption module may include a connecting member that is connected to the moving device and moves integrally with it. As the moving device moves, the adsorption module also moves; when the moving device stops, the adsorption module also stops. Therefore, the adsorption module can repeatedly move and stop at regular intervals.

[0030] The adsorption module may include an adsorption plate formed on its lower surface to vacuum adsorb the upper surface of the cell. The adsorption plate can move downward from the top of the cell to adsorb the cell. Then, after moving downward, the adsorption plate can release the adsorption of the cell.

[0031] Preferably, the adsorption plate extends further to both sides from the thickness surface of the main body of the circulation track.

[0032] Preferably, an opening is formed that penetrates the main body, and the pusher module is located on both sides of the opening and is configured to press the two sides of the adsorption module.

[0033] The adsorption module may include transparent extension plates disposed at both ends of the adsorption plate and configured to cover both ends of the cell. Therefore, the ends of the cell covered by the transparent extension plates can be photographed from above using a visual device.

[0034] Preferably, the adsorption module includes a guide plate connected to the connecting member, and a lifting guide is provided between the guide plate and the adsorption plate to guide the two ends of the adsorption plate to rise and fall evenly.

[0035] The pusher module can be configured to push the adsorption module downwards from both sides. In this case, the two ends of the adsorption module may not move downwards uniformly. Therefore, the lifting guide can ensure that the two ends of the adsorption module move downwards uniformly.

[0036] The actuator module may include a rotating cam, a rotating shaft of the rotating cam, and a drive motor that drives the rotating shaft.

[0037] Preferably, the rotating cams are disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft and are configured to simultaneously press the adsorption module downward from the upper part of both sides of the adsorption module.

[0038] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a stacking apparatus or manufacturing apparatus including the cell battery conveying device can be provided.

[0039] According to one example of the present invention, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus may be provided, comprising: a cell battery manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing cell batteries using a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode; a cell battery stacking apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies by stacking cell batteries manufactured from the cell battery manufacturing apparatus; and a cell battery introducing apparatus for conveying the cell batteries manufactured from the cell battery manufacturing apparatus to introduce the cell batteries into the cell battery stacking apparatus.

[0040] The cell introduction device can be disposed between the cell manufacturing device and the cell stacking device.

[0041] The cell stacking device may include: a circulation track configured to circulate multiple adsorption modules and having a pre-defined stacking region in a lower linear segment; a pusher module that moves the adsorption modules downward in the stacking region; and a control unit that releases the adsorption of the adsorption modules after the adsorption modules move downward, thereby separating the cell cells from the adsorption modules and stacking them.

[0042] Preferably, the cyclic track consists of the lower linear segment, the upper linear segment facing the lower linear segment, and the left and right curve segments connecting the lower linear segment and the upper linear segment.

[0043] The plurality of adsorption modules can be configured to move along the circulation track while having the same intervals between them.

[0044] A pickup area (position) different from the stacked area (position) can be preset in the lower linear section of the circulation track. The stacking process can be performed by the adsorption module located in the stacked area, and the pickup process can be performed by the adsorption module located in the pickup area.

[0045] A discharge region, different from the stacked region and the pickup region, can be pre-defined in the lower linear section of the circulation track. When the adsorption module with the cell to be discharged is located in the discharge region, the discharge process can be performed.

[0046] Multiple pusher modules can be provided, and they can be respectively located in the stacking region and the pickup region. The pusher modules can also be located in the discharge region. Similar to the stacking process, the pusher modules can lower the adsorption modules and discharge the cell after adsorption is released.

[0047] Preferably, the cell battery introduction device is configured to extend into the pickup area of ​​the circulation track inside the cell battery stacking device.

[0048] Preferably, in the lower linear section of the circulation track, the discharge area, the stacking area, and the pickup area are sequentially preset along the moving direction of the adsorption module, or the pickup area, the stacking area, and the discharge area are sequentially preset.

[0049] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery can be provided, characterized by comprising: an adsorption step, in which an adsorption module moving along a circulation track adsorbs a cell at an adsorption position; and a stacking step, in which the adsorption module having adsorbed the cell moves along the circulation track to stack the cell at a stacking position, wherein in the stacking step, the adsorption module descends to stack the adsorbed cell, then releases the adsorption and rises to complete the stacking.

[0050] The adsorption step is the process of picking up the individual cells that are part of the stack, and therefore can be called the picking step. The step of picking up defective individual cells after stacking can also be called the picking step. Therefore, these two steps can be divided into the individual cell picking step and the defective cell picking step. Furthermore, the defective cell picking step can also be called the re-adsorption step or the re-adsorption process.

[0051] Preferably, the circulating track is provided with multiple adsorption modules, and all of the multiple adsorption modules repeatedly move and stop at a constant interval.

[0052] The movement of the adsorption module can refer to its movement to a pick-up position, a stacking position, or a discharge position, and preferably, the execution of a specific step or process at a specific position. Therefore, the movement of all adsorption modules can be called a transfer step, and the stopping of all adsorption modules can be called a stopping step. In the stopping step, the adsorption step, stacking step, re-adsorption step, and discharge step can be performed simultaneously in a designated area.

[0053] Furthermore, during the stopping step, preferably, the adsorption module does not move along the circulation track, but rather performs an upward or downward movement relative to the circulation track. As an example, the adsorption module can be moved downward for adsorption, re-adsorption, or stacking, and then the adsorption module can rise to return to its original position. Furthermore, preferably, the vacuum adsorption time point, adsorption maintenance period, and adsorption release time point in each adsorption module are appropriately controlled according to the position and time of the adsorption module.

[0054] Therefore, the adsorption and stacking steps can be performed simultaneously based on a single cyclic path. Furthermore, cells with stacking defects can be picked up immediately after the stacking step, and then the cells can be discharged at the discharge location.

[0055] Beneficial effects

[0056] By way of an example of the present invention, a cell battery conveying apparatus and a manufacturing apparatus are provided that can stack cell batteries after the cell batteries are lowered to the stacking position.

[0057] By way of an example of the present invention, a cell battery conveying apparatus and a manufacturing apparatus that can immediately pick up and discharge defective cell batteries after they have been stacked.

[0058] By way of an example of the present invention, a cell battery conveying apparatus and a manufacturing apparatus are provided that can continuously perform picking and stacking by picking up cell batteries to be stacked in a picking area and stacking cell batteries in a stacking area.

[0059] An example of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing secondary batteries that effectively and efficiently eliminates the falling of cell cells during stacking. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figure 1 An example of a conventional cell battery delivery device (stacking device) is shown;

[0061] Figure 2 An example of a cell battery transfer device according to an example of the present invention is shown;

[0062] Figure 3 This is a side view of a unit battery transfer device according to an example of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 4 This is an enlarged side view of the adsorption module of a cell battery transfer device according to an example of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the pressing structure of a cell battery delivery device according to an example of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the adsorption surface of a cell battery transfer device according to an example of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 7 This is a simplified plan view of a cell stacking device according to an example of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 8 This is a simplified front view of a cell stacking device according to an example of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0068] In the following, a cell battery transfer device according to an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Figure 2 An example of a cell battery transfer device according to an example of the present invention is shown.

[0070] The conveying device 100 may include a circulating track 110, an adsorption module 120, and a pusher module 130.

[0071] The loop track 110 may include a body 111, wherein the loop track and the body may be formed in a track shape.

[0072] The loop track 110 may include two straight segments 111a and 111b facing each other and two curved segments 111c and 111d facing each other. The straight segments may include an upper linear segment 111a and a lower linear segment 111b, and the curved segments may include a left curved segment 111c and a right curved segment 111d connecting the straight segments. The straight segments and curved segments are continuously connected to each other to form a track shape. That is, preferably, the loop track 110 is a shape in which the two straight segments face each other vertically. In other words, the loop track (110) is vertically arranged and not horizontally arranged.

[0073] The guide rail 112 can be formed on the main body 111. That is, the guide rail 112 can be formed in the thickness portion of the main body. Therefore, the guide rail itself can also be formed in the shape of a track.

[0074] An opening 113 can be formed in the center of the main body. That is, a blank space can be formed, allowing the main body 111 to have a track-shaped donut shape with a central blank space. A pusher module 130 can be set through the opening 113.

[0075] Multiple adsorption modules 120 can be arranged on the circulation track 110. Adsorption modules 112 can be configured to move along the circulation track 110. More specifically, they can be configured to move along the guide rails of the circulation track 110. The multiple adsorption modules can be configured to have a predetermined interval or spacing between them.

[0076] Each adsorption module 120 may include an adsorption plate 121. The adsorption plate 121 is configured to adsorb and fix the cell battery. That is, the adsorption plate 121 can adsorb and fix the cell battery, thereby conveying it to a specific location, and performing related processes at that specific location.

[0077] The adsorption plate 121 can be smaller than the cell unit. As an example, if the cell unit has a rectangular shape with a longer left-right length, the adsorption plate 121 can also have a rectangular shape with a longer left-right length. Here, the cell unit is preferably adsorbed and fixed in the center of the adsorption plate 121, but the left-right length of the adsorption plate 121 is preferably shorter than the left-right length of the cell unit. Since the adsorption plate 121 has a vacuum tube structure inside, it is not easy to make the adsorption plate 121 entirely transparent. Therefore, it is preferable to provide transparent extension plates 121a at both ends of the adsorption plate 121.

[0078] The transparent extension plate 121a does not have an adsorption function; instead, it only serves to press down the two ends of the cell during stacking. Furthermore, the transparent extension plate (121a) can be configured to cover both ends of the cell, particularly a portion of the electrode ends and the ends of the electrode tabs. In other words, a portion of the electrode ends and the electrode tabs can be visible from the upper part of the transparent extension plate 121a. As described below, this transparent extension plate 121a can be used to determine whether the cell stacking is appropriate.

[0079] When the adsorption module 120 moves in the lower linear segment 111b, its adsorption surface faces downwards, and when it moves in the upper linear segment 111a, its adsorption surface faces upwards. Of course, it can be assumed that when the adsorption module 120 moves in the two curved segments 111c and 111d, the adsorption surface is upside down and the cell is also upside down.

[0080] The adsorption module 120 moves while circulating along the loop track and performs specific processes at specific locations.

[0081] The cell battery transfer device 100 according to this example can perform multiple processes.

[0082] First, the cell transfer device can perform a picking-up process to grab the cell. The picking-up process is the process of receiving the cell in order to perform the stacking process. Here, the picking-up process can be described as actively or proactively grabbing the cell rather than passively receiving it. The cell can be moved to the transfer device through the picking-up process. The picking-up process can be performed by adsorbing and securing the cell after the adsorption module 120 moves to the picking position.

[0083] The cell battery transfer device can perform the transfer process of the moving adsorption module 120. That is, after picking up a cell battery through a specific adsorption module 120, the cell battery can be transferred to a location where another process is performed. This transfer process can be performed by moving the adsorption module 120 along a circulation track.

[0084] The cell transfer device can perform the stacking process of stacked cell units. After the cell units are transferred to the stacking position, they can be stacked by separating them from the adsorption module 120.

[0085] The cell transfer device not only picks up cell units for stacking, but also performs a re-attachment process for defective cell units. Since re-attachment is performed after stacking, the re-attachment location can be the same as the stacking location.

[0086] Finally, the cell transfer device can perform a discharge process that removes the re-adsorbed defective cells from the discharge location.

[0087] Finally, according to this example, the adsorption module 120 moves along a circulation track, wherein the relevant processes can be performed sequentially at the pick-up position, the discharge position, and the stacking position (re-adsorption position).

[0088] The adsorption module 120 can be configured to move in the normal direction of the circulation track 110. In particular, the adsorption module 120 can be configured to move downward in the lower linear segment 111b. Of course, while maintaining the connection between the adsorption module 120 and the circulation track 110, the adsorption module 120 can move vertically downward away from the main body 111.

[0089] Here, the movement of the adsorption module 120 along the circulation track 110 can be referred to as linear movement or cyclic movement, and the movement of the adsorption module 120 away from the circulation track 110 can be referred to as downward movement.

[0090] A moving device 113, such as a belt, chain, line, or gear, is movably mounted on the guide rail of the circulating track 110 (see...). Figure 4 As the moving device moves, the adsorption module 120 connected to the moving device moves together with the moving device, thereby enabling linear or cyclic movement of the adsorption module 120. Depending on the shape of the moving device, the connection structure between the moving device and the adsorption module 120 can be modified in various ways.

[0091] Downward movement can be performed at a specific location under specific conditions. The device for generating this downward movement can be referred to as pusher module 130. Pusher module 130 pushes or presses adsorption module 120, thereby enabling adsorption module 120 to perform downward movement.

[0092] The downward movement of the adsorption module 120 can be performed in various processes. The adsorption module can be configured to adsorb and fix the cell unit by vacuum pressure. Therefore, the adsorption module 120 can move vertically in the pick-up process. That is, after the adsorption module 120 moves vertically toward the cell unit placed at a position spaced apart from the adsorption module 120 and the adsorption module 120 contacts the cell unit, the cell unit can be adsorbed and fixed to the adsorption module 120 by vacuum adsorption. After pick-up, the adsorption module 120 returns to its original position and moves along the circulation track 110.

[0093] If the stacked cell unit is defective or not stacked in the correct position, the adsorption module 120 can also move downwards during the re-adsorption process of the cell unit. In both the pick-up and re-adsorption processes, the adsorption module 120 performs adsorption after moving downwards.

[0094] After the picked-up cell is moved to the stacking position, the adsorption module 120 can move downwards. At this point, adsorption can be maintained, and adsorption can be released after the cell contacts the stacking tray or the upper surface of a previously stacked cell. In other words, the cell can be moved downwards to the stacking height. This can be considered stacking through contact rather than through the free fall of the cell. Therefore, distortion during stacking can be minimized, and stacking impact can be minimized.

[0095] The adsorption module 120 can also move downwards during the discharge process of the re-adsorbed cell. In both the stacking and discharge processes, the adsorption module 120 performs adsorption release after moving downwards. Of course, the downward movement can be omitted in the discharge process. Then, after moving downwards, the adsorption module moves upwards to return to its original position.

[0096] Furthermore, the pick-up, re-adsorption, stacking, and discharge processes described above can all be executed when the relevant adsorption module 120 is located in the lower linear segment 111b. That is, the pick-up position, re-adsorption position, stacking position, and discharge position can be preset along the lower linear segment 111b. Of course, the re-adsorption position can be the same as the stacking position.

[0097] Here, the pusher module 130 that moves the adsorption module 120 downward can be in the form of a cylinder or a cam. The pusher module 130 can be described as a structure that moves the adsorption module 120 from its original position to the separation position by providing force and displacement.

[0098] In the case of a cylinder-type actuator module, the force or displacement provided during the movement of the adsorption module 120 from its initial position to its separation position can be constant. Therefore, a large force may be applied to the cell when the cell adsorbed by the adsorption module 120 has reached the separation position.

[0099] On the other hand, in the case of a cam-type pusher module, the force or displacement provided during the movement of the adsorption module 120 from its original position to its separation position can be varied. In particular, the cell cells adsorbed by the adsorption module 120 can be stacked very smoothly and stably as they approach and reach their separation positions.

[0100] Therefore, preferably, the actuator module 130 according to this example is configured in the form of a cam.

[0101] In the following text, reference will be made to the appendix. Figure 3 and 4 The structure or mechanism for the downward movement of the adsorption module 120 is described in more detail.

[0102] The adsorption module 120 includes an adsorption plate 121 for adsorbing the unit battery 5, which is adsorbed and fixed on the lower surface of the adsorption plate 121. That is, the lower surface of the adsorption plate 121 can be referred to as the adsorption surface. The adsorption plate 121 can be configured to have a planar shape corresponding to the unit battery 5.

[0103] Transparent extension plates 121a7 are provided at both ends of the adsorption plate 121, covering a portion (shoulder) of the end of the unit battery 5 and the electrode contacts 6. A vision device 136 can be provided on the upper part of the transparent extension plate 121a. The vision device 136 can be used to photograph the electrode contacts 6 and corners on both sides of the unit battery 5. That is, images can be obtained through the transparent extension plate 121a and the vision device 136. Based on the acquired images, the vision device 136 can be used to determine whether the unit battery 5 is adsorbed at the desired location and / or whether it is stacked at the desired location.

[0104] The adsorption module 120 may include a connecting member 123. The connecting member 123 can be described as a structure that connects the circulation track 110 and the adsorption module 120. A part of the connecting member 123 can be connected to the circulation track 110, and another part can be directly or indirectly connected to the adsorption plate 121.

[0105] One sidewall 123a of the connecting member 123 can be inserted into the interior of the guide rail 112, which is recessed in the thickness portion of the circulation track 111 in the form of a groove, and the other sidewall 123c can be configured as part of the outer side of the body 111 of the circulation track. One sidewall 123a and the other sidewall 123c of the connecting member 123 are connected by a connecting wall 123b, allowing the connecting member 123 to have an overall channel shape. The connecting member 123 can be connected to the adsorption plate 121 via the connecting portion 123b.

[0106] A connecting roller 114 may be provided on one side wall 123a of the connecting member 123, and the connecting roller 114 may be connected to a moving device 113 such as a line. Therefore, under the drive of the moving device 113, the connecting roller 114 and the adsorption module 120 can move together.

[0107] The central axis of the connecting roller 114 can move up and down on one side wall 123a of the connecting member 123. As an example, a slot 123d can be formed in the vertical direction on one side wall 123a of the connecting member 123, and the central axis 114a of the connecting roller 114 can move up and down along the slot 123d. A spring (not shown) is provided inside the slot. When one side wall 123a of the connecting member 123 is subjected to force and moves downward, the central axis 114a of the connecting roller 114 overcomes the spring force and moves along the slot 123d. Then, when the force pushing the connecting member 123 downward disappears, the spring returns to its original position, allowing the connecting member 123 to rise and return to its original position. Therefore, when the adsorption module 120 moves downward, the connecting member 123 moves downward integrally with the adsorption module 120. In other words, the connecting roller 123d does not descend; the entire adsorption module, including the connecting member 123, descends.

[0108] Thus, the connecting member 123 can move stably along the circulation track 111, and if necessary, the adsorption module 120 can move downward relative to the circulation track 111.

[0109] The connecting member 123 can be directly connected to the adsorption plate 121, but a guide plate 124 can be sandwiched between them. A lifting guide 125 can be provided between the guide plate 124 and the adsorption plate 121. The lifting guide is provided in the form of a pin, which can also be referred to as a guide pin. The lifting guide 125 is provided on both sides of the guide plate 124, thereby allowing the adsorption plate 124 to rise and fall uniformly as a whole without any deviation on either side.

[0110] Roller bearing blocks 122 can be mounted on the upper part of both ends of the guide plate 124. The roller bearing blocks 122 are pressed downward by the cams 135 of the pusher module 130.

[0111] A stop 125, elastically supported, can be provided at the lower part of the roller bearing block 122. The roller bearing block 122 includes a roller bearing 122a, thereby minimizing friction when pressed downwards. When the roller bearing block 122 is pressed downwards and moves, the stop 125 is also pressed downwards and moves. Subsequently, when the roller bearing block 122 is pressed downwards and moves further, the stop 125 is no longer pressed downwards. That is, in this case, the stop 125 pushes the guide plate 124 downwards, and finally the suction plate 124 moves downwards.

[0112] In other words, the roller bearing block 122 moves continuously downward via the cam 135 of the pusher module 130. However, during the initial downward movement of the roller bearing block 122, only the stop 125 moves downward, while the suction plate 125 does not move downward. Subsequently, as the roller bearing block 122 moves further downward, the suction plate 125 moves downward together with the stop 125.

[0113] The stop 125 can be elastically supported by a spring, and the initial force pressing down on the roller bearing block 122 can be buffered by the spring.

[0114] The adsorption module 120 may include a position sensor 126. The position sensor 126 may be disposed in each of the plurality of adsorption modules. As an example, each adsorption module 120 may have a unique number. Therefore, the position sensor 126 can sense where the associated adsorption module 120 is located.

[0115] As described above, multiple adsorption modules 120 circulate along the loop track 110, where specific steps must be performed at specific locations. Such specific steps may include the downward movement of the adsorption modules. Therefore, if the adsorption modules are in a general position rather than a specific position, the descent of the adsorption modules can be controlled.

[0116] As an example, if there are 20 adsorption modules 120, the corresponding position sensors 126 can sense that adsorption modules 1 and 2 are located in the pickup area (position). This sensing result can be sent to the control unit 460 described later, and the control unit 460 can control vacuum adsorption / vacuum release using the corresponding actuator module. Therefore, by using the position sensors 126 individually provided in each adsorption module, control can be performed so that the relevant process is executed only by the relevant adsorption module.

[0117] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 5 The structure of the adsorption plate 121 moving downward via the stop 125 is described in more detail.

[0118] As the cam 135 rotates, the roller bearing block 122 moves downward. In this case, the cam 135 applies not only a downward force to push the roller bearing block 122, but also a force pushing in the normal direction of the rotation. Therefore, preferably, as a block constructed to directly receive force through the cam 135, by employing roller bearings, it receives not only the downward force, but also the forward or backward force.

[0119] Specifically, when the cam 135 rotates clockwise to apply pressure to the roller bearing block 122, the entire roller bearing block 122 can move downwards and simultaneously forwards. The roller bearing block 122 can move forward via a guide rail structure (not shown) and return to its original position when the pressure from the cam 135 is released.

[0120] As the roller bearing 122a of the roller bearing block 122 rotates, it presses downward against the stop 125. The stop 125 can be formed in a "T" shape and can be elastically supported by a spring 125a. During the initial pressurization of the roller bearing block 122, only the stop 125 moves downward, with the spring 125a under pressure. Subsequently, as the roller bearing block 122 further presses downward against the stop 125, the stop 125 presses downward against the guide plate 124 via the spring 125a, thus causing the suction plate 121 to move downward.

[0121] Therefore, the downward displacement of the adsorption plate 121 can be non-linearly formed by the pressurizing structure of the cam 135 and the buffering structure of the stop 125. As an example, the downward displacement of the adsorption plate 121 can be relatively small at the beginning and end of pressurization, and relatively large in the middle of pressurization. Thus, the lifting and lowering of the adsorption plate 121 can be stably performed.

[0122] Figure 6 The appearance of the adsorption plate 121 as viewed from the bottom is shown.

[0123] The adsorption plate 121 can be formed in a rectangular shape (long in the horizontal direction and short in the vertical direction) to match the shape of the cell, and transparent extension plates 121a can be provided at both ends of the adsorption plate 121. Preferably, the horizontal and vertical lengths of the adsorption plate are shorter than those of the cell. This is because the cell protrudes along the outer periphery of the adsorption plate 121 from the upper part of the adsorption plate 121, allowing for direct confirmation of whether the adsorption and transfer of the cell are properly performed.

[0124] Multiple adsorption holes 121b can be formed on the lower surface of the adsorption plate 121, through which vacuum adsorption can be performed.

[0125] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus employing a cell battery transfer device according to an example of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0126] Figure 7 The layout of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus is shown when viewed from above. Figure 8 The appearance (layout) of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus as viewed from the front is shown. For ease of explanation, the length direction of the manufacturing apparatus is referred to as the x-direction, the width direction as the y-direction, and the height direction as the z-direction.

[0127] Here, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus may include a cell manufacturing apparatus, a cell introduction apparatus, and a cell stacking apparatus.

[0128] The cell manufacturing apparatus 200 can be described as an apparatus that manufactures cell units using a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode. The cell units 5 manufactured by the cell manufacturing apparatus 200 can be transferred to the cell unit stacking apparatus 400 via the cell unit introduction device 300.

[0129] The cell introduction device 300 may include a conveyor on which cell cells 5, arranged at intervals on the upper surface of the conveyor, can be conveyed from the cell manufacturing device 200 to the cell stacking device 400. Alternatively, each cell cell can be placed on a tray, and the trays can also be conveyed via an LMS (linear movement system).

[0130] The cell stacking device 400 can be described as a device for picking up and stacking cell units introduced from the cell unit introduction device 300. The cell stacking device 400 may include the cell unit conveying device 100 described above. Here, the cell unit conveying device 100 can be described as a device for stacking conveyed cell units, rather than a device for simply conveying cell units.

[0131] Specifically, the cell stacking apparatus 400 includes a frame 410 forming its shape. A cell transfer device 100 is disposed within the frame 410. A transfer device frame 420 supporting the cell transfer device 100 can be disposed within the frame 410. Additionally, a stacker 430 for stacking cell cells can be disposed at the lower part of the cell transfer device 100.

[0132] Multiple adsorption modules 120 can be installed on the circulation track 110 of the unit battery conveying device 100. The adsorption modules 120 can move clockwise along the circulation track 110. Of course, the adsorption modules can also move counterclockwise.

[0133] Pickup area 401, stacking area 402 and discharge area 403 can be preset along the lower linear segment of the loop track 110. There can be multiple stacking areas, and they can be preset continuously.

[0134] When the adsorption module 120 moves counterclockwise along the circulation track 110, the adsorption module can move along the lower linear section in the order of the pickup area, the stacking area and the discharge area.

[0135] When the adsorption module 120 moves clockwise along the circulation track 110, the adsorption module can move along the lower linear section in the order of the stacked area, the discharge area and the pickup area.

[0136] The pickup area 401 can be configured to be closest to the cell battery introduction device 300, and the discharge area 403 can be configured to be furthest from the cell battery introduction device 300. The stacking area 402 can be configured between the pickup area 401 and the discharge area 403. Of course, the discharge area can also be configured between the pickup area and the stacking area.

[0137] The cell battery introduction device 300 can be positioned to extend to the lower part of the pickup area 401. That is, the cell battery introduction device 300 can penetrate one side of the frame 410, thereby extending into the interior of the cell battery stacking device 400.

[0138] In the pickup area 401, the adsorption module 120 adsorbs the cell battery, and then the adsorbed cell battery moves along the circulation track 100.

[0139] Stacker 430 may be disposed at the lower part of stacking region 402. Stacker 430 may be provided with a tray on which cell cells are stacked, and cell cells may be stacked on the tray. When stacking is completed, the tray moves in the y-direction, that is, in the width direction of cell cell stacking device 400. Multiple stackers 430 may be provided.

[0140] Additionally, if stacking is not performed correctly in the stacking region 402, the cell can be picked up again. The adsorption module 120, which has adsorbed defective cell, can move cyclically along the circulation track 110 to reach the discharge region 403. A tray 440 can be provided at the lower part of the discharge region 403. Therefore, defective cell discharged from the discharge region 403 can be contained in the tray 440.

[0141] Multiple vision devices 450 can be mounted on the frame 410. Multiple vision devices 450 can be configured, and they can perform different functions depending on their mounting location.

[0142] As an example, the vision device 450 corresponding to the pickup area 401 can perform the function of determining whether the cell battery is accurately adsorbed onto the adsorption module 120. The vision device 450 corresponding to the stacking area 402 can determine whether the cell battery is accurately adsorbed onto the adsorption module 120, and can also perform the function of determining whether the cell batteries are accurately stacked.

[0143] The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus or cell stacking apparatus 400 may include a control unit 460.

[0144] The control unit 460 can be configured to control the conveying speed of the adsorption module 120 through the circulation track 110.

[0145] The control unit 460 can control the adsorption module 120 to move at certain intervals or gaps and then stop.

[0146] The control unit 460 can control the operation of the aforementioned pusher module 130. When a specific adsorption module reaches a specific position, the control unit can control the operation of the relevant pusher module 130.

[0147] The control unit 460 can be configured to independently control the adsorption and desorption of multiple adsorption modules. As an example, a specific adsorption module can be configured to adsorb after descent. This can be performed in the pick-up process. A specific adsorption module can be configured to desorb after descent. This can be performed in the stacking process.

[0148] As shown in the figure, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus of this example can continuously perform the manufacturing, introduction, and stacking of cell units. Specifically, the cell unit transfer device 100 can perform the cell unit pick-up, stacking, and discharge processes. Therefore, defects in the stacking are immediately resolved, thereby enabling re-stacking.

[0149] According to this example, cell pickup, cell stacking, and cell discharge are performed simultaneously as multiple adsorption modules circulate along a loop track. A specific adsorption module picks up a cell while circulating along the loop track and then stacks the cell cells at a specific location after the movement. Therefore, a specific adsorption module repeatedly performs cell pickup and stacking.

[0150] Cell picking can be performed via vacuum adsorption after the adsorption module descends towards the cell to make contact with it. Cell stacking can be performed by releasing the vacuum adsorption after the adsorption module descends to make contact with the cell. In other words, cell-based rising and falling are performed while the cell is adsorbed on the adsorption module, thereby preventing damage to the cell during the cell picking and stacking processes.

[0151] Furthermore, by dividing the circulation track into multiple segments, pick-up, discharge, and stacking can be performed simultaneously in multiple segments. In particular, the process of picking up and discharging defective cell stacks can also be performed simultaneously with the pick-up, discharge, and stacking processes, rather than as separate devices or processes.

[0152] Industrial applicability

[0153] It is described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. A cell transfer device for a secondary battery, comprising: Multiple adsorption modules in the adsorption unit battery; The adsorption module moves cyclically on the circulating track. A pusher module that moves the adsorption module downward relative to the circulation track; as well as The control unit releases the adsorption of the adsorption module after the adsorption module moves downward, so that the cell battery is separated from the adsorption module and stacked.

2. The cell transfer device for a secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit individually controls the adsorption and desorption of the multiple adsorption modules.

3. The cell transfer device for a secondary battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circular track consists of an upper linear segment and a lower linear segment facing each other in the direction of gravity, and a left curved segment and a right curved segment connecting the upper linear segment and the lower linear segment.

4. The cell transfer device for a secondary battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circular track includes a track-shaped body, a guide rail formed on the body, and a moving device that moves along the guide rail.

5. The cell transfer device for a secondary battery according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adsorption module includes a connecting member that is connected to the mobile device to move integrally with the mobile device.

6. The cell transfer device for a secondary battery according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adsorption module includes an adsorption plate formed on the lower surface to vacuum adsorb the upper surface of the cell.

7. The cell transfer device for a secondary battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adsorption plate extends further to both sides from the thickness surface of the main body of the circulation track.

8. The cell transfer device for a secondary battery according to claim 7, characterized in that, An opening is formed through the main body, and the pusher module is located on both sides of the opening and is configured to press the two sides of the adsorption module.

9. The cell transfer device for a secondary battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adsorption module includes transparent extension plates disposed at both ends of the adsorption plate and configured to cover both ends of the unit cell.

10. The cell transfer device for a secondary battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adsorption module includes a guide plate connected to the connecting member, and a lifting guide is provided between the guide plate and the adsorption plate to guide the two ends of the adsorption plate to rise and fall evenly.

11. The cell transfer device for a secondary battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The actuator module includes a rotary cam, a rotary shaft of the rotary cam, and a drive motor that drives the rotary shaft.

12. The cell transfer device for a secondary battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The rotating cams are located on both sides of the rotating shaft and are configured to simultaneously press the adsorption module downwards from the upper parts of both sides of the adsorption module.

13. A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, include: A cell manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing cell units using a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode; A cell stacking apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies by stacking cell units manufactured from the cell manufacturing apparatus; and A cell introduction device conveys the cell manufactured from the cell manufacturing apparatus to introduce the cell into the cell stacking apparatus, wherein... The cell stacking device includes: A circulation track, configured to allow multiple adsorption modules to circulate, and having a pre-defined stacked region in the lower linear segment; A actuator module that moves the adsorption module downward in the stacked region; and The control unit releases the adsorption of the adsorption module after the adsorption module moves downward, so that the cell battery is separated from the adsorption module and stacked.

14. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The loop consists of the lower linear segment, the upper linear segment facing the lower linear segment, and the left and right curve segments connecting the lower linear segment and the upper linear segment.

15. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The plurality of adsorption modules are configured to move along the circulation track while maintaining equal intervals between them.

16. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, A pickup area different from the stacked area is preset in the lower linear section of the loop track.

17. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, In the lower linear section of the circulation track, there is a pre-defined discharge area that is different from the stacked area and the pickup area.

18. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The pusher module is provided in multiple forms and is respectively located in the stacking area and the pickup area. The cell battery introduction device is configured to extend into the pickup area of ​​the circulation track inside the cell battery stacking device.

19. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, In the lower linear section of the circulation track, the discharge area, the stacking area, and the pickup area are sequentially preset along the moving direction of the adsorption module, or the pickup area, the stacking area, and the discharge area are sequentially preset.

20. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that, include: The adsorption step involves an adsorption module that moves along a circular track to adsorb the cell at an adsorption location. as well as In the stacking step, the adsorption module, which adsorbs the cell unit, moves along the circulation track to stack the cell unit at the stacking position. In the stacking step, the adsorption module descends to stack the adsorbed cell units, then releases the adsorption and rises to complete the stacking.

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