Pouch conveyor device

Abstract

A pouch conveying device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first conveying unit on which a lower surface of a pouch is seated and which conveys the pouch along a first path; a folding unit which is capable of entering the first conveying unit and which supports the lower surface of the pouch seated on the first conveying unit; and a nozzle unit which is disposed on the first path and which is configured to inject air onto an upper portion of an upper surface of the pouch being conveyed by the first conveying unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pouch conveying device, and more particularly to a pouch conveying device that conveys a pouch containing an electrode assembly, and particularly to a pouch conveying device that can prevent the pouch from folding by generating a lifting force on the upper surface of the pouch during conveyance.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0092767, filed on July 18, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] 1 to 3 are diagrams illustrating a conventional pouch conveying device.

[0004] Specifically, FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the occurrence of a curled portion in a pouch being conveyed by a conventional conveying unit, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a problem that occurs when the curled portion of the pouch collides with the folding unit while the conveying unit on which the pouch is seated is conveyed to the folding unit, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a problem that occurs when a folding process is performed with a portion of the pouch folded.

[0005] Generally, the assembly process of a secondary battery includes a pouch forming process, an electrode assembly accommodating process, a pouch folding process, an electrolyte injection process, and a pouch sealing process.

[0006] In the pouch forming process, a flexible pouch 1 can be drawn to have first and second cup sections 3 and 4. During the drawing process, the pouch 1 can be inserted into a press and pressure can be applied to the pouch 1 with a punch to form the cup sections 3 and 4 in the pouch 1.

[0007] The pouch 1 has a first cup portion 3 and a second cup portion 4. The first cup portion 3 and the second cup portion 4 may be disposed apart from each other on the same plane. The first cup portion 3 and the second cup portion 4 are recessed portions of the pouch 1, and provide a space for receiving the electrode assembly 9.

[0008] In the electrode assembly housing process, the electrode assembly 9 can be housed in the first cup portion 3 of the pouch 1. Then, the pouch 1 housing the electrode assembly 9 is seated in the conveying unit 30 and transported to the folding unit 50. The folding unit 50 is provided to perform a folding process in which the pouch 1 is folded so that the second cup portion 4 of the pouch 1 covers the electrode assembly 9.

[0009] Referring to FIG. 2, the conveying unit 30 conveys the pouch 1 containing the electrode assembly 9 to the folding unit 50. The conveying unit 30 conveys the pouch 1 to a first docking position while moving toward the folding unit 50 (direction F1) along a first path L1. The folding unit 50 is movably disposed along a second path L2 that intersects with the first path L1. Referring to FIG. 2, the first path L1 may be in the x-axis direction, and the second path L2 may be in the y-axis direction.

[0010] In this case, the first docking position is a position where the first path L1 and the second path L2 intersect, and refers to a position where the pouch 1 seated on the conveying unit 30 is transferred to the folding unit 50. The folding unit 50 moves along the second path L2 in a direction (F3 direction) toward the first docking position. At the first docking position, the folding unit 50 may be installed so that a portion of the folding unit 50 can enter the interior of the conveying unit 30.

[0011] The entire area of ​​the pouch 1 is not seated on the conveying unit 30, and a portion of the pouch is located outside the conveying unit 30. For example, the pouch 1 having the first cup portion 3 housing the electrode assembly 9 may include a first region 1a, which is a central region, and an edge region of the pouch 1 surrounding the first region 1b. Here, the first region 1a refers to the central region of the pouch 1 including the first cup portion 3 and the second cup portion 4, and the second region 1b refers to the outer edge region of the first region 1a. At least a portion of the first region 1a may be seated on the conveying unit 30, and a portion of the second region 1b of the pouch may be located outside the conveying unit 30. In this case, when the pouch 1 is conveyed to the folding unit 50 by the conveying unit 30, the edge of the second region 1b of the pouch 1 exposed to the outside of the conveying unit 30 may droop in the direction of gravity. At this time, the portion of the pouch 1 that hangs down in the direction of gravity during transportation is called a "curling portion 5."

[0012] 2, the folding unit 50 enters the conveying unit 30 at the first docking position along the second path L2, and at this time, the curling portion 5 of the pouch 1 is caught in the space between the conveying unit 30 and the folding unit 50, causing the curling portion 5 to fold. At this time, the folded portion of the curling portion 5 is referred to as a "folded portion 6."

[0013] 3, the folding unit 50 includes a plurality of suction units 51 for suctioning the edge regions of the pouch 1, and when the folding process is performed with the pouch 1 having a fold portion 6, the fold portion 6 of the pouch 1 is not suctioned to the folding unit 50. This causes poor suction of the pouch 1.

[0014] Poor suction of the pouch 1 causes poor folding of the pouch 1, and poor folding of the pouch 1 causes poor sealing of the pouch 1 in the sealing process.

[0015] Furthermore, a defective seal of the pouch 1 may cause leakage of the electrolyte and / or defective insulation of the secondary battery. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a pouch conveying device that can inject air onto the upper surface of a pouch being conveyed, thereby generating lift on the upper surface of the pouch.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pouch conveying device that can prevent interference during conveyance via a first conveying section by generating a lifting force on the upper surface of the pouch during conveyance to prevent curling of the pouch.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pouch conveying device that can prevent curling of the edge area by injecting air onto the upper surface of the edge area of ​​a pouch that is not seated on the first conveying section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] A pouch conveying device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first conveying unit on which a lower surface of a pouch is seated and which conveys the pouch along a first path; a folding unit which is capable of entering the first conveying unit and which supports the lower surface of the pouch seated on the first conveying unit; and a nozzle unit which is disposed on the first path and which is configured to inject air onto an upper portion of an upper surface of the pouch being conveyed by the first conveying unit.

[0020] The pouch may also include a first region in which the electrode assembly is housed and which contacts the first carrier, and a second region which does not contact the first carrier.

[0021] The nozzle unit may be configured to inject the air onto an upper portion of the second region.

[0022] Furthermore, the nozzle unit may be configured to spray the air in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first conveying unit moves toward the folding unit along the first path. For example, the nozzle unit may be configured to spray the air in a direction parallel to the first path. In this structure, an airflow is formed on the upper surface of the pouch being conveyed by the first conveying unit in a direction parallel to the first path, and the airflow generates a lift in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity, thereby preventing curling of the edge region of the pouch.

[0023] The nozzle unit may include a first nozzle configured to inject the air toward an upper portion of a first edge region of the second region of the pouch, and a second nozzle configured to be spaced apart from the first nozzle and to inject the air toward an upper portion of the second edge region of the second region of the pouch.

[0024] The pouch conveying device may also include a control unit that controls the first conveying unit, the folding unit, and the nozzle unit.

[0025] The control unit may be configured to inject air onto an upper portion of the pouch seated on the first conveying unit in a conveying mode in which the pouch is conveyed to the folding unit along the first path.

[0026] In addition, the control unit may move the folding unit to the first docking position along a second path that intersects with the first path below the first conveying unit after the first conveying unit reaches the first docking position along the first path.

[0027] The folding unit may be configured to enter a lower portion of the first conveying unit along the second path to support a lower surface of the pouch at the first docking position.

[0028] The control unit may also be configured to transport the folding unit along the second path to a folding position so that the pouch seated on the folding unit at the first docking position is released from the first conveying unit.

[0029] The folding unit may be configured to perform a folding mode in which the lower surface of the pouch is vacuum-sucked at the folding position and the sucked pouch is folded.

[0030] In addition, the control unit may stop the operation of the nozzle unit when the first transport unit reaches the first docking position.

[0031] The first conveying unit may include a first gripping unit that contacts and supports a first region of the pouch, and a plurality of first seating bars that are connected to the first gripping unit and arranged at predetermined intervals. When the pouch is seated on the first conveying unit, a portion of the bottom surface of the pouch may be exposed in a space between two adjacent first seating bars.

[0032] The folding unit may include a first folding grip unit that is provided at the bottom of the first conveying unit and is capable of entering the inside of the first grip unit along a second path that intersects with the first path, and a plurality of first folding bars that are connected to the first folding grip unit and arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0033] Also, when the first folding grip portion enters the first grip portion, each first folding bar may be configured to enter a space between two adjacent first seating bars.

[0034] The folding unit may include a second folding grip unit hingedly connected to the first folding grip unit.

[0035] The pouch conveying device may include a second conveying unit for conveying the pouch containing the electrode assembly to the first conveying unit.

[0036] The second carrier may be configured to be able to enter the first carrier and support the lower surface of the pouch.

[0037] The second carrier may include a second gripping portion for supporting a first region of the pouch containing the electrode assembly, and a plurality of second seating bars connected to the second gripping portion and arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0038] In addition, each second seating bar may be provided so as to be able to enter the space between two adjacent first seating bars. [Effects of the Invention]

[0039] As described above, the pouch conveying device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention has the following effects.

[0040] Air can be sprayed onto the upper surface of the pouch during transport to generate lift on the upper surface of the pouch.

[0041] Furthermore, by generating a lifting force on the upper surface of the pouch during transportation to prevent curling of the pouch, interference during transportation via the transport section can be prevented.

[0042] In addition, by spraying air onto the upper portion of the upper surface of the edge region of the pouch that is not seated on the first conveying part, curling of the edge region can be prevented.

[0043] In addition, poor adsorption of the pouch during the folding process can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional pouch conveying device. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional pouch conveying device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional pouch conveying device.

[0045] [Figure 4] 1 is a configuration diagram showing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] [Figure 5] 1 is a configuration diagram of a pouch conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the first conveying section.

[0048] [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the first conveying section, showing the state in which the pouch is seated.

[0049] [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the first conveying section, showing the state in which the pouch is seated.

[0050] [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8, and schematically illustrates the positional relationship between the first conveying unit, the pouch, and the first nozzle when air is sprayed onto the upper portion of the upper surface of the pouch.

[0051] [Figure 10] 1 is a plan view of a folding section constituting a pouch conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

[0052] [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the folding section and the first carrier section in the first docking position.

[0053] [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the second carrier.

[0054] [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the first and second carriers in a second docking position.

[0055] [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram showing one operation state of a pouch conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] Hereinafter, a pouch conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Regardless of the drawing symbols, identical or corresponding components will be given the same or similar reference numbers, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted. The size and shape of each component shown may be exaggerated or reduced for the sake of convenience.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a pouch processing unit 400 for cutting a pouch, an assembly insertion unit 300 for storing an electrode assembly in the pouch, and a folding unit 130 for folding the pouch into which the electrode assembly has been inserted.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a pouch conveying device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] 4 and 5, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus may include a pouch conveying device 100 for conveying the pouch 1 containing the electrode assembly 9 to a folding unit 130.

[0062] In this specification, the pouch 1 has the same structure as that described in FIG. 1, and the pouch conveying device 100 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0063] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, a pouch conveying device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first conveying unit 110 on which the lower surface 7 of a pouch 1 is seated and which is configured to convey the pouch 1 along a first path L1.

[0064] In addition, the pouch conveying device 100 includes a folding unit 130 that is capable of entering the first conveying unit 110 to support the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 seated on the first conveying unit 110.

[0065] The pouch conveying device 100 also includes a nozzle unit 150 arranged on the first path L1 and configured to spray air onto the upper surface 8 of the pouch 1 being conveyed by the first conveying unit 110.

[0066] In addition, the pouch conveying apparatus 100 may include a control unit 190 that controls the first conveying unit 110, the folding unit 130, and the nozzle unit 150.

[0067] In this specification, with reference to FIG. 5, the first path L1 may be provided along the x-axis direction, and the second path L2 may be provided so as to intersect with the first path L1 and may be provided along the y-axis direction.

[0068] Figure 6 is a plan view of the first conveying unit 110, Figure 7 is a bottom view of the first conveying unit showing the state in which the pouch is seated, and Figure 8 is a plan view of the first conveying unit showing the state in which the pouch is seated.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8, and shows the relative positions of the first conveying unit, the pouch, and the first nozzle when air is sprayed onto the upper portion of the upper surface of the pouch.

[0070] The pouch 1 may also include a first region 1a in which the electrode assembly 9 is housed and which contacts the first carrier 110, and a second region 1b which does not contact the first carrier 110.

[0071] The pouch 1 has a first cup portion 3 and a second cup portion 4. The first cup portion 3 and the second cup portion 4 may be disposed apart from each other on the same plane. The first cup portion 3 and the second cup portion 4 are recessed portions of the pouch 1, and provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly 9. For example, in a process of accommodating the electrode assembly 9, the electrode assembly 9 may be accommodated in the first cup portion 3 of the pouch 1.

[0072] In this case, the first region 1a of the pouch 1 may refer to the central region of the pouch 1 including one or more cup portions, and as an example, the first region 1a may refer to the central region including the first cup portion 3 and the second cup portion 4. Furthermore, the second region 1b may refer to the edge region of the pouch 1 surrounding the outer periphery of the central region.

[0073] 7, the first carrier 110 may be smaller than the bottom surface 7 of the pouch 1. In this structure, the edge region of the pouch 1 may not be supported by the first carrier 110. That is, the second region 1b does not contact the first carrier 110 and is located outside the first carrier 110. In particular, the edge regions A11 and A12 on the second cup portion 4 side, where the electrode assembly 9 is not housed, may be strongly affected by gravity when the first carrier 110 moves, which may cause curling.

[0074] 5, 8 and 9, the nozzle unit 150 may be installed to inject the air onto an upper portion of the second region 1b.

[0075] In addition, the nozzle unit 150 may be configured to inject the air in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first conveying unit 110 moves toward the folding unit 130 along the first path L1.

[0076] For example, the nozzle unit 150 may be configured to spray air in a direction parallel to the first path L1. In this structure, an airflow is formed on the upper surface 8 of the pouch 1 being transported by the first transport unit 110 in a direction parallel to the first path L1, and the airflow generates a lift force P1 in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. The lift force P1 prevents curling of the edge regions A11 and A12 of the pouch 1.

[0077] In addition, the nozzle unit 150 may include a first nozzle 151 configured to spray the air onto an upper portion of a first edge region A11 of the second region 1b of the pouch 1, and a second nozzle 152 configured to be spaced apart from the first nozzle 151 and to spray the air onto an upper portion of a second edge region A12 of the second region 1b of the pouch 1.

[0078] In addition, the control unit 190 may be configured to inject air onto the top of the pouch 1 seated on the first conveying unit 110 during a conveying mode in which the pouch 1 is conveyed to the folding unit 130 along the first path L1.

[0079] In addition, the control unit 190 may move the folding unit 130 to the first docking position L12 along a second path L2 that intersects with the first path L1 at the bottom of the first conveying unit 110 after the first conveying unit 110 reaches the first docking position L12 along the first path L1.

[0080] At this time, the first docking position L12 is a position where the first path L1 and the second path L2 intersect, and refers to a position where the pouch 1 seated on the first conveying unit 110 is transferred to the folding unit 130.

[0081] In addition, the folding unit 130 may be provided to enter the lower portion of the first conveying unit 110 along the second path L2 so as to support the lower surface of the pouch 1 at the first docking position L12.

[0082] In addition, the control unit 190 can stop the operation of the nozzle unit 150 when the first transport unit 110 reaches the first docking position L12.

[0083] The first carrying part 110 may be provided so that at least a portion of the first region 1a of the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 rests on (contacts) the first carrying part 110 without covering the entire area of ​​the first region 1a of the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first region 1a of the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 may not contact the first carrying part 110 and may be exposed toward the bottom of the first carrying part 110.

[0084] In addition, the first conveying unit 110 may include a first gripping unit 111 that contacts and supports the first region 1a of the pouch, and a plurality of first seating bars 112 that are connected to the first gripping unit 111 and arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0085] In addition, when the pouch 1 is seated on the first conveyor 110, a portion of the lower surface 7 may be exposed to a space 113 between two adjacent first seating bars 112.

[0086] 6 and 7, the first conveying unit 110 may have a first gripping unit 111 in which a plurality of first seating bars 112 are arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0087] The second region 1b of the pouch 1 may include a first edge region A11 and a second edge region A12. The first edge region A11 and the second edge region A12 may be edge regions on both sides of the region where the second cup portion 4 is provided.

[0088] In this case, the first and second edge regions A11 and A12 are portions where the pouch 1 is not seated by the first grip portion 111 and the first seating bar 112, and are located adjacent to the second cup portion 4 where the electrode assembly 9 is not housed. The first and second edge regions A11 and A12 correspond to the curling portion 5 (see FIG. 1) described in the Background Art section.

[0089] 5, the first transport unit 110 may include a first driver 115 that provides a driving force to the first gripper 111. The first driver 115 allows the first gripper 111 to reciprocate along a first path L1. The first driver 115 may include an LM guide capable of moving in one axis direction (x-axis direction) or may include an Cartesian robot capable of moving in two axes. The first transport unit 110 may be a shuttle unit movably mounted on the LM guide.

[0090] 5, the nozzle unit 150 is disposed on the first path L1. The nozzle unit 150 is configured to inject air onto the upper surface 8 of the pouch 1 being transported by the first transport unit 110.

[0091] The nozzle unit 150 is provided to inject air onto an upper portion of the second region 1b, and may be located above the first conveying unit 110 that moves along the first path L1.

[0092] 8, the nozzle unit 150 may include a first nozzle 151, a second nozzle 152, and an air pressure providing unit 155. The air pressure providing unit 155 is fluidly connected to the first and second nozzles 151 and 152.

[0093] 5 and 8, the first nozzle 151 may be installed to inject air onto an upper portion of the first edge region A11 of the second region 1b of the pouch 1. The second nozzle 152 may be arranged adjacent to the first nozzle 151 at a distance.

[0094] The second nozzle 152 may be installed to spray air onto the upper portion of the second edge region A12 of the second region 1b of the pouch 1. As described above, the second edge region A12 may be installed on the opposite side to the first edge region A11.

[0095] 8 and 9, the first and second nozzles 151, 152 may be arranged to inject air intensively onto the upper portions of the first and second edge regions A11, A12 of the pouch 1. When the first and second nozzles 151, 152 inject air onto the upper portions of the first and second edge regions A11, A12 of the pouch 1 being transported on the first conveyor 110, a lift force P1 is generated on the first and second edge regions A11, A12 of the upper surface 8 of the pouch 1.

[0096] The lifting force P1 is a force that pulls the first and second edge regions A11 and A12 of the pouch 1 in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. Such lifting force P1 prevents the first and second edge regions A11 and A12 from curling in the direction of gravity during transportation by the first transport unit 110.

[0097] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the folding section 130 constituting a pouch conveying device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the folding section and the first conveying section at the first docking position.

[0098] The folding unit 130 is a device that performs a folding process of the pouch 1.

[0099] The folding unit 130 is configured to be able to enter into the first conveying unit 110 to support the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 seated on the first conveying unit 110, and when entering into the first conveying unit 110, it may come into contact with at least a portion of the first region 1a.

[0100] As described above, at least a portion of the first region 1a of the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 does not contact the first carrier 110 and may be exposed toward the bottom of the first carrier 110. The folding unit 130 supports the exposed region toward the bottom of the first carrier 110 at the first docking position L12. That is, a portion of the lower surface 7 is exposed in a space 113 between two adjacent first seating bars 112, and the folding unit 130 enters the space 113 and contacts the exposed portion of the lower surface 7.

[0101] The folding unit 130 is provided to be able to enter into the first conveying unit 110 so as to support the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 seated on the first conveying unit 110. The folding unit 130 is provided to come into contact with at least a portion of the first region 1a of the pouch 1 when entering into the first conveying unit 110.

[0102] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the folding part 130 may include a first folding grip part 131 that is capable of entering into the first grip part 111, and a second folding grip part 133 that is hingedly connected to the first folding grip part 131.

[0103] In addition, the folding unit 130 may include a first folding grip unit 131 that is capable of entering the inside of the first grip unit 111 along a second path L2 that intersects with the first path at the bottom of the first conveying unit 110, and a plurality of first folding bars 132 that are connected to the first folding grip unit 131 and arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0104] In addition, when the first folding grip portion 131 enters the first grip portion 111, each first folding bar 132 may be configured to enter the space 113 between the two adjacent first seating bars 112.

[0105] The first folding grip part 131 and the first carrying part 110 may have various shapes, and may have a corresponding shape that allows them to be docked together so as to transfer the pouch 1 at the first docking position L12. In this specification, the corresponding shape means a shape that allows the first folding grip part 131 to be separated (detached) from the first carrying part 110 along the second path after the first folding grip part 131 enters the first carrying part 110 along the second path, and may not be in physical contact or fastened together at the first docking position L12.

[0106] The first folding grip part 131 may be provided to seat at least a portion of the first region 1a of the pouch 1 exposed at a lower part of the first grip part 111. The first folding grip part 131 may be connected to a plurality of first folding bars 132 provided to be insertable into spaces 113 between the first seating bars 112 of the first grip part 111.

[0107] In addition, when the first folding grip portion 131 enters the first grip portion 111, each first folding bar 132 may be positioned on a plurality of first mounting bars 112 by entering the space 113 between two adjacent first mounting bars 112.

[0108] The second folding grip part 133 is hingedly connected to the first folding grip part 131 and is provided to seat a remaining part of the pouch 1 protruding from the first conveying part 110.

[0109] The folding unit 130 may include a hinge shaft 135 that hinge-connects the first folding grip unit 131 and the second folding grip unit 133, and a folding drive unit 136 that provides a driving force to the hinge shaft 135 and rotates the first and second folding grip units 131 and 133.

[0110] The folding unit 130 may also include a third driving unit 139 that provides a transport driving force to the first folding grip unit 131. The first folding grip unit 131 can reciprocate along the second path L2 by the third driving unit 139. The third driving unit 139 may include an LM guide that can move in one axis direction (y-axis direction) or an Cartesian robot that can move in two axes directions.

[0111] In addition, the folding unit 130 may include a plurality of suction members 137 for suctioning the pouch 1 seated on the first and second folding grip units 131 and 133, and a vacuum pressure applying unit 138 for applying vacuum pressure to each suction member 137.

[0112] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the second carrier, and FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the first and second carriers in the second docking position.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing one operation state of the pouch conveying device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] The pouch conveying device 100 may include a second conveying unit 170 for conveying the pouch 1 containing the electrode assembly 9 to the first conveying unit 110.

[0115] In addition, the second conveying part 170 may be provided to be able to enter into the first conveying part 110 and to support the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 .

[0116] The second carrier 170 may include a second gripping portion 171 for supporting the first region 1a of the pouch 1 containing the electrode assembly 9, and a plurality of second seating bars 172 connected to the second gripping portion 171 and arranged at predetermined intervals. Each second seating bar 172 may be provided to be able to enter a space between two adjacent first seating bars 112. Similarly, each first seating bar 112 may be provided to be able to enter a space 174 between two adjacent second seating bars 172.

[0117] In addition, the second grip portion 171 may have a space portion 173 into which the first grip portion 111 can enter.

[0118] In addition, the second conveying unit 170 may serve to convey the pouch 1 discharged from the storage unit 200 along the discharge path L0 to the first conveying unit 110. The storage unit 200 may store the pouch 1 containing the electrode assembly 9.

[0119] The second conveying part 170 is configured to be able to enter into the first conveying part 110 and to support the lower surface of the pouch 1 by exposing a part of the first region 1a of the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 downward.

[0120] 12 and 13, the second conveying unit 170 may have a second gripping unit 171 in which a plurality of second seating bars 172 are arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0121] In addition, when the second grip portion 171 enters the first grip portion 111, each second mounting bar 172 enters the space 113 between two adjacent first mounting bars 112 and is positioned between the plurality of first mounting bars 112.

[0122] The second carrier 170 and the first carrier 110 may have various shapes and may have corresponding shapes that are dockable to transfer the pouch 1 at the second docking position L11.

[0123] The second docking position L11 refers to the point where the first path L1 and the discharge path L0 intersect, and refers to the position where the pouch 1 seated on the second conveying unit 170 is transferred to the first conveying unit 110.

[0124] In this specification, a corresponding shape means a shape that allows the second conveying unit 170 to be separated (detached) from the first conveying unit 110 along the discharge path L0 after the second conveying unit 170 enters the first conveying unit 110 along the discharge path L0, and may not be physically contacted or fastened at the second docking position L11.

[0125] 5, the second conveying unit 170 further includes a second driving unit 175 that provides a driving force to the second gripping unit 171. The second driving unit 175 allows the second gripping unit 171 to reciprocate along the discharge path L0. The second driving unit 175 is controlled by the control unit 190.

[0126] The second driving unit 175 may include an LM guide capable of moving in one axis direction (y-axis direction) or may include an Cartesian robot capable of moving in two axes. The second transport unit 170 may be a shuttle unit movably mounted on the LM guide.

[0127] When the second driving unit 175 is operated, the second grip unit 171 descends along the discharge path L0 in the direction from the storage unit 200 toward the second docking position (direction F4) and is inserted into the first grip unit 111 of the first conveying unit 110 placed at the first docking position L11, placing the pouch 1 on the upper surface of the first grip unit 111.

[0128] The process in which the pouch 1 discharged from the storage unit 200 is transported to the folding unit 130 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0129] The control unit 190 controls the operations of the first conveying unit 110, the folding unit 130, the nozzle unit 150, and the second conveying unit 170 for each pouch conveying step.

[0130] When the pouch 1 discharged from the storage unit 200 is seated on the upper surface of the second grip unit 171, the second conveying unit 170 moves downward along the discharge path L0 in the direction toward the second docking position L11 (direction F4).

[0131] The control unit 190 operates the first driving unit 115 and the second driving unit 175 so that the first grip unit 111 is positioned at the second docking position L11 first, and then the second grip unit 171 arrives thereafter.

[0132] At the second docking position L11, the second grip part 171 enters the first grip part 111 and continues to move along the discharge path L0, thereby placing the pouch 1 on the upper surface of the first grip part 111.

[0133] 5 and 14, the control unit 190 controls the operation of the first driving unit 115 so that after the second grip unit 171 is separated from the first grip unit 111 at the second docking position L11, the first grip unit 111 moves in a direction (F1 direction) toward the first docking position L12 along the first path L1. The first grip unit 111 moves from the second docking position L11 to the first docking position L12 along the first path L1.

[0134] When the first conveying unit 110 moves in the direction (F1 direction) toward the first docking position L12, the control unit 190 causes the nozzle unit 150 to inject air onto the upper portion of the top surface of the pouch 1 seated on the first conveying unit 110.

[0135] After the first conveying unit 110 reaches the first docking position L12, the control unit 190 moves the folding unit 130 to the first docking position L12 along a second path L2 that intersects with the first path L1 below the first conveying unit 110.

[0136] In addition, the control unit 190 may be configured to transport the folding unit 130 along the second path L2 to the folding position L22 so that the pouch 1 seated on the folding unit 130 at the first docking position L12 is detached from the first conveying unit 110.

[0137] In addition, the control unit 190 may stop the operation of the nozzle unit 150 when the folding unit 130 is separated from the first conveying unit 110 .

[0138] In addition, the folding unit 130 may be configured to perform a folding mode in which the lower surface of the pouch is vacuum-sucked at the folding position L22 and the sucked pouch is folded.

[0139] Meanwhile, the position of the pouch 1 seated on the folding unit 130 at the folding position L22 can be adjusted. For example, the position of the pouch 1 can be adjusted so that the folding line of the pouch 1 is positioned on the hinge shaft 135, and the position can be adjusted by a suction-type gripper.

[0140] When the first conveying unit 110 reaches the first docking position L12, the folding unit 130 moves from the folding standby position L21 to the first docking position L12 along the second path L2 and enters the first conveying unit 110. The folding unit 130 receives the pouch 1 seated on the first conveying unit 110 at the first docking position L12 and moves to the folding position L22.

[0141] When the folding unit 130 reaches the folding position L22, the control unit 190 can control the folding unit 130 to perform a folding process. In the folding process, the pouch 1 is vacuum-adsorbed onto the upper surfaces of the first and second folding grip units 131 and 133, and then the second folding grip unit 133 rotates in a direction approaching the first folding grip unit 131.

[0142] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art having ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0143] According to at least one embodiment of the pouch conveying device of the present invention, a lifting force is generated on the upper surface of the pouch being conveyed, thereby preventing curling of the pouch, thereby preventing interference during conveyance via the conveying section.

Claims

1. a first conveying unit configured to receive a lower surface of the pouch and convey the pouch along a first path; a folding unit provided to be able to enter the first conveying unit so as to support a lower surface of the pouch seated on the first conveying unit; a nozzle unit disposed on the first path and configured to inject air onto an upper portion of an upper surface of the pouch being transported by the first transport unit.

2. the pouch includes a first region in contact with the first carrier and a second region not in contact with the first carrier, the first region receiving the electrode assembly; The pouch conveying device according to claim 1 , wherein the nozzle unit is provided to inject the air onto an upper portion of the second region.

3. The pouch conveying device according to claim 1 , wherein the nozzle unit is configured to inject the air in a direction parallel to a direction in which the first conveying unit moves toward the folding unit along the first path.

4. The nozzle unit includes a first nozzle configured to inject the air onto an upper portion of a first edge region of the second region of the pouch; 3. The pouch conveying device according to claim 2, further comprising: a second nozzle disposed at a distance from the first nozzle and configured to inject the air onto an upper portion of a second edge region of the second region of the pouch.

5. a control unit that controls the first conveying unit, the folding unit, and the nozzle unit; 2. The pouch conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to inject air onto an upper portion of the pouch seated on the first conveying unit when in a conveying mode in which the pouch is conveyed to the folding unit along the first path.

6. The control unit 6. The pouch conveying device according to claim 5, wherein after the first conveying unit reaches a first docking position along the first path, the folding unit moves to the first docking position along a second path that intersects with the first path below the first conveying unit.

7. the folding unit is configured to enter a lower portion of the first conveying unit along the second path so as to support a lower surface of the pouch at the first docking position; 7. The pouch conveying device of claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to convey the folding unit along the second path to a folding position so that the pouch seated on the folding unit at the first docking position is released from the first conveying unit.

8. The pouch conveying device according to claim 7 , wherein the folding unit is configured to perform a folding mode in which the folding unit vacuum-sucks the lower surface of the pouch at the folding position and folds the sucked pouch.

9. The pouch conveying device according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit stops the operation of the nozzle unit when the first conveying unit reaches the first docking position.

10. the first conveying unit includes a first gripping unit that contacts and supports a first region of the pouch, and a plurality of first seating bars that are connected to the first gripping unit and arranged at predetermined intervals, The pouch conveying apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the lower surface of the pouch is exposed in a space between two adjacent first seating bars when the pouch is seated on the first conveying unit.

11. the folding unit includes: a first folding grip unit provided at a lower portion of the first conveying unit and capable of entering the first grip unit along a second path intersecting the first path; and a plurality of first folding bars connected to the first folding grip unit and arranged at predetermined intervals, 11. The pouch conveying device according to claim 10, wherein when the first folding grip portion enters the first grip portion, each first folding bar enters the space between the two adjacent first seating bars.

12. The pouch conveying device of claim 11, wherein the folding unit includes a second folding grip unit hingedly connected to the first folding grip unit.

13. a second conveying unit for conveying the pouch containing the electrode assembly to the first conveying unit; The pouch conveying device according to claim 10, wherein the second conveying unit is capable of entering the first conveying unit and is configured to support a lower surface of the pouch.

14. 14. The pouch conveying device of claim 13, wherein the second conveying unit includes: a second gripping unit for supporting a first region of the pouch in which the electrode assembly is housed; and a plurality of second seating bars connected to the second gripping unit and arranged at predetermined intervals.

15. The pouch conveying device according to claim 14, wherein each second seating bar is provided so as to be able to enter the space between two adjacent first seating bars.

Images