Cell gap conversion device for secondary battery

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cell interval conversion device for a secondary battery, which can include a first pick-and-place section fixed to transfer a plurality of cells in an interval state having a first interval, a second pick-and-place section fixed to transfer a plurality of cells in an interval state having a second interval, and a buffer section disposed at a position where the first pick-and-place section and the second pick-and-place section can approach each other and accommodating a plurality of cells, and configured to be able to convert the interval of the accommodated cells. The cell interval conversion device for a secondary battery of the present disclosure can improve the high-speed productivity of a secondary battery and improve the stability of cells during transfer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones, and the formal development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites, research is actively underway on high-performance rechargeable batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0003] The pouch-type cells in a secondary battery can be manufactured through the processes of assembling the cells and activating the cells. The pouch packaging material typically includes a lower packaging material that houses the electrode assembly and an upper packaging material that seals the lower packaging material.

[0004] The electrode assembly is housed in the lower outer casing material, and then the edges around the lower outer casing material and the corresponding upper outer casing material are closely attached. After the closely attached part is heat-fused, electrolyte is added and the rest is vacuum-sealed to assemble the battery cell.

[0005] On the other hand, since secondary battery cells are assembled in a discharged state, they must be activated by a charge after assembly before they can function as batteries. This is called the activation process or formation process.

[0006] In the formation process, to ensure smooth current flow, the secondary battery cells are mounted on designated activation equipment and subjected to charging and discharging processes under the conditions required for activation. Due to their characteristics, secondary batteries require this activation process during the first cycle to activate the positive electrode active material and form a stable surface film on the negative electrode.

[0007] In the formation process, a surface film is formed on the surface of the negative electrode through the reaction between the negative electrode active material and the electrolyte. The physical and mechanical integrity of this surface film determines the performance of the secondary battery until the end of the secondary battery's life.

[0008] In addition, for secondary battery cells manufactured in the cell assembly process, multiple secondary battery cells are transferred to the formation process after being placed in a logistics pallet. For the convenience of logistics, the multiple secondary battery cells placed in the logistics pallet are arranged with a relatively dense spacing between the cells compared to the formation process.

[0009] However, since the spacing between the secondary battery cells supplied to the formation process is wider than the spacing between the secondary battery cells in the logistics pallet, it is necessary to change the spacing (pitch) of the cells when supplying the densely spaced secondary battery cells in the logistics pallet to the formation process. In this way, the secondary battery cells with wider spacing can be accommodated in other pallets or transport items with different spacing before being supplied to the formation process.

[0010] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0011] [Patent Documents]

[0012] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-2556804 B1 Utility Model Content

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosures, a cell spacing changing device for secondary batteries can be provided that, during the process of transferring cells from one process to another, the spacing of the cells is fixed without changing the spacing, but the spacing of the cells can be changed at other intermediate locations.

[0015] In addition, a cell spacing transformation device for secondary batteries can be provided to improve the high-speed production of secondary batteries and enhance cell stability during transfer.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a spacing conversion device for secondary battery cells can be provided, which can be widely used in electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other green technology fields such as photovoltaic power generation and wind power generation that use batteries.

[0017] Technical solution

[0018] A spacing adjustment device for secondary battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first pick-and-place unit configured to load or unload from a first tray and move within a first interval, and fixed to transfer multiple cells with a first interval spacing; a second pick-and-place unit configured to load or unload from a second tray and move within a second interval, and fixed to transfer multiple cells with a second interval spacing; and a buffer unit disposed at a position where the first pick-and-place unit and the second pick-and-place unit can approach each other and accommodate multiple cells, and configured to change the spacing of the accommodated cells.

[0019] The path of the first section of the first pick-and-place unit is configured to move from the upper side of the first tray to the upper side of the buffer section, and the first pick-and-place unit can load multiple battery cells carried on the upper side of the first tray.

[0020] In addition, the path of the second section of the second pick-up and place section is set to move from the upper side of the second tray to the upper side of the buffer section, and the second pick-up and place section can unload multiple battery cells with varying spacing through the buffer section onto the second tray from the upper side of the second tray.

[0021] Additionally, the buffer section can be disposed between the first stage of the first tray and the second stage of the second tray.

[0022] Additionally, the buffer section may include: a base plate; a plurality of cell holders disposed on the upper side of the base plate and spaced apart in a horizontal direction, and configured to accommodate the cell; a drive section that provides external force to the cell holders to adjust the spacing distance between the plurality of cell holders on the base plate; and a guide rail that guides the movement path of the cell holders when the spacing distance of the cell holders is adjusted.

[0023] Additionally, the cell holder may include: a base portion; a plurality of cell guides arranged in a symmetrical structure on the upper side of the base portion and configured to be spaced apart from each other to accommodate the cell between the cell guides; and a sheet portion disposed on the lower inner side of the cell guides where the cell is placed.

[0024] In addition, the plurality of cell guides can move in a direction away from each other before the cell is inserted, and move in a direction closer to each other after the cell is inserted to hold the cell in place.

[0025] Additionally, the buffer section may further include: an interval adjustment link section connecting the drive section and the plurality of cell holders, such that the spacing distance can be adjusted as an external force from one of the drive sections is applied to the plurality of cell holders.

[0026] Additionally, the interval adjustment link may include: a vertical link, configured to extend downward from the lower side of each cell holder; and a horizontal link, connecting a plurality of adjacent vertical links in a horizontal direction, wherein the horizontal link is fixedly coupled to any vertical link and slidably connected to other adjacent vertical links, and configured to maintain the first interval and the second interval between adjacent cell holders by a sliding operation.

[0027] In addition, the middle cell holder among the plurality of cell holders can remain fixed when the spacing of the buffer section changes.

[0028] In addition, the drive unit can be connected to any of the adjacent vertical links located on both sides of the vertical link of the cell holder which is fixed in the middle.

[0029] The buffer section may further include a barcode reader, disposed near the cell holder and configured to read the barcode on the tab of the cell.

[0030] Additionally, the barcode reader can be configured to adjust its angle.

[0031] In addition, the buffer section may further include: a tab centering section, disposed near the cell holder, for sensing the positive position of the tab portion of the cell exposed on the outside of the cell holder.

[0032] In addition, multiple electrode centering portions may be provided at both ends of the outer side of the cell holder exposed at the electrode tab.

[0033] The features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Prior to this, the terms or words used in this specification and technical solutions should not be interpreted as having their conventional and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best explain their utility model.

[0035] Technical effect

[0036] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, during the process of transferring battery cells from one process to another, a fixed spacing is maintained during the transfer of battery cells, while the spacing of the battery cells is changed from a first spacing to a second spacing in a separately provided buffer section, thereby improving the shaking and impact of the battery cells.

[0037] In addition, it can improve the high-speed production of secondary batteries and enhance cell stability.

[0038] Additionally, the barcode reading rate of the battery cell can be improved by minimizing vibrations in the cell and other drive systems. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating a spacing conversion device for secondary battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 2This is a plan view showing a buffer section having a first interval in a spacing state of a spacing conversion device for secondary battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of line A-A';

[0042] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the main part of the cell holder in a spacing conversion device for secondary battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing a buffer section having a second interval in a spacing state of a spacing conversion device for secondary battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of line B-B';

[0045] Figure 7 This is a side view of a barcode reader provided in a spacing conversion device for secondary battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A plan view showing the connection between the vertical arm and the support frame;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a side view of a tab centering portion provided in a spacing conversion device for a secondary battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0049] 10: First tray

[0050] 11: First Workbench

[0051] 20: Second tray

[0052] 21: Second workbench

[0053] 100: First pick-up and drop-off section

[0054] 200: Second pick-up and drop-off section

[0055] 300: Buffer section

[0056] 310: Base Plate

[0057] 311: Perforated section

[0058] 320: Cell Holder

[0059] 321: Base section

[0060] 322: Cell guide

[0061] 323: Sheet Department

[0062] 330: Drive Unit

[0063] 340: Guide rail

[0064] 350: Interval adjustment link

[0065] 351: Vertical Link

[0066] 352: Horizontal Link

[0067] 360: Barcode Reader

[0068] 370: Electrode centering part Detailed Implementation

[0069] The terminology used to describe one embodiment of this disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure. It should be understood that, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the context, the singular includes the plural.

[0070] When assigning reference numerals to the constituent elements of the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals should be assigned to the same constituent elements as much as possible, even if the same constituent elements are represented in different drawings, and similar reference numerals should be assigned to similar constituent elements.

[0071] For the purpose of illustrating the embodiments, the accompanying drawings may be simplified or exaggerated. The terms "having," "may have," "comprising," or "may include" as used herein refer to the presence of the corresponding feature (e.g., a numerical value, function, action, or component), but do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0072] Terms such as “one,” “other,” “another,” “first,” and “second” are used to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements, and the constituent elements are not limited by the terms used.

[0073] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating a spacing conversion device for secondary battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a plan view showing a buffer section having a first interval in a spacing state of a secondary battery cell spacing conversion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of line A-A'. Figure 4This is a perspective view showing the main part of the cell holder in a cell spacing conversion device for secondary batteries according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a plan view showing a buffer section having a second spacing state in a spacing conversion device for secondary battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of line B-B'. Figure 7 This is a simplified side view illustrating a barcode reader provided in a spacing conversion device for secondary battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A plan view showing the connection between the vertical arm and the support frame. Figure 9 This is a side view of a tab centering portion provided in a spacing conversion device for a secondary battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, a spacing adjustment device for secondary battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first pick-and-place unit 100 configured to load or unload from a first tray 10 and move within a first interval, and fixed to transfer multiple cells with a first interval spacing state; a second pick-and-place unit 200 configured to load or unload from a second tray 20 and move within a second interval, and fixed to transfer multiple cells with a second interval spacing state; and a buffer unit 300 disposed at a position where the first pick-and-place unit 100 and the second pick-and-place unit 200 can approach each other and accommodate multiple cells, and configured to change the spacing of the accommodated cells.

[0076] The first pick-and-place section 100 is provided for picking up multiple secondary battery cells at once and transferring them to other locations. It can load or unload multiple cells contained in the first tray 10 at once.

[0077] Therefore, the first pick-and-place section 100 can be located near the first stage 11 where the first pallet 10 is placed, so that the first pallet 10 (e.g., engineering pallet or logistics pallet) can be loaded or unloaded.

[0078] The first loading and unloading section 100 can move within the first interval and load or unload battery cells on the first tray 10, and load or unload battery cells in the buffer section 300.

[0079] Specifically, for the first pick-and-place section 100, the path of the first interval can be configured to move from the upper side of the first tray 10 to the upper side of the buffer section 300. Furthermore, the first pick-and-place section 100 can load multiple battery cells carried on the first tray 10 onto the upper side of the first tray 10.

[0080] That is, the first range of movement of the first pick-and-place section 100 can be defined as from the upper side of the first tray 10 to the upper side of the buffer section 300. When the first pick-and-place section 100 is located on the upper side of the first tray 10, the pick-up section of the first pick-and-place section 100 can be lowered to pick up the battery cell contained in the first tray 10. Then, when the pick-up section rises again after picking up the battery cell, the first pick-and-place section 100 can move to the upper side of the buffer section 300 while holding the battery cell.

[0081] Furthermore, when the first pick-up and drop-off section 100 is located above the buffer section 300, the first pick-up and drop-off section 100 can lower the pickup section again to unload the battery cell from the buffer section 300. When the battery cell is unloaded into the buffer section 300, the pickup section rises again, and the first pick-up and drop-off section 100 can move back to the upper side of the first tray 10.

[0082] Here, the first pick-and-place unit 100 can transfer multiple battery cells in a fixed-pitch state with a spacing (hereinafter referred to as "first interval") that is the same as the spacing of the battery cells housed in the first tray 10. Therefore, the first pick-and-place unit 100 can unload battery cells with a spacing of the first interval into the buffer unit 300.

[0083] During the transfer of multiple battery cells from the first tray 10 to the buffer section 300 by the first pick-and-place section 100, the spacing between the battery cells contained in the first tray 10 remains unchanged and is transferred at the same distance. Therefore, compared with the conventional case where the spacing between battery cells changes during transfer, according to this disclosure, the movement and vibration of the battery cells can be reduced, and even at high speeds, the shaking of the battery cells is reduced, thereby preventing damage to the battery cells and ensuring stability during transfer.

[0084] The second loading / unloading section 200 can be located near the second stage 21 where the second pallet 20 is placed, so that the second pallet 20 (e.g., another pallet or conveyor with different spacing) can be loaded or unloaded.

[0085] The second loading / unloading section 200 can move within the second interval to load or unload battery cells in the buffer section 300 and in the second tray 20.

[0086] Specifically, for the second pick-and-place section 200, the path of the second interval can be set such that it moves from the upper side of the second tray 20 to the upper side of the buffer section 300, and multiple battery cells with varying spacing through the buffer section 300 are unloaded onto the second tray 20 on the upper side of the second tray 20.

[0087] That is, the second range in which the second pick-up and place unit 200 moves can be defined as from the upper side of the second tray 20 to the upper side of the buffer section 300. When the second pick-up and place unit 200 is located above the buffer section 300, the pick-up unit can descend to pick up the battery cell loaded and housed in the buffer section 300. Then, when the pick-up unit rises again after picking up the battery cell from the buffer section 300, the second pick-up and place unit 200 can move to the upper side of the second tray 20 while holding the battery cell.

[0088] Furthermore, when the second pick-up and drop-off section 200 is located above the second tray 20, the second pick-up and drop-off section 200 can lower the pickup section again to unload the battery cell from the second tray 20. When all the battery cells have been unloaded onto the second tray 20, the pickup section of the second pick-up and drop-off section 200 can rise back to its original position.

[0089] Here, the second pick-and-place unit 200 can transfer multiple battery cells with a fixed spacing, having the same spacing as the battery cells housed in the buffer unit 300 (hereinafter referred to as the "second spacing"). Therefore, the second pick-and-place unit 200 can unload battery cells with the spacing of the second spacing onto the second tray 20.

[0090] In the process of transferring multiple battery cells from the buffer section 300 to the second tray 20, the second pick-and-place section 200 directly transfers the battery cells at the second interval without changing the spacing of the battery cells in the buffer section 300 from the first interval to the second interval. Therefore, even at high speeds, the shaking of the battery cells is reduced, thereby preventing damage to the battery cells and ensuring stability during transfer.

[0091] On the other hand, the buffer section 300 can be located in a position where both the first pick-and-place section 100 and the second pick-and-place section 200 are close to each other. The buffer section 300 is configured to accommodate multiple battery cells unloaded by the first pick-and-place section 100.

[0092] In addition, the buffer section 300 can change the spacing of the battery cells with a first interval that are unloaded by the first pick-and-place section 100 to a second interval.

[0093] The buffer section 300 may be located between the first stage 11 of the first tray 10 and the second stage 21 of the second tray 20 (see [reference]). Figure 1 ).

[0094] The following explains the principle of changing the spacing in the buffer section 300 and the specific structure of the buffer section 300.

[0095] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the buffer section 300 may include: a base plate 310; a plurality of cell holders 320 disposed on the upper side of the base plate 310 and spaced apart in a horizontal direction, and configured to accommodate the cell 30; a drive section 330 that provides external force to the cell holders 320 to adjust the spacing distance between the plurality of cell holders 320 on the base plate 310; and a guide rail 340 that guides the movement path of the cell holders 320 when the spacing distance of the cell holders 320 is adjusted. The base plate 310 is a flat plate-shaped member and may be configured to mount other components of the buffer section 300.

[0096] The cell holder 320 is provided for individually accommodating the secondary battery cell 30. Multiple cell holders 320 can be provided on the upper side of the base plate 310 so that multiple cells 30 can be independently accommodated. In addition, the cell holders 320 can be arranged horizontally with predetermined intervals on the upper side of the base plate 310.

[0097] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cell holder 320 may include: a base portion 321; a plurality of cell guides 322 forming a symmetrical structure on the upper side of the base portion 321 and configured to be spaced apart from each other so as to accommodate the cell 30 therebetween; and a sheet portion 323 disposed on the lower inner side of the cell guides 322 on which the cell 30 is placed.

[0098] The base portion 321 is a component that serves as the basis for the cell holder 320, and a cell guide 322 may be provided on the upper side of the base portion 321.

[0099] The cell retainer 320 can be configured such that the base portion 321 is inserted into the base plate 310, so that it can move horizontally on the base plate 310 while being supported by the base plate 310.

[0100] Therefore, a through-hole 311 is formed on one side (e.g., the middle portion) of the base plate 310, through which the base portion 321 is inserted into the base plate 310 for support. When subjected to external force, the base portion 321 can slide along the horizontal direction of the base plate 310.

[0101] Multiple cell guides 322 can be provided, and the cell guides 322 form a symmetrical structure on the upper side of the base portion 321. The cell guides 322 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the cell 30, and can be configured to accommodate the cell 30 between the multiple cell guides 322.

[0102] With the battery cell housed among a plurality of battery cell guides 322, the tab 31 formed on at least one side end of the battery cell may be exposed or protrude to the outside of the battery cell guide 322.

[0103] In addition, the cell guide 322 can guide the cell to be accommodated in the correct position of the cell guide 322 when the cell is inserted between multiple cell guides 322.

[0104] The plurality of cell guides 322 can move in a direction away from each other to maintain a relatively wide interval before the cell is inserted, and move in a direction closer to each other to hold the cell 30 in place after the cell is inserted.

[0105] See Figure 4 Multiple cell guides 322 are individually connected to a mover 324, enabling the multiple cell guides 322 to move in a direction away from each other or in a direction close to each other.

[0106] During the unloading process of the battery cell, when the battery cell is inserted into the battery cell holder 320, the battery cell guide 322 widens the gap through the mover 324, thus making it easier to insert the battery cell. After the battery cell is inserted, the battery cell guide 322 moves in a direction that brings them closer together to reduce the gap, thereby being able to hold the battery cell stably.

[0107] Here, the mover 324 can use an electric motor for moving the cell guide 322, or a fluid cylinder utilizing hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, or other power sources.

[0108] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the sheet portion 323 can be disposed at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the cell guide 322 on the lower inner side of the cell guide 322. The sheet portion 323 can be constructed as a block shape of flexible material to avoid damaging the cell inserted into the cell guide 322 and to stably support the cell.

[0109] Also, see again Figure 3 The drive unit 330 can provide external force to the cell holder 320 to adjust the spacing between the multiple cell holders 320 on the base plate 310.

[0110] The drive unit 330 can be configured one-to-one with each cell holder 320 to directly provide external force to the cell holder 320, but it can also provide external force to the cell holder 320 indirectly through other components. The case where the drive unit 330 provides external force to the cell holder 320 indirectly through other components will be explained later.

[0111] The guide rail 340 is used to move the cell holder 320 along a preset path on the base plate 310 when adjusting the spacing (pitch) of the cell holder 320. The guide rail 340 can guide the movement path of the cell holder 320.

[0112] The guide rail 340 can be assembled with the cell holder 320 so that the cell holder 320 can slide. One or more guide rails 340 can be set as needed. The number and installation position of the guide rails 340 can be set appropriately as needed without much limitation.

[0113] When multiple guide rails 340 are provided, the multiple guide rails 340 can be arranged parallel to each other. In addition, the guide rails 340 can be assembled not only with the cell holder 320, but also with the drive unit 330.

[0114] On the other hand, see Figure 3 The buffer section 300 may further include an interval adjustment link section 350, which connects the drive section 330 and the plurality of cell holders 320, so that the spacing distance can be adjusted as an external force is applied to the plurality of cell holders 320 by one of the drive sections 330.

[0115] The spacing adjustment link 350 can provide an external force generated from a drive unit 330 to multiple cell holders 320. When the external force is applied, the spacing between adjacent multiple cell holders 320 is adjusted so that the spacing (pitch) of the cell holders 320 changes in the same way.

[0116] Specifically, the interval adjustment link 350 may include: a vertical link 351, configured to extend downward from the lower side of each cell holder 320; and a horizontal link 352, connecting a plurality of adjacent vertical links 351 in a horizontal direction, wherein the horizontal link 352 is fixedly coupled to any vertical link 351 and slidably connected to other adjacent vertical links 351, and is configured to maintain the first interval or the second interval of the adjacent plurality of cell holders 320 by a sliding operation.

[0117] The vertical link 351 can be provided on the underside of the base portion 321, which serves as a component of each cell holder 320, and extends downward by a predetermined length. A number of vertical links 351 can be provided corresponding to the number of cell holders 320. The downward extension of the vertical link 351 can be interpreted as the height direction shown in the figure.

[0118] For reference only. Figure 2 and Figure 3The diagram shows the state in which the spacing between the cell holders 320 maintains a first interval to accommodate the cell unloaded from the first pick-and-place section 100. (As shown) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As illustrated, if, for example, five cell retainers 320 are provided, five vertical connectors 351 may also be provided.

[0119] Additionally, the horizontal link 352 can be configured to connect multiple adjacent vertical links 351 in a horizontal direction. Here, the horizontal direction can be interpreted as the direction intersecting with the vertical links 351.

[0120] The horizontal link 352 can be configured to be fixedly connected to any vertical link 351 and slidably connected to other adjacent vertical links 351.

[0121] by Figure 3 For example, assuming the vertical link 351 on the left side of the diagram is number 1, and numbered sequentially to the right as number 2, 3, etc., then a total of five vertical links 351 are provided from number 1 to number 5. Similarly, assuming the horizontal link 352 on the left side of the diagram is number 1, and numbered sequentially to the right, then a total of four horizontal links 352 are provided from number 1 to number 4.

[0122] Specifically, horizontal connector 352 can be slidably connected to vertical connector 351 and fixedly connected to vertical connector 351. Additionally, horizontal connector 352 can be slidably connected to vertical connector 351 and fixedly connected to vertical connector 351.

[0123] On the other hand, horizontal connector 352 can be fixedly connected to vertical connector 351 and slidably connected to vertical connector 351. Horizontal connector 352 can be fixedly connected to vertical connector 351 and slidably connected to vertical connector 351.

[0124] That is, the horizontal link 352 is a symmetrical structure with the vertical link 351 located in the middle as the reference, and can be fixedly connected or slidably connected to the vertical link 351. In addition, five cell retainers 320 are shown as an example in the figure, but the number of cell retainers 320 is not limited to this. The number can be three, seven, nine or other odd numbers. In this case, it can be constructed according to the same mechanism as described above.

[0125] Therefore, by moving the vertical link 351 and sliding between the horizontal link 352 and the vertical link 351, the multiple cell holders 320 can maintain both the first spacing of the cells in the first pick-up and place section 100 and the second spacing of the cells in the second pick-up and place section 200. Therefore, based on this principle, the spacing of the cells housed in the buffer section 300 can be changed to either the first spacing or the second spacing.

[0126] Here, the middle cell holder 320 among the plurality of cell holders 320 can remain in a fixed position when the spacing of the buffer section 300 changes.

[0127] That is, with Figure 3 Taking the example of the five cell holders 320, the middle cell holder 320 is subjected to the same magnitude and opposite direction of external force from both sides when the spacing changes, so it can keep its position fixed.

[0128] The drive unit 330 can be connected to any one of the adjacent vertical links 351 located on both sides of the vertical link 351 of the cell holder 320 which is fixed in the middle.

[0129] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the drive unit 330 can be connected to vertical link 351 No. 1 and vertical link 351 No. 5, which are located on both sides of a plurality of vertical link 351 based on the vertical link 351 of the No. 3 cell holder 320 fixed in the middle position, so as to transmit external force to vertical link 1 and vertical link 351 No. 5.

[0130] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cell holder 320 of the buffer section 300 can be configured to initially maintain the same spacing in order to accommodate cells with the first spacing that are unloaded from the first pick-up and drop-off section 100.

[0131] On the other hand, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this disclosure, the drive unit 330 can move along the direction away from the vertical link 351 of the cell holder 320, which is fixed in the middle position, via a control signal from a control unit (not shown in this disclosure). Therefore, the vertical link 351 coupled to the drive unit 330 transmits external force to other adjacent vertical links 351 by pulling adjacent horizontal links 352, thereby maintaining a second interval with a spacing different from the first interval for the multiple cell holders 320.

[0132] When the drive unit 330 moves again in the direction toward the center, such as Figure 6 As shown, vertical link 351 slides on horizontal link 352 until cell holder 320 and cell holder 320 reach the first gap. Then, external force is transmitted to vertical link 351 via stop 353 on horizontal link 352. Therefore, vertical link 351 also moves towards the vertical link 351 in the middle fixed position until it reaches the first gap, and then stops via stop 353 to maintain the first gap.

[0133] The spacing between vertical connector 351 (No. 5) and vertical connector 351 (No. 4) also changes according to the same mechanism, so its detailed description is omitted.

[0134] Here, the drive unit 330 can be assembled with another guide rail 340. Therefore, the drive unit 330 can move along the guide rail 340 from the center in a direction that opens outwards, or in a direction that converges inwards.

[0135] There are no major limitations on the type of guide rail 340 assembled with the drive unit 330; a wide variety of types can be used. For example, the guide rail 340 can be configured as a tube with threads formed on its outer periphery. Furthermore, there are no major limitations on the type of drive unit 330. However, when the guide rail 340 is configured as a tube with threads, the drive unit 330 can be configured as a worm motor that moves forward or backward along the threads, surrounding the tube from the outside.

[0136] As described above, the buffer section 300 can be from, for example Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cell holder 320 shown transforms the spacing to, in the state of having a first gap, as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The state shown has a second interval.

[0137] Therefore, the buffer section 300 can receive the battery cells with the first spacing from the first pick-and-place section 100 and change their spacing to the second spacing, and then provide them to the second pick-and-place section 200 that needs to maintain the second spacing.

[0138] On the other hand, such as Figure 7 As shown, the buffer section 300 may also include a barcode reader 360 disposed near the cell holder 320 and configured to read the barcode on the tab section 31 of the cell.

[0139] A barcode reader 360 can be used to read the barcode of each battery cell 30 to obtain information about the corresponding battery cell. The barcode (not shown) can be set on the tab 31 formed on the battery cell 30, and the barcode reader 360 can be set in a direction facing the tab 31 with the barcode to read the barcode.

[0140] The barcode reader 360 can be configured to have an adjustable angle.

[0141] See Figure 7 The barcode reader 360 is configured to be angle-adjustable so that it can be positioned toward the tab 31 with the barcode. To achieve this, the barcode reader 360 may include multiple connecting arms 361 and a bracket 362.

[0142] The connecting arm 361 may include a vertical arm 361a and a horizontal arm 361b configured in mutually intersecting directions. The angle can be adjusted by a hinge connecting the vertical arm 361a and the horizontal arm 361b.

[0143] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the connecting arm 364, which is connected to the barcode reader 363, can be detachably attached to the vertical arm 361a via a bracket 362. The bracket 362 can be attached to the vertical arm 361a in a shape surrounding the outer periphery of the vertical arm 361a, and can be configured to be fastened and detached by bolts.

[0144] When the bracket 362 is connected to the vertical arm 361a, if the bolt connection becomes loose, the bracket 362 can rotate relative to the vertical arm, thus allowing for angle adjustment. Alternatively, the reading unit 363 and the connecting arm 364 can also be configured with an adjustable angle via a hinge.

[0145] On the other hand, such as Figure 7 As shown, the horizontal arm 361b is slidably coupled to the fixing block 365. Here, since the horizontal arm 361b is inserted into the fixing block 365 with a predetermined frictional force, arbitrary sliding of the horizontal arm 361b is suppressed. The horizontal arm 361b can only move by overcoming the frictional force between itself and the fixing block 365 when the user applies an external force to it and pushes or pulls it in the direction that moves the reading section 363 closer to or away from the cell holder 320. Therefore, the barcode reader 360 can read the tab 31 of the cell at the optimal position.

[0146] like Figure 9 As shown, the buffer section 300 may also include a tab centering section 370 disposed near the cell holder 320 for sensing the positive position of the tab section 31 of the cell exposed on the outside of the cell holder 320.

[0147] The tab centering part 370 is provided to determine whether the battery cell 30 is accurately housed in the correct position in the battery cell holder 320. It can sense the correct position of the tab 31 that protrudes outward on the battery cell to determine whether the battery cell 30 is housed in the correct position. That is, the tab centering part 370 can determine whether the battery cell is housed in the correct position by directly sensing whether the tab 31 is in the correct position.

[0148] The tab centering part 370 senses whether the tab part 31 is in the correct position, so that when the second pick-and-place part 200 loads the battery cell contained in the battery cell holder 320, the tab part 31 can be loaded normally, and when the barcode reader 360 reads the barcode on the tab part 31, the tab part 31 enters the reading range of the barcode reader 360, thereby improving the barcode reading rate.

[0149] Here, multiple electrode centering portions 370 may be provided at both ends of the outer side of the exposed electrode portion of the cell holder 320.

[0150] Multiple tab centering portions 370 can be provided at both ends of the outer side of the cell holder 320, respectively corresponding to the tab portions 31 formed at both ends of the cell, thereby improving the positive position sensing capability of the tab portions 31. Therefore, the positive position sensing capability of the tab portions 31 can be improved by the measurement values ​​sensed by the multiple tab centering portions 370.

[0151] The following describes the function and spacing transformation method of a spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] See Figure 1 When the first tray 10 reaches the first worktable 11, the first pick-up and drop section 100 moves toward and descends toward the first tray 10 to pick up multiple battery cells contained in the first tray 10.

[0153] Here, since the battery cells contained in the first tray 10 have a first interval spacing, the first pick-and-place section 100 will also pick up and transfer the battery cells at a spacing that maintains the first interval, and the first interval will remain unchanged during the transfer.

[0154] When the first pick-and-place unit 100 moves the battery cell with the first gap to the buffer unit 300 and unloads the battery cell, the battery cell with the first gap is inserted into the battery cell holder 320 of the buffer unit 300. During insertion, the battery cell guides 322 of the battery cell holder 320 open in a direction away from each other; after insertion, the battery cell guides 322 move again in a direction closer together to stably hold the battery cell. During this process, the first pick-and-place unit 100 rises and returns to its original position.

[0155] On the other hand, the buffer section 300 changes the spacing between the contained battery cells from the first spacing to the second spacing. The principle and function of the spacing change have been fully explained above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0156] When the spacing between the battery cells housed in the buffer section 300 changes to a second spacing, the tab centering section 370 can sense whether the tabs 31 of the battery cells housed in the cell holder 320 with the second spacing are in the correct position. Then, the barcode can be read from the barcode-bearing tabs 31 by the barcode reader 360 to obtain the battery cell information.

[0157] After acquiring the cell information, the second pick-and-place unit 200 can move to the buffer unit 300 side to load the cells housed in the cell holder 320. Here, the cells in the cell holder 320 have a second spacing, and the second pickup unit 200 can also be configured with a second spacing to pick up these cells.

[0158] Before the second loading and unloading section 200 loads the battery cell from the battery cell holder 320, the battery cell guide 322 moves again in the opening direction so that the battery cell can be easily discharged from the battery cell holder 320.

[0159] When the second loading and unloading unit 200 has finished loading the battery cells from the battery cell holder 320, it can move to the second worktable 21 by lifting, moving and lowering operations to unload the battery cells with the second interval from the second tray 20.

[0160] After the battery cells are unloaded, the second pick-and-place unit 200 returns to its original position. This process can be repeated several times until the second tray 20 is completely filled with transferred battery cells. For example, if the second tray 20 can hold forty battery cells, and five cells can be transferred and their spacing adjusted each time, the process can be repeated eight times. When the second tray 20 is completely filled with battery cells, it can be moved to another corresponding process (e.g., formation process).

[0161] The present disclosure has been described in detail above through specific implementation examples. These implementation examples are used to specifically illustrate the present disclosure. The present disclosure is merely illustrative of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the technical solution. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments within the scope of the present invention and its technical concept, and such variations and modifications naturally fall within the scope of the technical solution.

Claims

1. A spacing conversion device for secondary battery cells, characterized in that, include: The first pick-and-place unit is configured to load or unload from the first tray and move within the first interval, and is fixed in a spacing state with a first interval to transfer multiple battery cells. The second pick-and-place unit is configured to load or unload from the second tray and move within the second interval, and is fixed in a spacing state with a second interval to transfer multiple battery cells. as well as A buffer section is provided at a position where the first pick-and-place section and the second pick-and-place section can be close together and accommodates multiple battery cells, and is configured to be able to change the spacing between the accommodated battery cells.

2. The spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The path of the first section of the first pick-and-place unit is set to move from the upper side of the first tray to the upper side of the buffer section, and the first pick-and-place unit loads a plurality of battery cells carried on the first tray on the upper side of the first tray.

3. The spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to claim 2, characterized in that: The path of the second section of the second pick-and-place section is set to move from the upper side of the second tray to the upper side of the buffer section, and the second pick-and-place section unloads multiple battery cells with varying spacing through the buffer section onto the second tray on the upper side of the second tray.

4. The spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer section is disposed between the first workbench of the first tray and the second workbench of the second tray.

5. The spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer section includes: Base plate; Multiple cell holders are disposed on the upper side of the base plate and spaced apart in the horizontal direction, and configured to accommodate the cell; The drive unit provides external force to the cell holders to adjust the spacing between the plurality of cell holders on the base plate; and The guide rail guides the movement path of the cell holder when the spacing distance of the cell holder is adjusted.

6. The spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cell holder includes: Base section; Multiple cell guides are arranged in a symmetrical structure on the upper side of the base portion and configured to be spaced apart from each other to accommodate the cell between the cell guides; and The sheet portion is disposed on the lower inner side of the cell guide where the cell is placed.

7. The spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to claim 6, characterized in that: The plurality of cell guides move in a direction away from each other before the cell is inserted, and move in a direction closer to each other after the cell is inserted to hold the cell in place.

8. The spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to claim 5, characterized in that, The buffer section further includes: An adjustable link connects the drive unit and the plurality of cell holders, such that the spacing distance can be adjusted as an external force is applied to the plurality of cell holders by one of the drive units.

9. The spacing changing device for secondary battery cells according to claim 8, characterized in that, The interval adjustment link includes: Vertical connecting members, for each of the cell holders, are configured to extend downward from the underside of the cell holder; and A horizontal linker connects a plurality of adjacent vertical links in a horizontal direction, wherein the horizontal linker is fixedly connected to any vertical linker and slidably connected to other adjacent vertical linkser, and is configured to allow adjacent plurality of cell holders to maintain the first interval and the second interval by a sliding operation.

10. The spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to claim 9, characterized in that: The middle cell holder among the plurality of cell holders remains fixed when the spacing of the buffer section changes.

11. The spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to claim 10, characterized in that: The drive unit is connected to any one of the plurality of adjacent vertical links located on both sides of the vertical link of the cell holder, which is fixed in the middle.

12. The cell pitch conversion device for a secondary battery according to claim 5, characterized by The buffer section further includes: A barcode reader is located near the cell holder and configured to read the barcode on the tab of the cell.

13. The spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to claim 12, characterized in that: The barcode reader is configured to be angle-adjustable.

14. The cell pitch conversion device for a secondary battery according to claim 12, characterized in that, The buffer section further includes: The electrode centering part is located near the cell holder and senses the positive position of the electrode part of the cell exposed on the outside of the cell holder.

15. The spacing transformation device for secondary battery cells according to claim 14, characterized in that: Multiple electrode centering portions are provided at both ends of the outer side of the cell holder exposed at the electrode tab.

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