Battery transport device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery transport device including: a cradle, a front surface of which includes a first insertion port through which a battery cell is accommodated inside; a first blocking film in a screen form that opens or closes the first insertion port when a fire occurs inside the cradle; and first gaskets located on both sides of the first insertion port and capable of swelling toward the first blocking film when a fire occurs inside the cradle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for transporting battery cells. More specifically, it relates to an apparatus for transporting battery cells used in the battery cell manufacturing process. Background Technology

[0002] The manufacturing process of lithium-ion batteries generally consists of electrode manufacturing, battery manufacturing, and formation processes. The formation process comprises a charge-discharge process that imparts electrical characteristics and checks discharge capacity by charging the cells, an aging process that fully disperses the electrolyte to achieve optimal conditions, and a process for screening defective batteries contaminated with foreign matter. This formation process is carried out within a predetermined storage period, during which fire and explosion accidents may occur.

[0003] On the other hand, battery transport devices such as stacker cranes can be used to move manufactured battery cells to charging and discharging equipment and / or aging equipment. Therefore, to prevent fires during the transport of battery cells, the battery transport device needs to isolate the space containing the battery cells from the outside and spray fire extinguishing agents to effectively suppress the occurrence and spread of fires.

[0004] Research on structures that achieve protection by improving durability is also actively underway. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved According to one aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to effectively isolate the battery cell that is on fire from the outside in the event of a fire during the transport of the battery cell.

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to prevent the extinguishing agent from unnecessarily scattering to the outside when spraying the extinguishing agent.

[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to effectively suppress the occurrence and spread of fire in the event of a fire during the transportation of battery cells.

[0008] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to improve the stability of the cell manufacturing process and ensure the stability of the battery transport device.

[0009] On the other hand, the battery cells manufactured using the battery transport device according to this disclosure can be widely used in electric vehicles, battery charging stations, energy storage systems (ESS), and other green technologies such as solar power generation and wind power generation that utilize batteries. Furthermore, the battery cells manufactured using the battery transport device according to this disclosure can be used in eco-friendly mobility devices, including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] (II) Technical Solution The battery transport device according to this disclosure includes: a bracket having an internally formed receiving space for accommodating battery cells; a front surface of the bracket including a first inlet communicating with the receiving space and forming the front surface of the bracket; a first roller, located inside the bracket above the first inlet and rotatably disposed; a first blocking membrane, in the form of a screen, wound around the first roller and opening or closing the first inlet according to the rotation of the first roller; a front side panel portion located on both sides of the first inlet along the height direction of the bracket to guide the movement of the first blocking membrane and forming at least a portion of the front surface of the bracket; and a first washer located inside the front side panel portion along the height direction of the bracket to contact the first blocking membrane when the first blocking membrane closes the first inlet and to expand toward the first blocking membrane in the event of a fire in the receiving space.

[0011] On the other hand, the first gasket may contain a smoke-blocking material.

[0012] In addition, the first gasket may contain a flame-retardant material.

[0013] In addition, the battery transport device may further include: a fire sensing unit for sensing the generation of smoke in the containment space or the temperature of the containment space; and a control unit for controlling the first roller to roll out the first blocking membrane to close the first inlet when the fire sensing unit senses a fire in the containment space.

[0014] Additionally, the battery transport device may further include: a through hole formed through the upper surface of the bracket or the side surface of the bracket; and a fire extinguishing section for spraying fire extinguishing agent through the through hole.

[0015] On the other hand, when a fire is detected in the containment space by the fire sensing unit, the control unit can control the fire extinguishing unit to spray the fire extinguishing agent.

[0016] Additionally, the fire sensing unit may include a smoke sensing sensor for sensing smoke in the containment space.

[0017] On the other hand, the fire sensing unit may include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the containment space.

[0018] On the other hand, the fire sensing unit may include a camera for photographing the battery cells housed in the housing space.

[0019] Additionally, the battery transport device may further include: a rear surface of a bracket, including a second inlet communicating with the receiving space and forming the rear surface of the bracket; a rear side panel portion located on both sides of the second inlet and forming at least a portion of the rear surface of the bracket; a second roller, inside the bracket, located above the second inlet and rotatably disposed; a second blocking membrane, in the form of a screen, wound around the second roller and opening or closing the second inlet according to the rotation of the second roller; the rear side panel portion located on both sides of the second inlet along the height direction of the bracket to guide the movement of the second blocking membrane and forming at least a portion of the rear surface of the bracket; and a second gasket located inside the rear side panel portion along the height direction of the bracket to contact the second blocking membrane when the second blocking membrane closes the second inlet and to expand toward the second blocking membrane in the event of a fire in the receiving space.

[0020] The battery transport device may further include: a fire sensing unit for sensing the generation of smoke in the containment space or the temperature of the containment space; and a control unit for controlling the first roller and the second roller to roll out the first blocking film and the second blocking film respectively when the fire sensing unit senses a fire in the containment space, so as to close the first inlet and the second inlet.

[0021] In addition, the first gasket and the second gasket may each contain smoke-blocking materials.

[0022] In addition, the first gasket and the second gasket may each contain flame-retardant materials.

[0023] On the other hand, the battery transport device may further include: a first traveling unit that moves the bracket in a direction parallel to the front surface of the bracket; a second traveling unit that moves the bracket in the height direction of the bracket; and a transfer unit that moves in the front-rear direction of the bracket to introduce or extract the battery cell into or out of the receiving space.

[0024] In addition, the battery transport device may further include a control unit located outside the bracket, which controls the first travel unit, the second travel unit, and the transfer unit.

[0025] Additionally, the battery transport device may further include: a wire connecting the control unit and the transfer unit, and a portion of the wire exposed in the receiving space may be wrapped with a fire-retardant covering material.

[0026] In addition, the battery transport device may further include: a travel guide rail, arranged in a direction parallel to the first inlet, and the first travel unit may move along the travel guide rail.

[0027] Additionally, the battery transport device may further include: a column located outside the bracket and extending along the height direction of the bracket, and the second traveling unit capable of moving the bracket along the column.

[0028] On the other hand, the inner surface of the accommodating space may be coated with a fire-resistant material.

[0029] On the other hand, the battery transport device may further include: a front lower panel portion located below the first inlet and forming part of the front surface of the bracket, and the front lower panel portion may include an insertion slot, wherein one end of the first blocking membrane is inserted into the insertion slot when the first blocking membrane closes the first inlet.

[0030] (III) Beneficial Effects According to one embodiment of this disclosure, when a fire occurs during the transport of battery cells, the burning battery cell can be effectively isolated from the outside.

[0031] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, when spraying the extinguishing agent, it is possible to prevent the extinguishing agent from unnecessarily flying outward.

[0032] According to yet another embodiment of this disclosure, when a fire occurs during the transport of battery cells, the occurrence and spread of the fire can be effectively suppressed.

[0033] According to yet another embodiment of this disclosure, the stability of the cell manufacturing process can be improved, and the stability of the battery transport device can be ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is an example of a battery transport device.

[0035] Figure 2 This is another example of a battery transport device.

[0036] Figure 3 This is an example of a bracket that holds battery cells.

[0037] Figure 4 This is an example of a block diagram related to the control of a battery transport device.

[0038] Figure 5 This is an example of observing the front surface of the bracket with the first insertion port closed by the first blocking membrane.

[0039] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-section of the bracket as viewed in the C-C' direction. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0041] The specific terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the embodiments shown.

[0042] For example, expressions such as "same" and "identical" not only indicate a state of strict sameness, but also indicate a state of difference in tolerance or degree of achieving the same functionality.

[0043] For example, expressions such as "any direction", "along any direction", "parallel", "vertical", "centered on", "concentric" or "coaxial" indicate relative or absolute arrangement, which not only strictly indicate the arrangement state, but also indicate the existence of tolerance or the state of relative displacement of angle or distance to obtain the same degree of functionality.

[0044] To illustrate this disclosure, the following explanation is based on an orthogonal spatial coordinate system in which the X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. Each axis (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) represents the two directions on which each axis extends.

[0045] The X, Y, and Z directions are described below for the purpose of making this disclosure clearer. Of course, each direction may be defined differently depending on the reference datum.

[0046] The use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" before the components described below is to avoid confusion and is unrelated to the order, importance, or hierarchy of the components. For example, it is also possible to implement a solution that includes only the second component and omits the first component.

[0047] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions as used in this specification include plural expressions.

[0048] Figure 1 This is an example of a battery transport device 1000. Furthermore, Figure 2 This is another example of the battery transport device 1000.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery transport device 1000 transports battery cells (not shown) during the charge-discharge process in the formation process, thereby allowing them to be introduced into or taken out of the charge-discharge chamber 910 located in the charge-discharge equipment 900. The battery transport device 1000 may be referred to as a stacker crane.

[0050] The battery transport device 1000 can transport the assembled battery cells to the target charge / discharge chamber 910 for charge / discharge processes. The battery transport device 1000 can also transport the battery cells that have completed the charge / discharge processes to the next process.

[0051] The battery transport device 1000 can be used not only in the charge-discharge process but also in the aging process. That is, the battery transport device 1000 can be used to move the battery cells to a desired aging chamber (not shown) for aging and then transport them to the next process.

[0052] On the other hand, the battery transport device 1000 used in the aging process is only different in size from the battery transport device 1000 used in the charge-discharge process, but the operating principle can be exactly the same.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery transport device 1000 includes an internally formed receiving space 101 for accommodating battery cells (see reference). Figure 2 The carrier 100 and the first inlet 111 communicating with the receiving space 101 (see reference) Figure 2 ).

[0054] The bracket 100 can form the receiving space 101. The receiving space 101 can accommodate multiple battery cells. The multiple battery cells can be stacked in the receiving space 101 along the height direction of the bracket 100, or along the front-back direction of the bracket 100.

[0055] To stack the plurality of battery cells along the front-rear direction of the bracket 100, the battery transport device 1000 may further include a tray 190 detachably disposed in the receiving space 101. For transporting the plurality of battery cells, the tray 190 may internally and detachably secure each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0056] Furthermore, in order to stack along the height direction of the bracket 100, the battery transport device 1000 can arrange the tray 190 along the height direction of the bracket 100 in the receiving space 101. The tray 190 is placed in the receiving space 101 by the transfer part 450 described later, and can be placed through the first inlet 111 and the second inlet 112 described later (see reference). Figure 3 It moves along the front-back direction of the bracket 100.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The bracket 100 may include: a front surface 110, located at the front, including the first inlet 111, and forming the front surface of the bracket 100; a rear surface 170, located behind the bracket 100 and facing the front surface 110, and including the second inlet 112; side surfaces 150, forming the two sides of the bracket 100, and connecting the front surface 110 and the rear surface 170; and an upper surface 130 (see reference). Figure 3 The bracket connects the front surface 110, the rear surface 170, and the side surface 150, forming the upper surface of the bracket 100.

[0058] Similar to the front surface 110 and the rear surface 170 of the bracket, the first inlet 111 and the second inlet 112 can be arranged facing each other. Therefore, the first inlet 111 and the second inlet 112 can communicate with the receiving space 101. Through the first inlet 111, the battery cell can be introduced into or led out of the receiving space 101. Similarly, through the second inlet 112, the battery cell can be introduced into or led out of the receiving space 101.

[0059] On the other hand, the charge / discharge chamber 910 or aging chamber may be stacked in multiple layers using trays 190. Therefore, the battery transport device 1000 may require a moving unit for moving the battery cells to the target charge / discharge chamber 910 or aging chamber, and a moving unit for introducing the battery cells into or out of the charge / discharge chamber 910.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery transport device 1000 may include: a first traveling part 410 for moving the bracket 100 in a direction parallel to the front surface 110 of the bracket; a second traveling part 430 for moving the bracket 100 in the height direction of the bracket 100; and a transfer part 450 for moving along the front-rear direction of the bracket 100 to introduce or extract the battery cell into the receiving space 101.

[0061] That is, the movement directions of the first traveling unit 410, the second traveling unit 430, and the transfer unit 450 can be different from each other. As an example, if the first traveling unit 410 moves the bracket 100 in a direction parallel to the first inlet 111 or the second inlet 112, then the second traveling unit 430 can move the bracket 100 along the height direction of the bracket 100. In addition, the transfer unit 450 can move the battery cells housed inside the bracket 100 along the front-rear direction of the bracket 100. Thus, the battery transport device 1000 can be moved to any position in three-dimensional space.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery transport device 1000 may further include a travel guide rail 415 arranged in a direction parallel to the first inlet 111, and the first travel unit 410 may move the bracket 100 along the travel guide rail 415.

[0063] Therefore, the first driving unit 410 may further include: a first driving motor 4101 that generates rotational force; and a first driving wheel 413 that rotates by the rotation of the first driving motor 4101.

[0064] Similarly, the battery transport device 1000 may further include a mast 435 located on the outside of the bracket 100 and extending along the height direction of the bracket 100.

[0065] The second travel unit 430 can move the bracket 100 along the column 435. The second travel unit 430 may further include: a second travel motor 4301 that generates rotational force; a cable 4303 connected to the second travel motor 4301 and supported by the column 435; and a second travel wheel 433 (see reference). Figure 3 The second travel motor 4301 rotates, causing the cable 4303 to be wound or unwound.

[0066] In contrast, the second traveling wheel 433 is configured as a gear, and the cable 4303 can also be in the form of a chain wound around the gear teeth on the outer side of the second traveling wheel 433. That is, regardless of the mechanism used, the second traveling unit 430 can move the bracket 100 along the height direction of the bracket 100 like a hoist.

[0067] The upper limit of the movement of the bracket 100 along its height direction can be determined based on the height of the column 435. This can vary depending on the size of the charging / discharging device 900 or the aging device.

[0068] On the other hand, the transfer unit 450 can move along the front-rear direction of the bracket 100 to introduce or remove the battery cell located in the receiving space 101 from the outside. That is, the transfer unit 450 can introduce the battery cell into the receiving space 101 or remove it from the receiving space 101 through the first input port 111 or the second input port 112.

[0069] The transfer unit 450 may further include: a transfer motor (not shown) that generates rotational force; and a fork 451 (see reference 451). Figure 3 When the transfer motor rotates, it moves along the front-rear direction of the bracket 100. The transfer unit 450 may further include a transfer guide rail 4501 disposed inside the bracket 100 (see reference). Figure 3 The fork 451 is used to guide the movement of the fork 451. The fork 451 can move the battery cell or tray 190 along the transfer guide 4501 in the front-rear direction of the bracket 100.

[0070] Typically, in order to move multiple cells at once, the fork 451 can move the tray 190 while in contact with the outside of the tray 190.

[0071] If multiple trays 190 are provided along the height direction of the bracket 100 in the receiving space 101, multiple transfer units 450 can also be provided accordingly. In this case, the battery transport device 1000 can simultaneously move the battery cell to two different charging / discharging chambers 910 via the transfer units 450.

[0072] Figure 3 This is an example of a bracket 100 that houses battery cells.

[0073] As previously mentioned, the bracket 100 can accommodate the battery cells in the accommodating space 101, or accommodate a tray 190 in which the battery cells are detachably fixed.

[0074] On the other hand, the battery cells may catch fire during transportation. Due to the characteristics of the battery cells, fires can easily spread, making it important to extinguish fires that occur during transportation or prevent their spread. To extinguish a fire in the housing space 101 or prevent its spread to the outside, the battery transport device 1000 may include a fire extinguishing unit 650 located on the upper surface 130 of the bracket, which can spray extinguishing agent (not shown) towards the housing space in the event of a fire.

[0075] Furthermore, the battery transport device 1000 includes a first blocking membrane 710 for closing the first inlet 111 in the event of a fire (see reference). Figure 5 For the first blocking membrane 710, using Figure 5 This will be explained later.

[0076] Specifically, the battery transport device 1000 may include: a through hole (not shown) formed through the upper surface 130 of the bracket or the side surface 150 of the bracket; and a fire extinguishing section 650 that sprays fire extinguishing agent through the through hole.

[0077] Reference Figure 3 The extinguishing unit 650 is configured to spray through the upper surface 130 of the bracket, but this is merely an example. Alternatively, the extinguishing unit 650 may be entirely located on the upper surface 130 of the bracket. Considering the storage capacity and weight of the tank for storing the extinguishing agent, the tank may also be located outside the bracket 100 and connected to the receiving space 101 and the tank via a pipe or hose.

[0078] Reference Figure 3 The front surface 110 of the bracket may include: a front upper panel 1101 located above the first inlet 111; a front lower panel 1103 located below the first inlet 111; and a front side panel 1105 connecting the front upper panel 1101 and the front lower panel 1103.

[0079] Furthermore, regarding the rear surface 170 of the bracket (refer to...) Figure 2 The same applies to the bracket rear surface 170. That is, the bracket rear surface 170 may include: a rear upper panel (not shown), located above the second inlet 112; a rear lower panel (not shown), located below the second inlet 112; and a rear side panel (not shown), located on both sides of the second inlet 112, and connecting the rear upper panel and the front lower panel.

[0080] Figure 4This is an example of a block diagram related to the control of the battery transport device 1000.

[0081] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The battery transport device 1000 may include a control unit 600 located outside the bracket 100, which controls the movement of the battery transport device 1000 and the fire extinguishing unit 650. However, this is merely an example; the control unit 600 may be located in other positions as long as it can control the movement of the battery transport device 1000 and the fire extinguishing unit 650.

[0082] Furthermore, in order to move the bracket 100, the control unit 600 can control the movement of the first travel unit 410 and the second travel unit 430. That is, the control unit 600 can control the rotation of the first travel motor 4101 and the second travel motor 4301 to control the movement of the bracket 100.

[0083] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In order to introduce the battery cell into the receiving space 101, or to extract the battery cell from the receiving space 101, the control unit 600 can control the transfer unit 450. The transfer unit 450 may include: a transfer motor (not shown) that generates rotational force; and a fork 451 (see reference 450). Figure 5 When the transfer motor rotates, it moves along the front-rear direction of the bracket 100 through the first input port 111 or the second input port 112; and the transfer guide rail 4501 (see reference) Figure 5 The fork 451 is arranged along the front-rear direction of the receiving space 101 to guide the fork 451. The control unit 600 can control the movement of the fork 451 by controlling the rotation of the transfer motor.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 600 can control the fire extinguishing unit 650. In the event of a fire in the containment space 101, the control unit 600 can spray fire extinguishing agent into the containment space 101 through the fire extinguishing unit 650.

[0085] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The control unit 600 can control the fire sensing unit 610 for sensing fire in the containment space 101 and the shielding unit 700 for blocking the containment space 101 from the outside when a fire occurs.

[0086] On the other hand, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4The control unit 600 is located on the outside of the bracket 100 and can be protected by a box-shaped outer shell. Furthermore, the control unit 600 can control an input / output unit 800 mounted on the outer shell, which receives user input and outputs the status of the battery transport device or the processing results of received commands to the user.

[0087] Figure 5 This is an example of observing the front surface of the bracket 100 with the first blocking membrane 710 closed and the first inlet 111 closed.

[0088] Reference Figure 5 The battery transport device 1000 may include a shielding portion 700, which includes: a first roller 720 located inside the bracket 100, above the first inlet 111, and rotatably disposed; and a first blocking film 710, in the form of a screen, wound around the first roller 720, and opening or closing the first inlet 111 according to the rotation of the first roller 720. The shielding portion 700 may further include a front side panel portion 1105 forming at least a portion of the bracket 100 and a first washer 770 located inside the bracket 100 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0089] Furthermore, the shielding portion 700 may further include: a second roller (not shown), inside the bracket 100, located at the second inlet 112 (see reference). Figure 3 The bracket 100 is located on the upper part of the bracket and is rotatably disposed thereon; a second blocking membrane (not shown) is in the form of a screen, wound around the second roller, and opens or closes the second inlet 112 when the second roller rotates; a rear side panel (not shown) is located on both sides of the second inlet 112 along the height direction of the bracket 100 to guide the movement of the second blocking membrane and form at least a portion of the rear surface of the bracket; and a second washer (not shown) is located on the inner side of the rear side panel along the height direction of the bracket 100 to contact the second blocking membrane when the second blocking membrane closes the second inlet 112, and to expand toward the second blocking membrane in the event of a fire in the receiving space 101.

[0090] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The control unit 600 can control the shielding unit 700 to block the accommodating space 101 from the outside.

[0091] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The control unit 600 can control the first roller 720 to roll out the first blocking membrane 710 to close the first inlet 111 when the fire sensing unit 610, which is used to sense the generation of smoke or temperature in the containment space 101, senses that a fire has occurred in the containment space 101.

[0092] Similarly, in the event of a fire in the receiving space 101, the control unit 600 can control the second roller to roll out the second blocking membrane to close the second inlet 112. As described above, in this specification, since the second blocking membrane, the second roller, and the second washer have the same function and form as the first blocking membrane 710, the first roller 720, and the first washer 770, only their positions are different, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0093] That is, unless otherwise specified, the description of the first blocking membrane 710, the first roller 720 and the first washer 770 shall also apply to the second blocking membrane, the second roller and the second washer.

[0094] On the other hand, the control unit 600 can determine whether a fire has occurred in the accommodating space 101 through the fire sensing unit 610.

[0095] The fire sensing unit 610 may include a smoke sensing sensor 6101, which is located on the inner side of the accommodating space 101 and is used to sense smoke in the accommodating space 101.

[0096] When smoke is detected in the containment space 101, the control unit 600 can activate the shielding unit 700 and the fire extinguishing unit 650.

[0097] In contrast, the fire sensing unit 610 may include a temperature sensor 6103 for sensing the temperature of the containment space 101. When the temperature sensor 6103 senses that the temperature of the containment space 101 rises above a preset temperature gradient per unit time, or reaches above an allowable temperature, the control unit 600 may activate the shielding unit 700 and the fire extinguishing unit 650.

[0098] In contrast, the fire sensing unit 610 may include a camera 6105 for photographing the housing space 101. Specifically, the camera 6105 can photograph the battery cells housed in the housing space 101. The control unit 600 can determine whether a fire has occurred using the camera 6105. For this purpose, the battery transport device 1000 may also utilize a vision method. Alternatively, the camera 6105 may be an infrared camera 6105.

[0099] Furthermore, the battery transport device 1000 can also combine at least two of the smoke sensor 6101, the temperature sensor 6103, and the camera 6105 to determine the occurrence of a fire in the containment space 101.

[0100] Reference Figure 5 The shielding portion 700 may include a first blocking film 710 that blocks the first inlet 111, a first roller 720 that winds the first blocking film 710, and a rotating support portion 721 that rotatably supports the first roller 720.

[0101] When the battery transport device 1000 is operating normally, the first blocking film 710 is wrapped around the first roller 720, and the first inlet 111 is in an open state.

[0102] If a fire occurs in the battery cell during the transport of the battery cell by the battery transport device 1000, the control unit 600 can control the first roller 720 to roll out the first blocking film 710 to close the first inlet 111.

[0103] Therefore, the battery transport device 1000 may further include a blocking motor 723 that rotates the first roller 720.

[0104] On the other hand, the area of ​​the first blocking membrane 710 can be larger than the area of ​​the first inlet 111 to close the first inlet 111. More specifically, along the height direction of the bracket 100, the length of the first blocking membrane 710 can be greater than the height of the first inlet 111. Along the left-right direction of the bracket 100, the width of the first blocking membrane 710 can be greater than the width of the first inlet 111.

[0105] On the other hand, the lower front panel portion 1103 may include an insertion groove 1103a, into which one end of the first blocking membrane 710 is inserted when the first blocking membrane 710 closes the first inlet 111. This is to ensure that the first inlet is closed by guiding the first blocking membrane 710 when it closes the first inlet 111.

[0106] Similarly, the front side panel portion 1105 may further include a guide portion (not shown) that guides the first blocking membrane 710 when it descends. In contrast, the front side panel portion 1105 may further include a guide groove in the form of a groove or hole inserted into both ends of the first blocking membrane 710 along its width direction.

[0107] When the first blocking membrane 710 closes the first inlet 111, the guide portion and / or the guide groove can assist the first blocking membrane 710 to adhere tightly to the first inlet 111. This structure can also be equivalently applied to the rear surface 170 of the bracket where the second blocking membrane is located.

[0108] On the other hand, in addition to the fire extinguishing unit 650 and the shielding unit 700, the battery transport device 1000 may further include other components that protect the bracket 100 from fire.

[0109] As an example, refer to Figure 3 The inner surface of the accommodating space 101 may be coated with a fire-resistant material or painted with a fire-resistant material coating.

[0110] As another example, electrical components (not shown) exposed to the inner side of the accommodating space 101 may include protective covers (not shown) to protect the electrical components from fire.

[0111] As another example, wires (not shown) exposed to the inner surface of the receiving space 101 may be wrapped with a wire-covering material such as heat-resistant tape (not shown) or fire-retardant tape (not shown) to protect them from fire. As a specific example, the wires connecting the control unit 600 and the transfer unit 450 may further include a portion of the wires exposed in the receiving space 101 that may be wrapped with a fire-retardant covering material.

[0112] On the other hand, the first blocking membrane 710 may be a sheet of heat-resistant or fire-resistant material.

[0113] Furthermore, the first blocking membrane 710 can be a firescreen made of a rollable material.

[0114] That is, the first blocking membrane 710 may be a fireproof roller shutter that closes the first inlet 111 in the event of a fire in the receiving space 101.

[0115] The shape and material of the first blocking membrane 701 as described above will also be applied equally to the second blocking membrane.

[0116] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-section of the bracket 100 as viewed in the C-C' direction.

[0117] Specifically, a partial cross-section of the first blocking membrane 710, the front side panel portion 1105, and the bracket side 150 is shown.

[0118] When a fire occurs in the battery cell housed in the housing space 101, and the fire sensing unit 610 senses this situation, the control unit 600 can control the first roller 720 to roll out the first blocking membrane 710 to close the first inlet 111. This is to prevent internal smoke and flames from escaping, thereby preventing the fire from spreading.

[0119] At this time, if the first blocking membrane 710 fails to seal the first inlet 111, flames, smoke, or hot air occurring in the receiving space 101 may diffuse to the outside. Therefore, the battery transport device 1000 includes a first washer 770 located inside the front side panel portion 1105 along the height direction of the bracket 100, and can contact the first blocking membrane 710 when the first blocking membrane 710 closes the first inlet 111.

[0120] Additionally, the battery transport device 1000 includes a first gasket 770 that can expand toward the first barrier membrane 710 in the event of a fire in the receiving space 101.

[0121] The first washer 770 can be located inside the bracket 100. Specifically, the first washer 770 can be located on the front side panel portion 1105.

[0122] The front side panel portion 1105 may further include a flange 1105b, which is formed by bending around the first inlet toward the receiving space 101. The flange 1105b can serve as a guide when the battery cell or tray 190 is introduced into or out of the receiving space 101.

[0123] The front side panel portion 1105 may further include a rib 1105a, which protrudes along the front-rear direction of the bracket 100 on the inner side surface of the front side panel portion 1105.

[0124] The ribs 1105a not only prevent deformation of the front side panel portion 1105, but also provide a position for mounting the first washer 770. That is, multiple ribs 1105a are provided, and the first washer 770 can be located between the ribs 1105a.

[0125] On the other hand, the first gasket 770 can be formed of an expandable material. That is, when the first blocking membrane 710 closes the first inlet 111, a portion of the first blocking membrane 710 will be located behind the front side panel portion 1105. At this time, the first gasket 770 can minimize or prevent the first blocking membrane 710 from being separated from the front side panel portion 1105.

[0126] Therefore, the first gasket 770 can improve the sealing force of the first blocking membrane 710.

[0127] That is, refer to Figure 6 Air or smoke heated by a fire in the containment space 101 may escape between the first blocking membrane 710 and the front side panel portion 1105 in the direction of the arrow. If the first gasket 770 is formed of a material that can expand with increasing temperature, then in the event of a fire in the containment space 101, the first gasket 770 expands due to the heated air in the containment space 101, thus effectively preventing smoke or heated air from escaping from the gap between the first blocking membrane 710 and the front side panel portion 1105.

[0128] Therefore, the first washer 770 may contain a material that expands when heated.

[0129] The first gasket 770 may contain a smoke-blocking material. Furthermore, the first gasket 770 may contain a flame-retardant material.

[0130] The material of the first gasket 770 can also be a mixture of thermally expanding materials, smoke-resistant materials, and flame-retardant materials. Alternatively, the material of the first gasket 770 can possess the thermal expansion, smoke-resistant, and flame-retardant properties entirely from a single material.

[0131] The first washer 770 may also be located inside the upper front panel 1101 or inside the lower front panel 1103.

[0132] Reference Figure 6 The first washer 770 may include: a main body 7704 including a hollow space 7701 formed inside; a protrusion 7702 protruding from the main body 7704 toward the bracket side 150; and a wing 7703 extending obliquely from the main body 7704 toward the receiving space 101.

[0133] The hollow portion 7701 structurally enhances the strength of the first washer 770, improving its structural resistance to external forces. Furthermore, compared to the main body 7704 being filled, the hollow portion 7701 allows the first washer 770 to expand more smoothly.

[0134] When the first gasket 770 expands, the wing 7703 can come into contact with the first barrier membrane 710 (refer to region A). Therefore, the first gasket can minimize or prevent fluid, i.e., smoke or hot air, from leaking from the containment space 101 to the outside.

[0135] The protrusion 7702 allows the first washer 770 to be attached to the inside of the front side panel portion 1105. Through the protrusion 7702, the first washer 770 can be press-fitted between the ribs 1105a.

[0136] On the other hand, the control unit 600 can control the second roller (not shown) to roll out the second blocking film (not shown) to close the second inlet (not shown). To ensure a tight fit between the second inlet 112 and the second blocking film (not shown), the battery transport device 1000 may include a second gasket on the inner side of the rear side panel (not shown). The description of this is the same as for the first gasket 770. The material of the second gasket is also the same as that of the first gasket 770.

[0137] This disclosure can be implemented in various variations, and its scope is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes components within the scope of the claims of this disclosure, it should be considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery transport device, comprising: The bracket has an internal space for accommodating the battery cells; The front surface of the bracket includes a first insertion port communicating with the receiving space and forms the front surface of the bracket; The first roller is located inside the bracket, above the first inlet, and is rotatably disposed; A first blocking membrane, in the form of a screen, is wound around the first roller and opens or closes the first inlet according to the rotation of the first roller. The front side panel is located on both sides of the first inlet along the height direction of the bracket to guide the movement of the first blocking membrane and form at least a portion of the front surface of the bracket; and The first washer is located inside the front side panel portion along the height direction of the bracket, so as to contact the first blocking membrane when the first blocking membrane closes the first inlet, and to expand toward the first blocking membrane in the event of a fire in the containment space.

2. The battery transport device according to claim 1, wherein, The first gasket contains a smoke-resistant material.

3. The battery transport device according to claim 1, wherein, The first gasket contains a flame-retardant material.

4. The battery transport device according to claim 1, further comprising: A fire sensing unit is used to sense the generation of smoke in the containment space or the temperature of the containment space; as well as When the fire sensing unit detects a fire in the containment space, the control unit controls the first roller to roll out the first blocking membrane to close the first inlet.

5. The battery transport device according to claim 4, further comprising: A through hole is formed by penetrating the upper surface of the bracket or the side surface of the bracket that forms the side surface of the bracket; as well as The fire extinguishing unit sprays extinguishing agent through the through-hole.

6. The battery transport device according to claim 5, wherein, When a fire is detected in the containment space by the fire sensing unit, the control unit controls the fire extinguishing unit to spray the fire extinguishing agent.

7. The battery transport device according to claim 4, wherein, The fire sensing unit includes a smoke sensing sensor for sensing smoke in the containment space.

8. The battery transport device according to claim 4, wherein, The fire sensing unit includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the containment space.

9. The battery transport device according to claim 4, wherein, The fire sensing unit includes a camera for photographing the battery cells housed in the housing space.

10. The battery transport device according to claim 1, further comprising: The rear surface of the bracket includes a second inlet communicating with the receiving space and forms the rear surface of the bracket; The rear side panel is located on both sides of the second inlet and forms at least a portion of the rear surface of the bracket; The second roller is located inside the bracket, above the second inlet, and is rotatably disposed. The second blocking membrane, in the form of a screen, is wound around the second roller and opens or closes the second inlet according to the rotation of the second roller; The rear side panel portion, located on both sides of the second inlet along the height direction of the bracket, guides the movement of the second blocking membrane and forms at least a portion of the rear surface of the bracket; and The second washer is located on the inner side of the rear side panel along the height direction of the bracket, so as to contact the second blocking membrane when the second blocking membrane closes the second inlet, and to expand toward the second blocking membrane in the event of a fire in the receiving space.

11. The battery transport device according to claim 10, further comprising: A fire sensing unit is used to sense the generation of smoke in the containment space or the temperature of the containment space; as well as When the fire sensing unit detects a fire in the containment space, the control unit controls the first roller and the second roller to roll out the first blocking film and the second blocking film respectively, so as to close the first inlet and the second inlet.

12. The battery transport device according to claim 10, wherein, The first gasket and the second gasket each contain a smoke-blocking material.

13. The battery transport device according to claim 10, wherein, The first gasket and the second gasket each contain flame-retardant materials.

14. The battery transport device according to claim 1, further comprising: The first traveling part moves the bracket in a direction parallel to the front surface of the bracket; The second traveling unit moves the bracket along the height direction of the bracket; as well as The transfer unit is capable of moving along the front-back direction of the bracket to introduce or remove the battery cell into the receiving space.

15. The battery transport device according to claim 14, further comprising: The control unit, located on the outside of the bracket, controls the first traveling unit, the second traveling unit, and the transfer unit.

16. The battery transport device according to claim 15, further comprising: A wire connects the control unit and the transfer unit. A portion of the wire exposed in the receiving space is wrapped with a fire-retardant covering material.

17. The battery transport device according to claim 14, further comprising: The travel guide rail is set in a direction parallel to the first inlet. The first traveling unit moves along the traveling guide rail.

18. The battery transport device according to claim 17, further comprising: The upright is located on the outside of the bracket and extends along the height direction of the bracket. The second traveling unit enables the bracket to move along the column.

19. The battery transport device according to claim 1, wherein, The inner surface of the containment space is coated with a fire-resistant material.

20. The battery transport device according to claim 1, further comprising: The lower front panel is located below the first inlet and forms part of the front surface of the bracket. The lower front panel includes an insertion slot, and when the first blocking membrane closes the first inlet, one end of the first blocking membrane is inserted into the insertion slot.

Images