Secondary battery transfer device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery transport device and, more particularly, to a secondary battery moving device that can efficiently connect secondary batteries to each other even with a reduction in the number of battery transport lines, and can prevent an increase in battery defect rate or a delay in battery transport.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0171067, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 26, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a secondary battery transport device, and more specifically, to a secondary battery moving device that can efficiently combine batteries even with a reduced number of transport lines, and can prevent an increase in battery defect rate or a delay in battery transport. Background Technology

[0004] There are generally various types of rechargeable batteries, such as nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, and lithium metal batteries. These rechargeable batteries are widely used not only in small products such as smartphones, smartwatches, smart rings, smart glasses, portable gaming devices, and electric bicycles, but also in large products requiring high power, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS) for storing surplus electricity or renewable energy, and backup energy storage devices.

[0005] After the secondary batteries are manufactured, they undergo damage and defect detection before being assembled into battery modules or shipped as finished products. To go through these various processes, the secondary batteries are continuously transported to the corresponding workshops or equipment locations.

[0006] However, due to the need to transport a large number of secondary batteries in each process, the number of transport lines may increase or decrease due to various issues such as space constraints and economic feasibility. However, if the number of transport lines is reduced, a bottleneck will occur, which may cause secondary batteries to accumulate in specific areas, reduce transport speed, or even cause secondary batteries to fall off the transport lines or malfunction equipment. Therefore, when the number of lines transporting secondary batteries is reduced, a technology is needed to efficiently combine the secondary batteries together. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The present disclosure aims to provide a secondary battery transfer device that can efficiently combine secondary batteries when the number of lines for transferring secondary batteries is reduced.

[0009] The technical problems addressed in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand other problems not mentioned herein through the following description of this disclosure.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] The secondary battery transfer device according to this disclosure for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a first transfer line and a second transfer line, through which a plurality of batteries are transferred respectively; a merging line, which merges and transfers the plurality of batteries transferred respectively through the first transfer line and the second transfer line; a channel formed between the first transfer line and the merging line or between the second transfer line and the merging line, so that the plurality of batteries can pass through; a guide, which rotates to open and close the channel and guide the plurality of batteries to the merging line; and a hinge formed on one side of the channel and serving as a rotation axis of the guide.

[0012] In addition, the secondary battery transmission device further includes: a first stop, which opens and closes the movement path of the first transmission line; and a second stop, which opens and closes the movement path of the second transmission line.

[0013] Furthermore, when the plurality of batteries are transported via the first transmission line, the first stop opens the movement path of the first transmission line, and when the plurality of batteries are transported via the second transmission line, the first stop blocks the movement path of the first transmission line; and when the plurality of batteries are transported via the second transmission line, the second stop opens the movement path of the second transmission line, and when the plurality of batteries are transported via the first transmission line, the second stop blocks the movement path of the second transmission line.

[0014] Furthermore, the merging line is formed to extend from the first transmission line, and the channel is formed between the second transmission line and the merging line.

[0015] Furthermore, when the battery, transmitted via the first transmission line, pushes the guide, the guide rotates about the hinge to close the channel; and when the battery, transmitted via the second transmission line, pushes the guide, the guide rotates about the hinge to open the channel.

[0016] In addition, the channel includes: a first channel formed between the first transmission line and the merging line; and a second channel formed between the second transmission line and the merging line.

[0017] Furthermore, when the battery, transmitted via the first transmission line, pushes the guide, the guide rotates about the hinge to open the first channel, and when the battery, transmitted via the second transmission line, pushes the guide, the guide rotates about the hinge to open the second channel.

[0018] Other specific details of this disclosure are contained in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0019] Beneficial effects

[0020] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, at least the following effects are obtained.

[0021] Even by reducing the number of lines that transmit secondary batteries, the batteries can be efficiently grouped together, thereby alleviating the bottleneck and preventing battery buildup.

[0022] Furthermore, since the guide rotates around the hinge and the channel is opened and closed by the battery, it can prevent the battery from being damaged or stuck between the guide and the transmission line.

[0023] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to the examples described above; this specification also includes many other effects. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 21 in the conventional secondary battery transmission device 2 is open.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a state where the movement path of the conventional first transmission line 21 is blocked and the movement path of the second transmission line 22 is open.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the open state of the movement path of the conventional second transmission line 22.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the conventional guide 25 collides with the battery 3 during movement.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is open.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is blocked and the movement path of the second transmission line 12 is open.

[0030] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the second transmission line 12 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is open.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the movement path of the second transmission line 12 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is blocked and the movement path of the first transmission line 11 is open.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is reopened.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11a according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is open.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11a according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is blocked and the movement path of the second transmission line 12a is open.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the second transmission line 12a according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is open.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the movement path of the second transmission line 12a according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is blocked and the movement path of the first transmission line 11a is open.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11a according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is reopened. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The advantages, features, and methods of achieving these advantages and features of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and these embodiments are provided only to complete the disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of its scope of protection, and this disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) are to be used in the sense that is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, unless explicitly and specifically defined, terms as defined in common dictionaries should not be interpreted ideally or excessively.

[0040] The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing implementations and is not intended to limit this disclosure. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless explicitly stated otherwise. The terms "comprising" and / or "including" as used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components besides those mentioned.

[0041] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 21 in the conventional secondary battery transmission device 2 is open.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple batteries 3 are transmitted via the first transmission line 21 and the second transmission line 22, respectively, and the number of transmission lines is reduced from two to one. At this time, the merging line 23 is formed to extend from the first transmission line 21, and the channel 24 can be formed between the second transmission line 22 and the merging line 23. First, the multiple batteries 3 transmitted via the first transmission line 21 continue to be transmitted and enter the merging line 23.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a state where the movement path of the conventional first transmission line 21 is blocked and the movement path of the second transmission line 22 is open.

[0045] When a certain number of batteries 3 from a plurality of batteries 3 enter the merging line 23 through the first transmission line 21, the actuator 26, as Figure 2 The operation shown causes the guide 25 connected via arm 261 to move. At this time, the guide 25 moves linearly from the second transmission line 22 side to the first transmission line 21 side.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the open state of the movement path of the conventional second transmission line 22.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, when the guide 25 moves fully toward the first transmission line 21, it opens the channel 24 formed between the second transmission line 22 and the converging line 23. Then, as the movement path of the second transmission line 22 is opened, the multiple batteries 3 transmitted through the second transmission line 22 pass through the channel 24 and enter the converging line 23.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the conventional guide 25 collides with the battery 3 during movement.

[0049] However, traditionally, such as Figure 4As shown, there are problems such as the guide 25 colliding with the battery 3 during movement, causing damage to the battery 3, or the battery 3 getting stuck between the guide 25 and the transmission lines 21 and 22, preventing the guide 25 from moving further. As a result, the defect rate of the battery 3 increases, and the transmission of the battery 3 may be delayed.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is open.

[0051] The secondary battery transfer device 1 according to this disclosure includes: a first transfer line 11 and a second transfer line 12, through which a plurality of batteries 3 are transferred respectively; and a merging line 13, which merges and transfers the plurality of batteries 3 transferred through the first transfer line 11 and the second transfer line 12 respectively. Furthermore, a channel 14 is formed between the first transfer line 11 and the merging line 13 or between the second transfer line 12 and the merging line 13 to allow the plurality of batteries 3 to pass through. In addition, the secondary battery transfer device 1 further includes: a guide 15, which rotates to open and close the channel 14 and guide the plurality of batteries 3 to the merging line 13; and a hinge 151, formed on one side of the channel 14 and serving as a rotation axis for the guide 15.

[0052] Furthermore, the secondary battery transfer device 1 according to this disclosure may also include: a first stop 111, which opens and closes the movement path of the first transfer line 11; and a second stop 121, which opens and closes the movement path of the second transfer line 12.

[0053] Hereinafter, although transmission lines 11 and 12 are described as two, according to this disclosure, the number of multiple transmission lines is not limited. That is, the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12 do not necessarily limit the number of transmission lines in this disclosure to two, but can be understood as any two selected from multiple transmission lines.

[0054] Conveyor belts or similar materials can be used to form a transmission line, but this disclosure is not limited to this. Various structures can be used as long as multiple batteries 3 can be transported.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, multiple batteries 3 are transmitted via a first transmission line 11 and a second transmission line 12, and then the number of transmission lines is reduced from two to one. At this time, according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, the merging line 13 can be formed to extend from the first transmission line 11, and the channel 14 can be formed between the second transmission line 12 and the merging line 13.

[0056] First, the multiple batteries 3 transported via the first transmission line 11 continue to be transported and enter the merging line 13. Then, the first stop 111 opens the movement path of the first transmission line 11, and the second stop 121 blocks the movement path of the second transmission line 12. As a result, the multiple batteries 3 may be unable to be transported via the second transmission line 12 and are stopped.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is blocked and the movement path of the second transmission line 12 is open.

[0058] When a certain number of batteries 3 out of multiple batteries 3 enter the merging line 13 through the first transmission line 11, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first stop 111 blocks the movement path of the first transmission line 11, and the second stop 121 opens the movement path of the second transmission line 12.

[0059] exist Figure 6 In the diagram, the first stop 111 and the second stop 121 are shown to move linearly along the width direction of the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12, respectively. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first stop 111 and the second stop 121 may move in various ways (e.g., linear movement or rotational movement along the depth direction) as long as they can open and close the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12, respectively.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the second transmission line 12 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is open.

[0061] When the first stop 111 completely blocks the movement path of the first transmission line 11 and the second stop 121 completely opens the movement path of the second transmission line 12, such as Figure 7 As shown, multiple batteries 3 are conveyed via the second transmission line 12. Furthermore, the batteries 3 conveyed via the second transmission line 12 push the guide 15.

[0062] According to a first embodiment of this disclosure, the guide 15 rotates about a hinge 151 to open and close the channel 14 and guides a plurality of batteries 3 to the converging line 13. The hinge 151 is formed on one side of the channel 14 and serves as a rotation axis when the guide 15 rotates. Therefore, when the batteries 3 conveyed via the second transmission line 12 push the guide 15, the guide 15 rotates about the hinge 151 to open the channel 14. Then, the second transmission line 12 and the converging line 13 are interconnected via the channel 14, and the plurality of batteries 3 conveyed via the second transmission line 12 enter the converging line 13.

[0063] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the movement path of the second transmission line 12 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is blocked and the movement path of the first transmission line 11 is open.

[0064] When a certain number of batteries 3 from a plurality of batteries 3 enter the merging line 13 through the second transmission line 12, such as Figure 8 As shown, the second stop 121 blocks the movement path of the second transmission line 12, and the first stop 111 opens the movement path of the first transmission line 11.

[0065] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is reopened.

[0066] When the second stop 121 completely blocks the movement path of the second transmission line 12 and the first stop 111 completely opens the movement path of the first transmission line 11, such as Figure 9 As shown, multiple batteries 3 are conveyed via the first conveyor line 11. Furthermore, when the batteries 3 conveyed via the first conveyor line 11 push the guide 15, the guide 15 rotates about the hinge 151 to close the channel 14. Then, the first conveyor line 11 and the converging line 13 reconnect, and the multiple batteries 3 conveyed via the first conveyor line 11 enter the converging line 13.

[0067] In this way, by guiding multiple batteries 3 transported along the first conveyor line 11 and the second conveyor line 12 into the converging line 13 in a certain number of alternating increments, the batteries 3 can be efficiently converged, thereby alleviating the bottleneck phenomenon and preventing battery 3 accumulation. Furthermore, since the guide 15 rotates about the hinge 151, and the batteries 3 push the guide 15 to open and close the channel 14, damage to the batteries 3 or jamming between the guide 15 and the conveyor lines 11 and 12 can be prevented. As a result, the defect rate of the batteries 3 can be reduced, and transmission delays of the batteries 3 can be prevented.

[0068] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11a according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is open.

[0069] According to a first embodiment of this disclosure, the merging line 13 is formed to extend from the first transmission line 11, and a channel is formed between the second transmission line 12 and the merging line 13. Furthermore, when the battery 3 transmitted via the first transmission line 11 pushes the guide 15, the guide 15 rotates about the hinge 151 to close the channel; and when the battery 3 transmitted via the second transmission line 12 pushes the guide 15, the guide 15 rotates about the hinge 151 to open the channel.

[0070] On the other hand, in the secondary battery transfer device 1a according to the second embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figure 10 As shown, the merging line 13a extends from both the first transmission line 11a and the second transmission line 12a, naturally forming a single line. Furthermore, the channel may include a first channel 141a formed between the first transmission line 11a and the merging line 13a, and a second channel 142a formed between the second transmission line 12a and the merging line 13a.

[0071] First, the first transmission line 11a and the merging line 13a are interconnected via the first channel 141a, and the multiple batteries 3 transmitted via the first transmission line 11a enter the merging line 13a. Then, the first stop 111a opens the movement path of the first transmission line 11a, and the second stop 121a blocks the movement path of the second transmission line 12a. As a result, the multiple batteries 3 may be unable to be transmitted via the second transmission line 12a and may be stopped.

[0072] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11a according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is blocked and the movement path of the second transmission line 12a is open.

[0073] When a certain number of batteries 3 out of multiple batteries 3 enter the merging line 13a through the first transmission line 11a, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first stop 111a blocks the movement path of the first transmission line 11a, and the second stop 121a opens the movement path of the second transmission line 12a.

[0074] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the second transmission line 12a according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is open.

[0075] When the first stop 111a completely blocks the movement path of the first transmission line 11a and the second stop 121a completely opens the movement path of the second transmission line 12a, such as Figure 12 As shown, multiple batteries 3 are conveyed via the second transmission line 12a. Furthermore, when the batteries 3 conveyed via the second transmission line 12a push the guide 15a, the guide 15a rotates about the hinge 151a to simultaneously open the second channel 142a and close the first channel 141a. Then, the second transmission line 12a and the merging line 13a are interconnected via the second channel 142a, and the multiple batteries 3 conveyed via the second transmission line 12a enter the merging line 13a.

[0076] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the movement path of the second transmission line 12a according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is blocked and the movement path of the first transmission line 11a is open.

[0077] When a certain number of batteries 3 out of multiple batteries 3 enter the merging line 13a through the second transmission line 12a, such as Figure 13 As shown, the second stop 121a blocks the movement path of the second transmission line 12a, and the first stop 111a opens the movement path of the first transmission line 11a.

[0078] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the movement path of the first transmission line 11a according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is reopened.

[0079] When the second stop 121a completely blocks the movement path of the second transmission line 12a and the first stop 111a completely opens the movement path of the first transmission line 11a, such as Figure 14 As shown, multiple batteries 3 are conveyed via the first transmission line 11a. Furthermore, when the batteries 3 conveyed via the first transmission line 11a push the guide 15a, the guide 15a rotates about the hinge 151a to simultaneously open the first channel 141a and close the second channel 142a. Then, the first transmission line 11a and the merging line 13a are reconnected via the first channel 141a, and the multiple batteries 3 conveyed via the first transmission line 11a enter the merging line 13a.

[0080] Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that this disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential characteristics. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims, not by the foregoing detailed description, and various embodiments derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A secondary battery transfer device, the secondary battery transfer device comprising: A first transmission line and a second transmission line, through which multiple batteries are transmitted respectively; A merging line, wherein the merging line merges and transmits the plurality of batteries that are respectively transmitted through the first transmission line and the second transmission line; A channel is formed between the first transmission line and the merging line or between the second transmission line and the merging line to allow the plurality of batteries to pass through; A guide element that rotates to open and close the channel and guide the plurality of batteries to the confluence line; as well as A hinge, formed on one side of the channel and serving as the rotation axis of the guide.

2. The secondary battery transfer device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first stop, which opens and closes the movement path of the first transmission line; as well as The second stop opens and closes the movement path of the second transmission line.

3. The secondary battery transfer device according to claim 2, in, When the plurality of batteries are transported via the first transmission line, the first stop opens the movement path of the first transmission line, and when the plurality of batteries are transported via the second transmission line, the first stop blocks the movement path of the first transmission line. When the plurality of batteries are transported through the second transmission line, the second stop opens the movement path of the second transmission line, and when the plurality of batteries are transported through the first transmission line, the second stop blocks the movement path of the second transmission line.

4. The secondary battery transfer device according to claim 1, in, The merging line is formed to extend from the first transmission line, and The channel is formed between the second transmission line and the merging line.

5. The secondary battery transfer device according to claim 4, in, When the battery, transmitted via the first transmission line, pushes the guide, the guide rotates about the hinge to close the channel, and When the battery, which is being transported via the second transmission line, pushes the guide, the guide rotates about the hinge to open the channel.

6. The secondary battery transfer device according to claim 1, in, The channel includes: A first channel is formed between the first transmission line and the merging line; and The second channel is formed between the second transmission line and the merging line.

7. The secondary battery transfer device according to claim 6, in, When the battery, transmitted via the first transmission line, pushes the guide, the guide rotates about the hinge to open the first channel, and When the battery, which is being transported via the second transmission line, pushes the guide, the guide rotates about the hinge to open the second channel.

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