Adsorption device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a suction device. More specifically, the suction device of the present invention is characterized by its ability to remove battery cells one by one without damage, using a main cam that moves back and forth horizontally and a suction unit that moves vertically and horizontally in conjunction with the main cam.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device that can remove battery cells one by one without damaging them.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0028319, dated March 4, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally, battery cells are classified into cylindrical battery cells and prismatic battery cells, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical or prismatic metal case, and pouch-type battery cells, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch-type case made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the battery case. Due to the recent trend toward miniaturization of mobile devices, there is an increasing demand for thin prismatic battery cells and pouch-type battery cells, and there is particularly great interest in pouch-type battery cells, which are easily deformed and lightweight.

[0004] The electrode assembly housed in the battery case is a chargeable and dischargeable power generating element consisting of a laminated structure of a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode. It is classified into a jelly roll type in which a long sheet-like positive electrode and a negative electrode coated with an active material are wound up with a separator interposed between them, and a stack type in which multiple positive electrodes and negative electrodes of a predetermined size are stacked in sequence with a separator interposed between them.

[0005] As an electrode assembly with an advanced structure that is a combination of the jelly roll type and stack type, a stack / folding type electrode assembly has been developed in which a full cell with a positive electrode / separator / negative electrode structure of a certain unit size or a bicell with a positive electrode (negative electrode) / separator / negative electrode (positive electrode) / separator / positive electrode (negative electrode) using a long, continuous separator film.

[0006] In addition, to improve the processability of the existing stacked electrode assembly and meet the demand for various types of battery cells, a lamination / stacked electrode assembly has also been developed, which has a structure in which unit cells in which electrodes and separators are alternately stacked and bonded (lamination).

[0007] The manufactured battery cells for assembling the above-mentioned electrode assemblies are individually removed from the stacked loading boxes and moved, and for this purpose, the battery cells are sequentially removed from the loading boxes via a removal and transfer device.

[0008] Generally, the removal is performed using a device that applies a suction force to the upper surface of the battery cell to prevent damage to the battery cell. However, during the removal process, static electricity can cause two or more unit cells to be removed, resulting in removal failure.

[0009] In the past, to solve the above-mentioned removal problem, the battery cells held by the suction device were twisted and deformed, or the surface of the battery cells was impacted, or multiple unit cells stuck together by static electricity were separated using an air blowing process, etc.

[0010] However, twisting battery cells in one direction to separate them poses a problem in that stuck battery cells do not separate properly. Separating battery cells using the twisting method requires twisting the battery cells with an excessive curvature, which can damage the battery cells. Simply impacting the battery cells can cause scratches on the surface of the battery cells. Furthermore, applying strong air pressure to stuck battery cells through an air blowing process can cause the separated battery cells to separate without returning to their original stacked position.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology that can pick up and transport battery cells one by one without damaging them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0103259 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] Therefore, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a suction device that can remove battery cells loaded in a loading box one by one without damage.

[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and will become more apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Also, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a suction device that suctions the upper surfaces of battery cells loaded in a loading box and sequentially removes and transports the battery cells, the suction device comprising: a main body including a frame that moves linearly in a Z-axis direction and a main cam that moves linearly back and forth in a Y-axis direction within the frame; a vertical movement unit that moves linearly in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the main cam; and an interlocking part that includes a suction unit provided at an end of the vertical movement unit, the vertical movement unit comprising first and second vertical movement members that are arranged to extend from one side of the frame in the X-axis direction, and third and fourth vertical movement members that are arranged to extend from the other side of the frame in the X-axis direction, and the main cam moves a pair of vertical movement members of the vertical movement unit that are arranged diagonally with the frame between them up and down in the same direction.

[0016] Specifically, the main cam can move a pair of vertical movement members of the vertical movement unit, which are disposed on the same side of the frame, up and down in different directions.

[0017] In addition, the main cam can move a pair of vertical movement members of the vertical movement unit, which are arranged opposite to each other with the frame interposed therebetween, up and down in different directions.

[0018] The main cam may include a first planar cam that moves the first and second vertical moving members in opposite directions, and a second planar cam that moves the third and fourth vertical moving members in opposite directions, and the first and second planar cams may have complementary cam profiles.

[0019] In addition, the vertical moving unit can be moved while being guided by a linear vertical guide slit formed in the frame in the Z-axis direction.

[0020] More specifically, the vertical movement unit is coupled to the frame through the vertical guide slit and can move in the Z-axis direction along the vertical guide slit.

[0021] Meanwhile, the interlocking part further includes a horizontal movement unit that wraps around the vertical movement unit and moves together in the Z-axis direction, and the horizontal movement unit is guided by a curved horizontal guide slit formed in the frame in the Z-axis direction and can move linearly in the X-axis direction independently of the vertical movement unit.

[0022] Specifically, the horizontal guide slit may include a pair of first and second horizontal guide slits formed symmetrically to each other on one side of the frame perpendicular to the moving direction of the main cam, and a pair of third and fourth horizontal guide slits formed symmetrically to the first and second horizontal guide slits, respectively, on the other side of the frame.

[0023] More specifically, the pair of horizontal guide slits formed on the same surface of the frame may have a parabolic shape in which the distance between both ends is shorter than the distance between the central portion.

[0024] In particular, the suction unit may be fixed to the horizontal moving unit and separated from the vertical moving unit.

[0025] More specifically, the suction unit may be provided at an extended end of the vertical moving unit and extend downward from the horizontal moving unit.

[0026] Furthermore, the suction unit can be moved in the Z-axis direction by the movement of the vertical movement unit, and can simultaneously be moved in the X-axis direction by the movement of the horizontal movement unit.

[0027] Meanwhile, the apparatus may further include an elastic member disposed between the vertical moving unit and the frame.

[0028] The interlocking part may further include a press unit disposed below the main cam, passing through a lower portion of the frame, and linearly moving back and forth in the Z-axis direction in association with the movement of the main cam.

[0029] Specifically, the press unit may include a support portion extending in a vertical direction and slidably coupled to the frame, and a pressure portion extending in a width direction of the battery cell from a lower end of the support portion and having a parabolic concave surface formed on a lower portion thereof. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a curvature in the battery cell in all directions, thereby effectively separating a plurality of battery cells stuck together by static electricity, and further, it is possible to effectively prevent the battery cells from being damaged during the process of separating the battery cells. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view of a suction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A to 1C are a front view, a plan view, a side view, and a bottom view of a suction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a suction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a suction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a frame omitted. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main cam according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a vertical movement member of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 shows a portion of the horizontal guide slit and vertical moving member of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a simplified representation of the main cam and part of the vertical follower. [Figure 9] 1 shows the suction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam is in a ready state. [Figure 10] 3 shows the suction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam is in an advanced state. [Figure 11] 4 shows the suction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam is in a reverse state. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention when a battery cell is being suctioned and the main cam is in an advanced position. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention when a battery cell is being attracted and the main cam is in a reverse position. [Figure 14] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a suction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 shows a main cam according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a suction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention when the main cam is in the standby state with a battery cell being suctioned. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a suction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention when the main cam is in the forward position and has attracted a battery cell. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a suction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention when the main cam is in a reverse position with a battery cell being attracted to it. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best describe his own invention.

[0033] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0034] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of related publicly known configurations or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0035] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and therefore the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated schematically for clearer explanation. Therefore, the sizes and proportions of each component do not completely reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0036] The present invention relates to a suction device that suctions the upper surfaces of battery cells loaded in a loading box and sequentially removes and transports the battery cells, and the suction device of the present invention includes a main body and an interlocking part.

[0037] 1 to 13 relate to a suction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 14 to 18 relate to a suction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The suction device of the present invention according to two embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the above drawings. However, for ease of understanding, the position and operating direction of each component will be described with reference to the XYZ coordinates shown in each drawing.

[0039] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suction device 1000 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view, a plan view, a side view, and a bottom view of the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As shown in the drawings, the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be roughly divided into a main body part and an interlocking part.

[0041] The main body includes a frame 110 and a main cam 120 .

[0042] The frame 110 is connected to a driving unit (not shown) that generates horizontal and vertical movement. Specifically, the frame 110 moves horizontally in the X-axis or Y-axis direction toward the loading box 20 to remove the battery cells 10 aligned and loaded in the loading box 20, and moves (rising or descending) in the Z-axis direction on the loading box 20 relative to the battery cells 10.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 110 moves linearly in the Z-axis direction on the loading box 20 .

[0044] The main cam 120 is arranged inside the frame 110 so as to be capable of reciprocating linearly in the horizontal direction.

[0045] The main cam 120 is connected to a driving unit (not shown) that is provided inside or outside the frame 110 and generates horizontal movement, and is moved linearly in a reciprocating manner in the Y-axis direction by the driving unit.

[0046] 1, the main cam 120 may be disposed through the frame 110. In this case, the main cam 120 moves while being attached to the frame 110. However, the operation of the main cam 120 is not limited thereto, and the main cam 120 may move linearly in a reciprocating manner in the Y-axis direction along a separate guide rail (not shown) installed in the Y-axis direction inside the frame 110.

[0047] The interlocking part includes a vertical moving unit 210 and a suction unit 230 .

[0048] The vertical moving units 210 are formed on both sides of the frame 110 and extend in the X-axis direction, and the suction units 230 are provided at the ends of the vertical moving units 210 .

[0049] The suction units 230 are connected to a suction source (not shown) that provides a suction force, and apply the suction force applied through the suction source to the upper surfaces of the battery cells 10 loaded in the loading box 20 to suction the battery cells 10. At this time, it is preferable that the suction units 230 are positioned to correspond to each corner of the battery cells 10. It is also preferable that the suction units 230 suction each corner of the battery cells 10 so that the battery cells 10 do not lean in one direction.

[0050] The frame 110 descends toward the battery cells 10 loaded in the loading box 20, and rises after the suction units 230 have absorbed the battery cells 10.

[0051] The suction device 1000 of the present invention is characterized by its ability to remove battery cells 10 loaded into the loading box 20 one by one without damage, via a linkage section that operates in conjunction with the movement of the main cam 120.

[0052] Hereinafter, the configuration of the main cam 120 and the interlocking portion will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the frame 110 omitted.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 4, the vertical moving unit 210 is disposed inside the frame 110 so as to contact the upper surface of the main cam 120 .

[0055] The vertical moving unit 210 moves up and down in the Z-axis direction as the main cam 120 moves horizontally in the Y-axis direction.

[0056] The vertical movement unit 210 is composed of a first vertical movement member 210a and a second vertical movement member 210b, which are extended and arranged on one side of the frame 110 in the X-axis direction (left side direction in the drawing), and a third vertical movement member 210c and a fourth vertical movement member 210d, which are extended and arranged on the other side of the frame 110 in the X-axis direction (other side direction in the drawing).

[0057] The vertical moving members are arranged to contact the main cam 120 .

[0058] Specifically, the first to fourth vertical moving members 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d move linearly in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the main cam 120. Specifically, the first vertical moving member 210a and the second vertical moving member 210b each pass through one side of the frame 110 to come into contact with the main cam 120, and the third vertical moving member 210c and the fourth vertical moving member 210d each pass through the other side of the frame 110 to come into contact with the main cam 120.

[0059] The vertical moving member includes a vertical follower 211 at its end, the vertical follower 211 having a convex curved surface at its bottom. The bottom surface of the vertical follower 211 contacts the main cam 120 and slides smoothly along the top surface of the main cam 120.

[0060] The vertical follower 211 can be divided into a first vertical follower 211a formed at the end of the first vertical moving member 210a, a second vertical follower 211b formed at the end of the second vertical moving member 210b, a third vertical follower 211c formed at the end of the third vertical moving member 210c, and a fourth vertical follower 211d formed at the end of the fourth vertical moving member 210d.

[0061] 3, both sides of the frame 110 include linear vertical guide slits 111 formed in the Z-axis direction, and the vertical moving member passes through the vertical guide slits 111 to contact the main cam 120 inside the frame 110. The vertical moving member can move in the Z-axis direction while being guided by the vertical guide slits 111. That is, the vertical moving member can move along the extension direction of the vertical guide slits 111.

[0062] The vertical guide slit 111 guides the movement of the vertical moving member in the Z-axis direction, but restricts the movement in the Y-axis direction.

[0063] The vertical guide slits 111 may be formed corresponding to each vertical moving member. For example, the vertical guide slits 111 may be configured with a first vertical guide slit 111a for guiding the movement of the first vertical moving member 210a, a second vertical guide slit 111b for guiding the movement of the second vertical moving member 210b, a third vertical guide slit 111c for guiding the movement of the third vertical moving member 210c, and a fourth vertical guide slit 111d for guiding the movement of the fourth vertical moving member 210d.

[0064] Since the vertical moving unit 210 needs to be continuously operated in conjunction with the main cam 120 , it is preferable that the vertical follower 211 of the vertical moving unit 210 maintains contact with the main cam 120 .

[0065] To achieve this, the suction device 1000 of the present invention may further include an elastic member 130 between the vertical follower 211 and the frame 110, as shown in FIGS.

[0066] Even if the main cam 120 moves, the vertical follower 211 can continue to contact the surface of the main cam 120 due to the elastic force of the elastic member 130 .

[0067] The main cam 120 of the present invention is reciprocated in the Y-axis direction by the driving unit, so that each vertical moving member, more precisely, the vertical follower 211, in contact with the main cam 120 is placed at a specific phase.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the main cam 120 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The main cam 120 is connected to a driving unit (not shown) that generates horizontal movement, and moves back and forth within the frame 110 .

[0070] Specifically, the main cam 120 includes a base plate 121 and a planar cam 122 protruding in a curved shape from the base plate 121. At this time, a cam profile can be determined depending on the shape of the planar cam 122.

[0071] The main cam 120 may be formed in multiple stages, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

[0072] The planar cam 122 is composed of a first planar cam 122a and a second planar cam 122b formed to protrude upward from both ends of the base plate 121. The first planar cam 122a, the second planar cam 122b, and the base plate 121 position each vertical moving member in contact with them at a specific phase as the main cam 120 moves horizontally.

[0073] The first planar cam 122a is in contact with the first vertical moving member 210a and the second vertical moving member 210b, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, and the second planar cam 122b is in contact with the third vertical moving member 210c and the fourth vertical moving member 210d.

[0074] 5, the first planar cam 122a is formed so that its phase becomes higher toward both ends of the main cam 120, and the second planar cam 122b is formed so that its phase becomes higher toward the center of the main cam 120. That is, the first planar cam 122a and the second planar cam 122b have cam profiles that are complementary to each other.

[0075] The suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention positions each vertically moving member at a specific phase by the first planar cam 122a and the second planar cam 122b having the above-described complementary cam profile structures.

[0076] Specifically, the first and second vertical moving members 210a and 210b in contact with the first planar cam 122a are moved in opposite directions relative to the Z-axis direction as the main cam 120 moves horizontally in the Y-axis direction, and the third and fourth vertical moving members 210c and 210d in contact with the second planar cam 122b are also moved in opposite directions relative to the Z-axis direction as the main cam 120 moves horizontally in the Y-axis direction. Specific operations of the first and second planar cams 122a and 122b and the first to fourth vertical moving members 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d in contact therewith will be described again below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13.

[0077] The suction unit 230 of the present invention is provided at the end of the vertical moving unit 210, but is not directly connected to the vertical moving unit 210.

[0078] 6, the suction unit 230 is provided through a reciprocating guide slit 212 that is opened in the Z-axis direction at the end of the vertical moving member and extended in the X-axis direction. Since the vertical moving member and the suction unit 230 are not directly coupled to each other, the suction unit 230 cannot be moved in the X-axis or Z-axis directions even if the vertical moving member moves up and down in the Z-axis direction.

[0079] The interlocking unit of the present invention may further include a horizontal movement unit 220 that can transmit the driving force generated by the main cam 120 to the suction unit 230 to move the suction unit 230 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0080] The horizontal moving unit 220 is coupled to the vertical moving unit 210 and moves together with the vertical moving unit 210 in the Z-axis direction according to the movement of the vertical moving unit 210 .

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the horizontal movement unit 220 is disposed so as to be linearly movable in the X-axis direction relative to the vertical movement unit 210 while enclosing the vertical movement unit 210.

[0082] The horizontal movement unit 220 is formed corresponding to the vertical movement members. For example, the horizontal movement unit 220 includes a first horizontal movement member 220a coupled to the first vertical movement member 210a, a second horizontal movement member 220b coupled to the second vertical movement member 210b, a third horizontal movement member 220c coupled to the third vertical movement member 210c, and a fourth horizontal movement member 220d coupled to the fourth vertical movement member 210d.

[0083] The suction unit 230 of the present invention is coupled to the horizontal movement unit 220 and moves in the Z-axis direction according to the movement of the horizontal movement unit 220. Specifically, the suction unit 230 simultaneously penetrates the horizontal movement unit 220 and the vertical movement unit 210 in the Z-axis direction, is fixed to the horizontal movement unit 220, and is supported by the reciprocating guide slits 212 of the vertical movement unit 210. At this time, the suction unit 230 coupled to the horizontal movement unit 220 is extended downward from the horizontal movement unit 220 as shown in FIGS.

[0084] The suction unit 230 may be divided into two groups corresponding to the horizontal movement unit 220 or the vertical movement unit 210. For example, the suction unit 230 includes a first suction member 230a coupled to the first horizontal movement member 220a, a second suction member 230b coupled to the second horizontal movement member 220b, a third suction member 230c coupled to the third horizontal movement member 220c, and a fourth suction member 230d coupled to the fourth horizontal movement member 220d.

[0085] The horizontal moving unit 220 is guided by a curved horizontal guide slit 112 formed in the frame 110 in the Z-axis direction, and moves linearly in the X-axis direction independently of the vertical moving unit 210. As a result, the suction unit 230 coupled with the horizontal moving unit 220 moves in the X-axis direction.

[0086] The horizontal moving unit 220 coupled to the vertical moving unit 210 may include a horizontal guide portion 221 extended toward the horizontal guide slit 112 and inserted into the horizontal guide slit 112 .

[0087] In the present invention, for convenience, the horizontal guide portion 221 included in the first horizontal movement member 220a will be referred to as the first horizontal guide portion, the horizontal guide portion 221 included in the second horizontal movement member 220b will be referred to as the second horizontal guide portion, the horizontal guide portion 221 included in the third horizontal movement member 220c will be referred to as the third horizontal guide portion, and the horizontal guide portion 221 included in the fourth horizontal movement member 220d will be referred to as the fourth horizontal guide portion.

[0088] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a pair of horizontal guide slits 112 are formed on the front surface of the frame 110 (the rear surface is not shown).

[0089] The horizontal guide slit 112 is divided into a pair of first and second horizontal guide slits 112a and 112b formed symmetrically to each other on one surface of the frame 110 perpendicular to the moving direction of the main cam 120, and a pair of third and fourth horizontal guide slits 112c and 112d formed symmetrically to the first and second horizontal guide slits 112a and 112b, respectively, on the other surface of the frame 110.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 1, the first horizontal guide portion 221a and the third horizontal guide portion 221c are inserted into the first horizontal guide slit 112a and the second horizontal guide slit 112b, and conversely, the second horizontal guide portion 221b and the fourth horizontal guide portion 221d are inserted into the third horizontal guide slit 112c and the fourth horizontal guide slit 112d.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pair of horizontal guide slits 112 are characterized by being formed in a parabolic shape such that the distance between the two ends is shorter than the distance between the two ends at the center.

[0092] The horizontal movement unit 220, which is guided by the parabolic horizontal guide slit 112 and moved up and down in the Z-axis direction by the vertical movement unit 210, can be moved in the X-axis direction by the horizontal guide slit 112. Accordingly, the suction unit 230 fixed to the horizontal movement unit 220 is also moved in the X-axis direction by the movement of the horizontal movement unit 220. At this time, the distance in the X-axis direction that the horizontal movement unit 220 moves while being guided by the horizontal guide slit 112 is the same as the distance in the X-axis direction that the suction unit 230 moves while being fixed to the horizontal movement unit 220. In other words, the position of the suction unit 230 moving in the X-axis direction is affected by the position of the horizontal movement unit 220 guided by the horizontal guide slit 112.

[0093] Figure 7 shows the horizontal guide slit 112 and the reciprocating guide slit 212 of the vertical moving member. Referring to Figure 7 above, the movement distance in the X-axis direction of the horizontal guide part that moves along the horizontal guide slit 112 is the same as the movement distance of the suction unit 230 that moves along the X-axis direction of the reciprocating guide slit 212 of the vertical moving member.

[0094] 7, when the horizontal guide portion of the horizontal moving unit 220 is located at the end of the horizontal guide slit 112, the suction unit 230 is located at the left end of the reciprocating guide slit 212.

[0095] Conversely, when the horizontal guide portion of the horizontal moving unit 220 is located at the center of the horizontal guide slit 112 , the suction unit 230 is located at the right end of the reciprocating guide slit 212 .

[0096] 8 is a simplified diagram illustrating the phase changes of the vertical follower 211, which follows the cam profile of the main cam 120 as driven by the main cam 120, the vertical moving member including the vertical follower 211, and the horizontal moving member coupled to the vertical moving member. (Note that FIG. 8 intentionally depicts the movement of the vertical follower 211 to facilitate understanding. In reality, in the suction device 1000 of the present invention, the vertical follower 211 maintains a fixed state at a predetermined position as the movement of the vertical moving member in the Y-axis direction is restricted by the vertical guide slit 111. In other words, as the main cam 120 moves horizontally in the Y-axis direction, the vertical follower 211 moves vertically up and down on the upper surface of the main cam 120.)

[0097] 8, the vertical follower 211 moves along the upper surface of the main cam 120 formed in multiple stages, and the distance of movement in the Z-axis direction is the same as the distance of movement of the vertical moving member that moves in the Z-axis direction while being guided by the vertical guide slit 111 and the horizontal moving member that moves in the Z-axis direction while being guided by the horizontal guide slit 112. In this case, when the vertical follower 211 is located at the top end of the main cam 120, the vertical moving member and the horizontal moving member are also located at the top ends of the vertical guide slit 111 and the horizontal guide slit 112, respectively.

[0098] In the suction device 1000 of the present invention, the vertical movement unit 210 and horizontal movement unit 220 included in the interlocking section move in conjunction with the movement of the main cam 120. In conclusion, the suction device 1000 of the present invention can generate curvature in the battery cell 10 in all directions by moving the four suction units 230 that suction the battery cell 10 in the X-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0099] Hereinafter, the operation of the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0100] FIG. 9 shows the positions of the components of the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam 120 is in the ready state.

[0101] FIG. 9(a) shows the first vertical follower 211a and the second vertical follower 211b that contact the first planar cam 122a, and the third vertical follower 211c and the fourth vertical follower 211d that contact the second planar cam 122b.

[0102] Figure 9(b) shows the position of the horizontal guide portion 221 in the horizontal guide slit 112 when the first vertical follower 211a, the second vertical follower 211b, the third vertical follower 211c and the fourth vertical follower 211d of the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b are in the position shown in Figure 9(a).

[0103] Figure 9(c) shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the suction device 1000 when the first vertical follower 211a, the second vertical follower 211b, the third vertical follower 211c and the fourth vertical follower 211d of the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b are in the position (a) of Figure 9 above.

[0104] 9, when each vertical follower 211 is positioned at the midpoint between the first planar cam 122a and the second planar cam 122b, the phase in the Z-axis direction is the same. Therefore, the vertical moving member including each vertical follower 211 and the horizontal moving member connected to the vertical moving member are at the same position based on the Z-axis direction. In addition, the horizontal guide portion 221 of the horizontal moving member is positioned at the same center of the horizontal guide slit 112 as shown in the figure.

[0105] When the vertical follower 211 and the horizontal guide 221 are in the same positions as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the first suction member 230a, the second suction member 230b, the third suction member 230c and the fourth suction member 230d connected to each horizontal moving member are spaced apart at the same intervals from the frame 110 and are positioned at the same height in the Z-axis direction.

[0106] When the suction unit 230 is in the position shown in FIG. 9, the frame 110 of the present invention descends in the Z-axis direction to suction the upper surface of the battery cell 10 .

[0107] FIG. 10 shows the positions of the components of the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam 120 is advanced in the Y-axis direction.

[0108] FIG. 10(a) shows the first vertical follower 211a and the second vertical follower 211b that contact the first planar cam 122a, and the third vertical follower 211c and the fourth vertical follower 211d that contact the second planar cam 122b.

[0109] Figure 10(b) shows the position of the horizontal guide portion 221 in the horizontal guide slit 112 when the first vertical follower 211a, the second vertical follower 211b, the third vertical follower 211c and the fourth vertical follower 211d of the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b are in the position shown in Figure 10(a).

[0110] Figure 10(c) shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the suction device 1000 when the first vertical follower 211a, the second vertical follower 211b, the third vertical follower 211c and the fourth vertical follower 211d of the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b are in the position (a) of Figure 10 above.

[0111] 10, first vertical follower 211a and fourth vertical follower 211d are moved to the lowest positions on first planar cam 122a and second planar cam 122b, respectively, and at this time, the phases of first vertical follower 211a and fourth vertical follower 211d in the Z-axis direction are the same. Also, second vertical follower 211b and third vertical follower 211c are moved to the highest positions on first planar cam 122a and second planar cam 122b, respectively, and at this time, the phases of second vertical follower 211b and third vertical follower 211c in the Z-axis direction are the same.

[0112] Therefore, a pair of vertically moving members arranged diagonally with the frame 110 therebetween are positioned at the same height in the Z-axis direction.

[0113] The first horizontal guide portion and the fourth horizontal guide portion are located at the lower ends of the first horizontal guide slit 112a and the fourth horizontal guide slit 112d, respectively, and the second horizontal guide portion and the third horizontal guide portion are located at the upper ends of the second horizontal guide slit 112b and the third horizontal guide slit 112c, respectively.

[0114] As a result, the first and fourth attraction members 230a and 230d, which are disposed diagonally with the frame 110 therebetween, descend in the Z-axis direction, while the second and third attraction members 230b and 230c, which are disposed diagonally with the second attraction member 230b, ascend in the Z-axis direction. As the attraction members ascend or descend along the Z-axis direction, they simultaneously move in the X-axis direction so as to approach the frame 110.

[0115] That is, the first and fourth attraction members 230a and 230d, which are arranged diagonally with the frame 110 therebetween, descend in the Z-axis direction and simultaneously move in the X-axis direction toward the frame 110. The second and third attraction members 230b and 230c also ascend in the Z-axis direction and simultaneously move in the X-axis direction toward the frame 110.

[0116] FIG. 11 shows the positions of the components of the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam 120 moves backward in the Y-axis direction.

[0117] FIG. 11(a) shows the first vertical follower 211a and the second vertical follower 211b that contact the first planar cam 122a, and the third vertical follower 211c and the fourth vertical follower 211d that contact the second planar cam 122b.

[0118] Figure 11(b) shows the position of the horizontal guide portion 221 in the horizontal guide slit 112 when the first vertical follower 211a, the second vertical follower 211b, the third vertical follower 211c and the fourth vertical follower 211d of the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b are in the position shown in Figure 11(a).

[0119] Figure 11(c) shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the suction device 1000 when the first vertical follower 211a, the second vertical follower 211b, the third vertical follower 211c and the fourth vertical follower 211d of the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b are in the position (a) of Figure 11 above.

[0120] 11, first vertical follower 211a and fourth vertical follower 211d move to the highest positions on first planar cam 122a and second planar cam 122b, respectively, and at this time, the phases of first vertical follower 211a and fourth vertical follower 211d in the Z-axis direction are the same. Also, second vertical follower 211b and third vertical follower 211c move to the lowest positions on first planar cam 122a and second planar cam 122b, respectively, and at this time, the phases of second vertical follower 211b and third vertical follower 211c in the Z-axis direction are the same.

[0121] Therefore, a pair of vertically moving members arranged diagonally with the frame 110 therebetween are positioned at the same height in the Z-axis direction.

[0122] The first horizontal guide portion and the fourth horizontal guide portion are located at the upper ends of the first horizontal guide slit 112a and the fourth horizontal guide slit 112d, respectively, and the second horizontal guide portion and the third horizontal guide portion are located at the lower ends of the second horizontal guide slit 112b and the third horizontal guide slit 112c, respectively.

[0123] As a result, the first suction member 230a and the fourth suction member 230d, which are arranged diagonally with the frame 110 between them, rise in the Z-axis direction, and the second suction member 230b and the third suction member 230c, which is arranged diagonally from the second suction member 230b, descend in the Z-axis direction.

[0124] That is, the first and fourth attraction members 230a and 230d, which are arranged diagonally with the frame 110 therebetween, rise in the Z-axis direction and simultaneously move in the X-axis direction toward the frame 110. The second and third attraction members 230b and 230c also descend in the Z-axis direction and simultaneously move in the X-axis direction toward the frame 110.

[0125] 10 and 11, the main cam 120 of the present invention moves a pair of vertical movement members of the vertical movement unit 210 arranged diagonally with the frame 110 therebetween up and down in the same direction, moves a pair of vertical movement members arranged on the same side of the frame 110 up and down in different directions, and also moves a pair of vertical movement members arranged opposite to each other with the frame 110 therebetween in different directions.

[0126] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam 120 is in an advanced state with the battery cell 10 being attracted to it, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam 120 is in a retracted state with the battery cell 10 being attracted to it.

[0127] The frame 110 of the present invention can generate curvature in all directions in the battery cells 10 adsorbed to the adsorption members when the adsorption units 230 are in the positions illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.

[0128] The main cam 120 included in the suction device 1000 of the present invention moves linearly back and forth in the Y-axis direction while suctioning the battery cell 10, and each suction member to which driving force is transmitted by the main cam 120 repeatedly moves between the positions shown in Figures 12 and 13, twisting each corner of the battery cell 10 in the X-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0129] The chucking device 1000 of the present invention is characterized by twisting the battery cells 10 without applying excessive tension to them using the chucking members that move in the pattern as described above. In other words, the chucking device 1000 of the present invention twists the battery cells 10 while giving them some slack in the X-axis direction, which has the effect of preventing the battery cells 10 from being subjected to excessive stress by the chucking members. Furthermore, the twisting can effectively separate battery cells 10 that are stuck together due to static electricity.

[0130] (Second embodiment) The suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention further includes a press unit 240 in addition to the components of the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment. (Therefore, in the description of the suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment, the same content as that already described for the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.)

[0131] More specifically, the suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a press unit 240 that strikes the upper portion of the suctioned battery cell 10 while the suction member causes curvature in all directions of the suctioned battery cell 10.

[0132] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a suction device 1000 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the frame 110 omitted.

[0133] The suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is roughly composed of a main body portion and an interlocking portion.

[0134] The main body includes a frame 110 that moves linearly in the Z-axis direction, and a main cam 120 that moves linearly back and forth in the Y-axis direction inside the frame 110.

[0135] The interlocking part includes a vertical moving unit 210 and a suction unit 230, and further includes a pressing unit 240 that is disposed below the main cam 120 and moves linearly back and forth in the Z-axis direction in association with the movement of the main cam 120.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 14, the press unit 240 is disposed to penetrate the lower part of the frame 110.

[0137] The pressing unit 240 includes a support part 241 extending in a vertical direction and slidably coupled to the frame 110, and a pressure part 242 extending in a width direction of the battery cell 10 from a lower end of the support part 241.

[0138] The press unit 240 of the present invention is restricted in its movement in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and is only movable in the Z-axis direction while the support portion 241 is supported by the frame 110.

[0139] The upper portion of the support portion 241 may be extended in the direction in which the main cam 120 moves, i.e., in the Y-axis direction, and the press unit 240 may be supported over the frame 110 through the extended portion without being separated from the frame 110.

[0140] When the battery cell 10 is twisted while generating a curvature in all directions by the suction member, a parabolic concave surface may be formed at the bottom of the pressing part 242 to prevent the battery cell 10 from being damaged by the impact of the press unit 240.

[0141] The press unit 240 of the present invention strikes the upper surface of the battery cell 10 via the concave surface formed at the bottom of the pressure part 242 while moving in the Z-axis direction.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 14, the press unit 240 includes a press follower 243 protruding in a curved shape on the upper part.

[0143] The press follower 243 maintains contact with the lower surface of the main cam 120 .

[0144] As shown in FIG. 14, the suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may further include an elastic member 130 between the press unit 240 and the frame 110.

[0145] Even if the main cam 120 moves, the pressing unit 240 can continue to be in contact with the surface of the main cam 120 due to the elastic force of the elastic member 130 .

[0146] The main cam 120 of the suction device according to the second embodiment is moved back and forth to a fixed position by a drive unit (not shown), forward and backward relative to the fixed position, so that the vertical moving member in contact with it at the top and the press follower 243 in contact with it at the bottom are placed at a specific phase.

[0147] Figure 15 shows the main cam 120 according to the second embodiment, where (a) of Figure 15 is a perspective view of the main cam 120, and (b) of Figure 15 shows a front view, a side view, a plan view and a bottom view of the main cam 120.

[0148] The main cam 120 of the suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment is connected to a drive unit (not shown) that generates horizontal movement, and moves back and forth within the frame 110.

[0149] The main cam 120 includes a base plate 121, and a first flat cam 122a and a second flat cam 122b protruding in a curved shape from the upper part of the base plate 121. The main cam 120 also includes a third flat cam 122c protruding from the lower part of the base plate 121.

[0150] The third flat cam 122c protruding from the lower portion of the base plate 121 may be formed in multiple stages, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

[0151] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the third flat cam 122c is formed on a curved surface and includes a concave groove in the center.

[0152] The press follower 243 moves linearly back and forth in the Z-axis direction while moving on the bottom of the groove and on both inclined surfaces of the groove.

[0153] The first planar cam 122a and the second planar cam 122b position the respective vertical moving members that are in contact with them at a specific phase, and the third planar cam 122c positions the press unit 240 that is in contact with them at a specific phase.

[0154] The suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention positions each vertically moving member at a specific phase using the first planar cam 122a and the second planar cam 122b, thereby generating an omnidirectional curvature in the battery cell 10 that is suctioned by each suction unit 230. At the same time, the pressing unit 240 is linearly moved back and forth in the Z-axis direction to strike the upper surface of the battery cell 10.

[0155] 16 to 18 show the configuration of the suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, divided according to the movement of the main cam 120. The operation of the suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, explanations that overlap with the content already explained for the suction device 1000 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0156] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the main cam 120 is in the ready state and has attracted the battery cell 10.

[0157] The press follower 243 of the press unit 240 is positioned in a state where it is inserted into the groove of the third flat cam 122c, and the pressure applying part 242 of the press unit 240 is positioned at the same position as the lower end of the suction member. In other words, this is the state before the battery cell 10 is curvatured in all directions, and the press unit 240 is not striking the battery cell 10.

[0158] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the main cam 120 is in the forward position with the battery cell 10 being sucked in place.

[0159] As the main cam 120 advances in the Y-axis direction, the press follower 243 rises along the inclined surface of the third flat cam 122c, and the press unit 240 descends in the Z-axis direction to strike the upper surface of the battery cell 10, which has been subjected to omnidirectional curvature.

[0160] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the main cam 120 is in a reverse position with a battery cell 10 being attracted to it.

[0161] As the main cam 120 moves backward in the Y-axis direction, the press follower 243 rises along the inclined surface of the third flat cam 122c, and the press unit 240 descends in the Z-axis direction to strike the upper surface of the battery cell 10, which has been subjected to omnidirectional curvature.

[0162] In comparison with the movement of the suction unit 230, the press unit moves downward simultaneously when at least one of the suction members provided on both sides of the frame 110 moves downward. That is, every time the battery cell 10 held by the suction members twists, the press unit 240 moves downward to shake off the upper surface of the battery cell 10.

[0163] The suction device 1000 according to the second embodiment can more easily achieve the purpose of transporting the battery cells 10 individually due to the configuration of the press unit 240 described above.

[0164] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, so it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 10: Battery cell 20: Loading box 1000: Adsorption device 110: Frame 111: Vertical guide slit 111a: First vertical guide slit 111b: Second vertical guide slit 111c: 3rd vertical guide slit 111d: 4th vertical guide slit 112: Horizontal guide slit 112a: First horizontal guide slit 112b: Second horizontal guide slit 112c: 3rd horizontal guide slit 112d: 4th horizontal guide slit 120: Main Cam 121: Base plate 122: Plane cam 122a: First flat cam 122b: Second flat cam 122c: Third plane cam 130: Elastic member 210: Vertical movement unit 210a: First vertical moving member 210b: Second vertical moving member 210c: Third vertical moving member 210d: Fourth vertical moving member 211: Vertical driven part 211a: 1st vertical driven part 211b: 2nd vertical driven part 211c: Third vertical driven part 211d: 4th vertical driven part 212: Reciprocating guide slit 220: Horizontal movement unit 220a: First horizontally moving member 220b: Second horizontally moving member 220c: Third horizontal moving member 220d: Fourth horizontal moving member 221: Horizontal guide part 221a: First horizontal guide part 221b: Second horizontal guide part 221c: Third horizontal guide section 221d: 4th horizontal guide section 230: Adsorption unit 230a: First adsorption member 230b: second suction member 230c: third suction member 230d: Fourth suction member 240: Press unit 241: Support part 242: Pressure unit 243: Press follower

Claims

1. A suction device that suctions the upper surfaces of battery cells loaded in a loading box and sequentially removes and transports the battery cells, a main body including a frame that moves linearly in the Z-axis direction and a main cam that moves linearly back and forth in the Y-axis direction within the frame; a vertical movement unit that moves linearly in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the main cam, and an interlocking unit that includes a suction unit provided at an end of the vertical movement unit, the vertical movement unit includes a first vertical movement member and a second vertical movement member disposed to extend from one side of the frame in the X-axis direction, and a third vertical movement member and a fourth vertical movement member disposed to extend from the other side of the frame in the X-axis direction; The main cam moves a pair of vertical movement members of the vertical movement unit, which are arranged diagonally with the frame therebetween, up and down in the same direction; The main cam is a suction device that moves a pair of vertically moving members of the vertically moving unit, which are arranged on the same side of the frame, up and down in different directions.

2. The suction device according to claim 1 , wherein the main cam moves a pair of vertically moving members of the vertically moving unit, the pair of vertically moving members being arranged opposite each other with the frame interposed therebetween, up and down in different directions.

3. The main cam is a first planar cam that moves the first vertical moving member and the second vertical moving member in opposite directions; a second planar cam that moves the third vertical moving member and the fourth vertical moving member in opposite directions; The suction device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second planar cams have complementary cam profiles.

4. The vertical movement unit The suction device according to claim 1 , wherein the suction device moves while being guided by a linear vertical guide slit formed in the frame in the Z-axis direction.

5. The vertical movement unit The suction device according to claim 4 , which is coupled to the frame through the vertical guide slit and moves in the Z-axis direction along the vertical guide slit.

6. The interlocking portion is a horizontal moving unit that encloses the vertical moving unit and moves together with the vertical moving unit in the Z-axis direction; 2. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal movement unit is guided by a curved horizontal guide slit formed in the frame in the Z-axis direction, and moves linearly in the X-axis direction independently of the vertical movement unit.

7. The horizontal guide slit is a pair of first and second horizontal guide slits formed symmetrically on one surface of the frame perpendicular to the moving direction of the main cam; The suction device according to claim 6 , further comprising a pair of third and fourth horizontal guide slits formed symmetrically with the first and second horizontal guide slits, respectively, on the other surface of the frame.

8. 8. The suction device according to claim 7, wherein the pair of horizontal guide slits formed on the same surface of the frame have a parabolic shape in which the distance between both ends is shorter than the distance between the both ends at the center.

9. 7. The suction device according to claim 6, wherein the suction unit is fixed to the horizontal moving unit and is separated from the vertical moving unit.

10. The suction device according to claim 9 , wherein the suction unit is provided at an extended end of the vertical moving unit and extends downward from the horizontal moving unit.

11. The suction device according to claim 9 , wherein the suction unit moves in the Z-axis direction by movement of the vertical movement unit, and simultaneously moves in the X-axis direction by movement of the horizontal movement unit.

12. The suction device according to claim 1 , further comprising an elastic member disposed between the vertical movement unit and the frame.

13. The interlocking portion is The suction device according to claim 1 , further comprising a press unit disposed below the main cam, passing through a lower portion of the frame, and linearly moving back and forth in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the movement of the main cam.

14. the press unit has a support portion extending vertically and slidably coupled to the frame; The suction device of claim 13 , further comprising: a pressure member formed at a lower end of the support member to extend in a width direction of the battery cell and having a parabolic concave surface formed at a lower portion thereof.

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