Liftable chamber and its operating method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liftable chamber and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to a liftable chamber and an operating method thereof, which include a chamber body, a chamber frame, an air cylinder, and a control unit, and can prevent accidents in which an operator is trapped in the device and is killed or seriously injured, and can minimize damage to the device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0092592 filed on July 26, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0072044 filed on June 5, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a liftable chamber and an operating method thereof, and more particularly to a liftable chamber for impregnating electrolyte of a secondary battery, which can quickly detect abnormal operation of the chamber and control it to prevent further movement, thereby ensuring the safety of workers and preventing damage to the device, and an operating method thereof. [Background technology]

[0003] Recently, the demand for secondary batteries that can store electrical energy produced by the development of alternative energy sources due to air pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels and energy depletion has increased. Rechargeable secondary batteries are widely used in various fields such as mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and industrial robots.

[0004] Secondary batteries are used as energy sources for various electronic devices that are essential in modern society, and the required capacity is increasing due to the increasing use and complexity of mobile devices and the development of electric vehicles, etc. To meet user demands, small devices are equipped with multiple battery cells, while automobiles and the like use battery modules that electrically connect multiple battery cells or battery packs equipped with multiple such battery modules.

[0005] Meanwhile, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the battery case.

[0006] A secondary battery is manufactured by housing an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode inside a battery case, injecting a liquid electrolyte, i.e., an electrolyte solution, and sealing the battery case.

[0007] The injected electrolyte seeps into the spaces between the positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate, and separator that make up the electrode assembly due to capillary force, but impregnation of the electrolyte is not easy due to the characteristics of the microstructured porous electrode and the physical and chemical characteristics of the elements that make up the electrode and battery.

[0008] If the electrolyte is not sufficiently impregnated, the charging and discharging efficiency of lithium ions and the like will decrease, resulting in a problem of reduced performance of the secondary battery.

[0009] In this regard, Korean Patent Publication No. 2016-0130646 discloses a method for impregnating a secondary battery with an electrolyte, in which an electrolyte is supplied to a battery cell and then pressurized and depressurized to improve the impregnation performance of the electrolyte.

[0010] In addition, Korean Patent Publication No. 2011-0032848 discloses a vacuum pressurized chamber that is composed of an upper body including a cylindrical body, a hemispherical hemispherical portion extending above the body, and a sealing portion extending below the body, and a disk-shaped lower body that corresponds to the upper body.

[0011] As in the above-mentioned prior art document, when a pressurization or decompression process is performed to improve the impregnation of the electrolyte, a chamber made of a metal material that can be opened and closed and has sufficient durability to withstand the pressurization or decompression is required.

[0012] However, due to the heavy weight of the chamber, a separate lifting device is required for operation, and malfunction or carelessness of the device can lead to serious accidents, including death, in which a worker is trapped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0130646 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0032848 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a chamber and an operating method thereof that can ensure the safety of workers by controlling the upper body to not move further when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the upper body driven by an air cylinder when a chamber body composed of a lower body and an upper body is used for electrolyte impregnation.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a liftable chamber and an operating method thereof that can prevent damage to the chamber and improve the working environment by adjusting the weight of the upper body by adjusting the pressure of compressed air in an air cylinder when the upper body is lowered. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] In order to achieve the above object, the liftable chamber according to the present invention comprises a chamber body (100) consisting of a lower body (110) and an upper body (120) located on the upper part of the lower body (110), a pair of vertical frames (210) located facing each other with the chamber body (100) sandwiched therebetween, a horizontal frame (220) connecting the upper parts of the pair of vertical frames (210) to each other, and a support plate (220) located below the horizontal frame (220) and moving up and down while the upper body (120) is fastened thereto. a chamber frame (200) including a plate (230); cylindrical cylinder tubes (310) positioned near each of the pair of vertical frames (210); a head cover (320) sealing the head side end of the cylinder tube (310) and having a head side port (321) through which air flows in when the support plate (230) rises and through which air is exhausted when the support plate (230) falls; a rod cover (330) sealing the rod shaft end of the cylinder tube (310) and having a rod side port (331) that is always open; An air cylinder (300) including a piston (340) that divides the cylinder chamber of the cylinder tube (310), and a piston rod (350) connected to the piston (340) at one end and connected to the support plate (230) at the other end; a supply pressure control member (420) for supplying air to the cylinder tube (310) so that the support plate (230) rises; a first pressure sensor (430) located in front of the supply pressure control member (420); a control unit (400) including a flow rate sensor (450), a pair of exhaust flow rate sensors (460) for exhausting air from the cylinder tube (310) when the support plate (230) descends, a second pressure sensor (470) located in front of the exhaust flow rate sensors (460), and an exhaust pressure control member (480) located in front of the second pressure sensor (470), wherein the exhaust pressure control member (480) controls the exhaust of air from the cylinder tube (310) while maintaining it at a predetermined pressure.

[0017] In addition, in the liftable chamber according to the present invention, the exhaust pressure control member (480) is a regulator having an inlet port to which air is supplied, a connection port communicating with the second pressure sensor (470), and an exhaust port through which air is exhausted.

[0018] In the liftable chamber according to the present invention, the exhaust pressure control member (480) is a relief valve.

[0019] In addition, the liftable chamber according to the present invention is characterized by further comprising a pilot valve (440) that cuts off the supply or exhaust of air to stop the movement of the piston rod (350) when any one or more measured values of the first pressure sensor (430), the supply flow rate sensor (450), the exhaust flow rate sensor (460) and the second pressure sensor (470) are outside of a set range.

[0020] In addition, in the liftable chamber according to the present invention, a main valve (410) having an air inlet port (411) for supplying air is connected to the rear of the supply pressure control member (420).

[0021] In addition, in the liftable chamber according to the present invention, the exhaust flow rate sensor (460) is located between the first pressure sensor (430) and the supply flow rate sensor (450), and the supply flow rate sensor (450) detects the air flow rate when air is supplied, and the exhaust flow rate sensor (460) detects the air flow rate when air is exhausted, so that the supply flow rate sensor (450) and the exhaust flow rate sensor (460) are unidirectional flow rate sensors.

[0022] In addition, in the liftable chamber according to the present invention, the exhaust flow rate sensor (460) is located between the second pressure sensor (470) and the supply flow rate sensor (450).

[0023] In addition, the liftable chamber according to the present invention is characterized in that a pilot valve (440) for changing the direction of air movement is provided between the first pressure sensor (430), the exhaust flow rate sensor (460) and the second pressure sensor (470).

[0024] In addition, in the liftable chamber according to the present invention, the pilot valve (440) is an intermediate stop type solenoid valve that cuts off the supply or exhaust of air to stop the movement of the piston rod (350) when any one or more measured values of the first pressure sensor (430), the supply flow rate sensor (450), the exhaust flow rate sensor (460), and the second pressure sensor (470) are outside of a set range.

[0025] In addition, in the liftable chamber according to the present invention, when any one or more of the measured values is maintained outside the set range for a certain period of time or more, the air supply or exhaust is cut off to stop the movement of the piston rod (350).

[0026] In addition, the liftable chamber according to the present invention is characterized in that it further comprises a warning unit that warns of an abnormal state when the measured value of at least one of the first pressure sensor (430), the supply flow rate sensor (450), the exhaust flow rate sensor (460) and the second pressure sensor (470) is outside a set range.

[0027] In addition, in the liftable chamber according to the present invention, the upper body (120) is hemispherical or semi-elliptical, and is characterized in that it has a structure that is sealed when the lower body (110) and the upper body (120) are in close contact with each other.

[0028] In the ascending and descending chamber according to the present invention, the pressing device is for impregnating a secondary battery into which an electrolyte is injected.

[0029] In addition, a method for operating a liftable chamber according to the present invention includes a first step of supplying air to an air cylinder to lift an upper body, a second step of loading an object onto the lower body, a third step of discharging compressed air from the air cylinder to bring the upper body into close contact with an upper part of the lower body, and a fourth step of pressurizing and depressurizing a space formed by the contact between the lower body and the upper body, wherein the third step is characterized by controlling the discharge of compressed air while maintaining it at a predetermined pressure.

[0030] In addition, in the method for operating a liftable chamber according to the present invention, when at least one of the air supply flow rate or air supply pressure in the first stage and the air exhaust flow rate or air exhaust pressure in the third stage is outside of a set range, the air supply or exhaust is cut off to stop the operation of the air cylinder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] As described above, the liftable chamber and its operating method according to the present invention are provided with an intermediate stop solenoid valve that cuts off the supply or exhaust of air so that the upper body cannot move any further when the pressure or flow rate of the air supplied to or exhausted from the air cylinder is outside the set range, which has the advantage of preventing accidents in which an operator is trapped in the device and suffers death or serious injury.

[0032] Furthermore, the elevatable chamber and its operating method according to the present invention are provided with an exhaust pressure control unit that exhausts the air compressed in the air cylinder while maintaining a constant pressure, so that the speed at which the upper body descends can be controlled, which has the advantage of ultimately ensuring the safety of the operator and further contributing to preventing damage to the chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a liftable chamber according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a front view of a liftable chamber according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a side view of a liftable chamber according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of part A in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of part A of FIG. 3 as seen from another direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an air cylinder provided in the liftable chamber according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a control unit provided in the liftable chamber according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view of a control unit provided in the liftable chamber according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an air circuit diagram for operating an air cylinder according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of a control unit provided in a liftable chamber according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an air circuit diagram for operating an air cylinder according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart of a method for operating a liftable chamber according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a front view of the control unit according to the first embodiment, illustrating the direction of air flow when air is supplied to the air cylinder in a normal state. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front view of the control unit according to the first embodiment, illustrating the direction of air flow when air is discharged from the air cylinder in a normal state. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a front view of the control unit according to the first embodiment, illustrating the flow direction of air supplied to the air cylinder in an abnormal state. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a front view of the control unit according to the first embodiment, illustrating the flow direction of air exhausted from the air cylinder in an abnormal state. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a front view of a control unit according to a second embodiment, illustrating the direction of air flow when air is supplied to an air cylinder in a normal state. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a front view of a control unit according to a second embodiment, illustrating the direction of air flow when air is discharged from an air cylinder in a normal state. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a front view of a control unit according to a second embodiment, illustrating the flow direction of air exhausted from an air cylinder in an abnormal state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention that will enable a person skilled in the art to easily carry out the present invention. However, in describing the operation principle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail, detailed description of related well-known functions or configurations will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed description may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0035] Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts that have similar functions and actions. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection via another element between them. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, "including a certain element" does not mean that other elements are excluded, but that other elements may also be included.

[0036] The liftable chamber and its operating method according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liftable chamber according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of the liftable chamber according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the liftable chamber according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] 4 is an enlarged perspective view of part A in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of part A in FIG. 3 as viewed from another direction.

[0039] As shown in these Figures 1 to 5, the liftable chamber according to the present invention includes a chamber body 100 for storing an object (not shown), a chamber frame 200 that surrounds the chamber body 100, an air cylinder 300 for moving a portion of the chamber body 100 up and down, and a control unit 400 for operating the air cylinder 300.

[0040] Here, the target object may be a secondary battery, more specifically, a cylindrical secondary battery into which an electrolyte solution has been poured, but is not necessarily limited thereto. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be given assuming that the secondary battery is housed in a chamber body.

[0041] First, the chamber body 100 is composed of a lower body 110 and an upper body 120. The lower body 110 may have a substantially circular plate-like structure. The upper body 120 is located above the lower body 110 and is movable up and down. The overall shape may be a hemisphere or semi-ellipse with an empty interior.

[0042] Here, the outer upper portion of the upper body 120 is provided with a fastening portion 121 so that it can be fixed to or separated from the support plate 230. In detail, the fastening portion 121 is formed with a receiving groove 121' having a shape corresponding to the flange-shaped fastener 231 of the support plate 230 so that the fastener 231 can be inserted in a sliding manner (see FIG. 4).

[0043] Since the upper surface of the lower body 110 houses a secondary battery for impregnation with an electrolyte, and pressure and pressure must be alternately applied to ensure quick and uniform impregnation, it is preferable that the upper body 120 and the lower body 110 be fastened together to maintain airtightness so as to be isolated from the outside and to be fastened together so as not to separate even when a predetermined pressure is applied to the inside. Of course, it is clear that at least one of the lower body 110 and the upper body 120 is provided with an openable port for pressure and pressure.

[0044] The chamber frame 200 can include a vertical frame 210 , a horizontal frame 220 , a support plate 230 , and a guide frame 240 .

[0045] The vertical frames 210 are formed in pairs facing each other with the chamber body 100 sandwiched therebetween. Here, there are two vertical frames 210 on each side, spaced apart at a predetermined interval, so the total number of vertical frames 210 may be, but is not limited to, four.

[0046] The horizontal frame 220 is fixed to the top of the four vertical frames 210 and may have a substantially rectangular plate-like structure.

[0047] The support plate 230 is located between the horizontal frame 220 and the upper body 120, and moves up and down by the operation of the air cylinder 300 while fixedly supporting the upper body 120. Specifically, it has a plate-like structure similar to the horizontal frame 220, and piston rods 350 are connected to the opposing ends of the support plate 230, and the upper body 120 is connected to the bottom center of the support plate 230 by a fastener 231 extending downward.

[0048] Therefore, when the piston rod 350 moves up or down, the support plate 230 moves up and down together with the upper body 120 while hanging down.

[0049] The guide frame 240 guides the support plate 230 so that it can move up and down stably, and may be disposed so as to penetrate vertically through the support plate 230. In detail, the lower end of the guide frame 240 faces downward and is in close contact with the ground, and the other end is generally rod-shaped and is positioned so as to be in close contact with the bottom surface of the horizontal frame 220. There may be four guide frames 240 penetrating each corner of the horizontal frame 220, but the number of guide frames 240 may be increased or decreased as needed.

[0050] 6 is a cross-sectional view of an air cylinder provided in the liftable chamber according to the first embodiment. Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 6, the air cylinder is described. The air cylinder 300 is located near the vertical frame 210, more specifically, between a pair of guide frames 240, and is preferably provided facing each other at the edge of the support plate 230 so that the support plate 230 can be stably lifted and lowered.

[0051] Such an air cylinder 300 may include a cylindrical cylinder tube 310 , a head cover 320 , a rod cover 330 , a piston 340 , and a piston rod 350 .

[0052] The head cover 320 is positioned to seal the head side end of the cylinder tube 310, and has a head side port 321 so that air can flow in when the support plate 230 rises and can be exhausted when the support plate 230 falls. A second air pipe connected to a supply flow rate sensor is connected to the head side port 321.

[0053] The rod cover 330 seals the rod shaft end of the cylinder tube 310 and has a rod side port 331 that is always kept open. The piston 340 is in close contact with the inner surface of the cylinder tube 310 to divide the cylinder chamber, and the piston rod 350 is arranged so that one side is connected to the piston 340 and the other side is connected to the support plate 230. Since this air cylinder 300 corresponds to a well-known technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] Next, the control unit will be described. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the control unit provided in the liftable chamber according to the first embodiment, Fig. 8 is a front view of the control unit provided in the liftable chamber according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 9 is an air circuit diagram for operating the air cylinder according to the first embodiment.

[0055] The control unit 400 controls the supply and exhaust of air to determine the operation of the air cylinder 300 .

[0056] Such a control unit 400 may include a main valve 410, a supply pressure control member 420, a first pressure sensor 430, a pilot valve 440, a supply flow rate sensor 450, an exhaust flow rate sensor 460, a second pressure sensor 470, and an exhaust pressure control member 480.

[0057] First, the main valve 410 is for controlling the supply of air from an air compressor (not shown), and is provided on one side with an air inlet port 411 for connecting a first air pipe L1 connected to the air compressor.

[0058] When the flow direction of the supplied air is taken as a reference, the supply pressure control member 420 is located in front of the main valve 410 and may be a regulator that adjusts the pressure of the supplied air so that a set pressure is transmitted to the air cylinder 300 when the air cylinder 300 is raised.

[0059] The first pressure sensor 430 is located in front of the supply pressure control member 420 and measures the pressure of the air passing through the supply pressure control member 420. Here, the first pressure sensor 430 is preferably provided with a first display unit 431 so that the pressure measured in real time can be visually confirmed, and more preferably, is provided with a function to generate a warning signal such as an alarm or a warning light when the pressure falls outside a predetermined pressure range or when an abnormal pressure state continues for a certain period of time.

[0060] Pilot valve 440, consisting of first pilot valve 441 and second pilot valve 442, is a valve located between first pressure sensor 430, exhaust flow sensor 460 and second pressure sensor 470, i.e., on the paths of supplied air and exhausted air, for changing the direction of air movement.

[0061] In particular, the pilot valve 440 is preferably a three-port, three-way, intermediate stop solenoid valve to prevent narrowing accidents, etc. That is, when the measured values of one or more of the first pressure sensor 430, the supply flow rate sensor 450, the exhaust flow rate sensor 460, and the second pressure sensor 470 are outside the set range, the movement of the piston rod 350 is stopped by cutting off the supply or exhaust of air.

[0062] The supply flow rate sensor 450 is a one-way flow rate sensor for measuring the flow rate of air that has passed through the first pressure sensor 430, the pilot valve 440, and the exhaust flow rate sensor 460 in sequence.

[0063] The number of such supply flow rate sensors 450 is preferably the same as the number of head side ports of the air cylinders. In the present invention, there are two air cylinders, each equipped with one head side port, so a first supply flow rate sensor 451 and a second supply flow rate sensor 452 are provided to supply air to each head side port.

[0064] The first supply flow rate sensor 451 and the second supply flow rate sensor 452 are provided with a first air inlet / outlet 451' and a second air inlet / outlet 452', respectively, so as to be connected to the head side port, and these are connected by a second air pipe L2.

[0065] The second air pipe L2 is also used as a passage for discharging compressed air when the air cylinder is lowered, as will be described later.

[0066] Like the first pressure sensor 430 described above, the first supply flow rate sensor 451 and the second supply flow rate sensor 452 are preferably provided with a display window so that the flow rate of the supplied air can be checked in real time, and it is more preferable to add a function to generate a warning signal such as an alarm or a warning light when the flow rate falls outside a predetermined flow rate range or when an abnormal flow rate continues for a certain period of time.

[0067] Next, the exhaust flow sensor 460 is a one-way flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of air exhausted from the air cylinder, and is located between the supply flow sensor 450 and the pilot valve 440 .

[0068] That is, when the upper body of the chamber body is lowered, the compressed air below the cylinder tube must be exhausted, and the exhausted air passes through the supply flow sensor 450 and then moves to the exhaust flow sensor 460.

[0069] Similar to the supply flow rate sensor 450, the exhaust flow rate sensor 460 is preferably composed of a first exhaust flow rate sensor 461 and a second exhaust flow rate sensor 462 so that it can measure the flow rate of air exhausted from each head-side port.

[0070] Although not shown in the drawings, the positions of the supply flow sensor 450 and the exhaust flow sensor 460 may be interchanged, and the supply flow sensor 450 and the exhaust flow sensor 460 may be connected in parallel to the pilot valve 440. Also, in the case of a bidirectional flow sensor, the functions of the supply flow sensor 450 and the exhaust flow sensor 460 can be simultaneously performed, so they may be replaced with a single flow sensor.

[0071] The second pressure sensor 470 is configured to measure the pressure of air moving through the exhaust flow sensor 460, and measures the pressure in front of the exhaust flow sensor 460, more specifically, the pressure of air that has passed through the exhaust flow sensor 460 and the pilot valve 440 in sequence.

[0072] Similar to the first pressure sensor 430 described above, the second pressure sensor 470 is also preferably provided with a second display 471 so that the pressure of the exhausted air can be checked in real time, and it is more preferable to add a function to generate a warning signal such as an alarm or a warning light when the pressure falls outside a predetermined pressure range or when an abnormal pressure continues for a certain period of time.

[0073] The exhaust pressure control member 480 is located behind the second pressure sensor 470 and may be a relief valve that controls the exhaust of air in the cylinder tube while maintaining a predetermined pressure. In other words, to prevent unexpected accidents that may occur when the upper body of the chamber body descends, the air pressure in the cylinder tube is controlled to limit the sudden descent of the chamber body.

[0074] Although not shown in the drawings, the control unit 400 may further include a case for accommodating the main valve 410, the supply pressure control member 420, the first pressure sensor 430, the pilot valve 440, the supply flow rate sensor 450, the exhaust flow rate sensor 460, the second pressure sensor 470, and the exhaust pressure control member 480, as well as a monitor that receives various information such as pressure and flow rate and displays it in real time so that an operator can check and control the operating status of the device even from a distance.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a front view of a control unit provided in a liftable chamber according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is an air circuit diagram for operating an air cylinder according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] The remaining components, excluding those related to the exhaust pressure control member 480, are the same as those of the chamber according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, and therefore a repeated description will be omitted.

[0077] The exhaust pressure control member 480 according to the second embodiment may be a precision regulator having an inlet port to which air is supplied via the first air pipe L1 and the third air pipe L3 connected to the air compressor, a connection port communicating with the second pressure sensor 470, and an exhaust port through which the air is exhausted.

[0078] If an air leak occurs due to a crack occurring behind the exhaust pressure control member 480, such as in the second air pipe, the second pressure sensor 470, or the connecting parts of the exhaust pressure control member 480, the pressure in the exhaust pressure control member 480 may be maintained lower than the set pressure, which may result in the upper body descending too quickly.

[0079] However, in the case of the precision regulator constituting the exhaust pressure control member 480 according to the second embodiment, a constant amount of air at a predetermined pressure is constantly supplied through the third air pipe L3 and the inlet port, thereby maintaining a constant pressure behind the exhaust pressure control member 480, including the second air pipe.

[0080] Of course, when the pressure of the exhaust gas moving to the exhaust pressure control member 480 via the second pressure sensor 470 is equal to or higher than the pressure set by the exhaust pressure control member 480, in a normal state, air cannot move to the connecting port.

[0081] Although Figures 10 and 11 show that the air is branched from the first air pipe L1, passes through the third air pipe L3, and is then supplied to the exhaust pressure control member 480, the air compressor and the third air pipe L3 may be directly connected.

[0082] Meanwhile, precision regulators having the above-described functions and configurations correspond to well-known technologies such as the LRP series from FESTO and the IR series from SMC, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0083] Figure 12 is a flowchart of the operating method of the liftable chamber according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, Figure 13 is a front view of the control unit according to the first embodiment, which is a diagram for explaining the air flow direction when air is supplied to the air cylinder in a normal state, and Figure 14 is a front view of the control unit according to the first embodiment, which is a diagram for explaining the air flow direction when air is exhausted from the air cylinder in a normal state.

[0084] A method of operating the liftable chamber will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14 together with FIG. 1 described above.

[0085] An operating method of the liftable chamber according to the present invention includes a first step of supplying air to an air cylinder to lift an upper body, a second step of loading an object onto the lower body, a third step of discharging compressed air from the air cylinder to bring the upper body into close contact with the top of the lower body, and a fourth step of pressurizing and depressurizing a space formed by the contact between the lower body and the upper body.

[0086] First, the first stage is a stage in which the upper body 120 is raised from a state in which the upper body 120 is seated on the lower body 110. When air is supplied to the air cylinder 300, the piston and piston rod rise, and as a result, the upper body 120 rises.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 13, the supplied air passes through a main valve 410, a supply pressure control member 420, a first pressure sensor 430, a pilot valve 440, an exhaust flow rate sensor 460, and a supply flow rate sensor 450 in that order before being supplied to the air cylinder 300, and the supply pressure of the air is controlled by the supply pressure control member 420.

[0088] Here, even if the supplied air passes through the exhaust flow sensor 460, it is a unidirectional flow sensor that can measure the flow rate only when the air is exhausted, so it simply provides a path for the supplied air to travel and does not measure the flow rate.

[0089] Also, the pilot valve 440 is structured to communicate with the second pressure sensor 470, but the air is directed to the exhaust flow sensor 460 due to the change in port.

[0090] In the second step, the object, that is, the cylindrical secondary battery into which the electrolyte has been poured, is loaded onto the lower body 110 and the upper body 120 with a predetermined distance between them.

[0091] The third step is a step for tightly contacting the lower body 110 and the upper body 120 to prevent contact with the outside, in which compressed air is exhausted from the air cylinder 300 to lower the upper body 120.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 14, the air compressed in the cylinder passes through the supply flow rate sensor 450, the exhaust flow rate sensor 460, the pilot valve 440, the second pressure sensor 470, and the exhaust pressure control member 480 in that order, and is then exhausted to the outside, and the air pressure in the cylinder (air cylinder 300) is adjusted by the exhaust pressure control member 480.

[0093] Even though the exhaust air passes through the supply flow sensor 450, it is a unidirectional flow sensor that can measure the flow rate only when air is supplied, so it simply provides a path for the exhaust air to travel and does not measure the flow rate.

[0094] In addition, the pilot valve 440 is also configured to communicate with the first pressure sensor 430, but the air is directed to the second pressure sensor 470 due to the change in port.

[0095] Meanwhile, it is preferable to control the pressure inside the cylinder to be lower than the load of the upper body by a certain range so that the upper body can be completely lowered and come into close contact with the lower body.

[0096] The fourth and final step is to apply pressure and depressurize the injected electrolyte so that it is thoroughly impregnated.

[0097] 15 is a front view of the control unit according to the first embodiment, illustrating the flow direction of air supplied to the air cylinder in an abnormal state. If an abnormal state is detected during the first step, i.e., the process of supplying air to the air cylinder to raise the upper body, the air flow is blocked by pilot valve 440, which is an intermediate stop type solenoid valve.

[0098] For example, if the weight of the upper body increases because an item is placed on the upper body or an operator removes it, the set supply pressure and supply flow rate will be outside the range. When this signal is transmitted to the pilot valve 440, the air flow is cut off by the pilot valve 440, and not only is air not supplied to the air cylinder 300, but the air is not exhausted from the air cylinder 300, i.e., the port is switched so that air movement completely stops, and as a result, the upper body does not rise any further.

[0099] Of course, since it is possible that the supply pressure or supply flow rate may temporarily become abnormal due to a foreign object being caught in the piston rod or guide frame, it is also possible to design the valve so that a signal is sent to the pilot valve 440 only if the abnormal supply pressure or supply flow rate continues for a certain period of time or longer.

[0100] The above-mentioned operating principle can prevent accidents, especially death or serious injury that may occur when a worker is caught between the upper body and the horizontal frame.

[0101] 16 is a front view of the control unit according to the first embodiment, illustrating the flow direction of air exhausted from the air cylinder in an abnormal state. If an abnormal state is detected during the third stage, i.e., the process of exhausting compressed air from the air cylinder to lower the upper body, the air flow is blocked by the pilot valve 440, which is an intermediate stop type solenoid valve.

[0102] For example, if there is an item or a worker on the lower fuselage, the exhaust pressure or exhaust flow rate will be outside the set range. When such a signal is transmitted to the pilot valve 440, the air flow is blocked by the pilot valve 440, and not only is it not supplied to the air cylinder 300, but the port is also switched so that the air is not exhausted from the air cylinder 300, i.e., the air movement is completely stopped, and as a result, the upper fuselage does not descend any further.

[0103] Of course, there may be cases where foreign matter gets caught in the piston rod or guide frame, causing the exhaust pressure or exhaust flow rate to temporarily become abnormal, so it is possible to design the valve so that a signal is sent to the pilot valve 440 only if the abnormal exhaust pressure or exhaust flow rate continues for a certain period of time or longer.

[0104] The above-described operating principle can prevent accidents, especially death or serious injury that may occur when a worker is pinched between the lower body and the upper body.

[0105] 17 is a front view of the control unit according to the second embodiment, illustrating the direction of air flow when air is supplied to the air cylinder under normal conditions. Air passes through first air pipe L1, main valve 410, supply pressure control member 420, first pressure sensor 430, pilot valve 440, exhaust flow sensor 460, and supply flow sensor 450 in that order before being supplied to air cylinder 300, and the supply pressure of the air is controlled by supply pressure control member 420.

[0106] Even though the supplied air passes through the exhaust flow sensor 460, it is a unidirectional flow sensor that can measure the flow rate only when the air is exhausted, so it simply provides a path for the supplied air to travel and does not measure the flow rate.

[0107] In addition, since the pilot valve 440 is configured to communicate with the second pressure sensor 470, the air is directed to the exhaust flow sensor 460 by the change of port.

[0108] FIG. 18 is a front view of the control unit according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the direction of air flow when air is discharged from the air cylinder in a normal state.

[0109] The air compressed in the cylinder passes through the supply flow sensor 450, the exhaust flow sensor 460, the pilot valve 440, the second pressure sensor 470, and the exhaust pressure control member 480 in that order, and is then exhausted to the outside, and the air pressure inside the cylinder (air cylinder 300) is adjusted by the exhaust pressure control member 480.

[0110] Here, air from the first air pipe L1 flows toward the exhaust pressure control member 480, but the pressure exhausted from the second pressure sensor 470 is sufficiently high so that the air cannot flow into the exhaust pressure control member 480.

[0111] Even though the exhaust air passes through the supply flow sensor 450, it is a unidirectional flow sensor that can measure the flow rate only when air is supplied, so it simply provides a path for the exhaust air to travel and does not measure the flow rate.

[0112] In addition, the pilot valve 440 is also configured to communicate with the first pressure sensor 430, but the air is directed to the second pressure sensor 470 due to the change in port.

[0113] FIG. 19 is a front view of the control unit according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the flow direction of air exhausted from the air cylinder in an abnormal state.

[0114] Under normal conditions, the air compressed in the cylinder passes through the supply flow sensor 450, the exhaust flow sensor 460, the pilot valve 440, the second pressure sensor 470, and the exhaust pressure control member 480 in that order, before being exhausted to the outside.

[0115] However, in an abnormal state where an air leak occurs behind the exhaust pressure control member 480, the pressure of the air passing through the second pressure sensor 470 and heading toward the exhaust pressure control member 480 remains lower than the set pressure. In this case, air from the first air pipe L1 moves toward the exhaust pressure control member 480 to replenish the missing air, thereby adjusting the speed at which the upper body descends.

[0116] Of course, if the air leak occurring behind the exhaust pressure control member 480 is serious, the air flowing in from the first air pipe L1 can also move toward the second pressure valve 470, the exhaust flow sensor 460, and the supply flow sensor 450.

[0117] Meanwhile, in the abnormal state of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 16, i.e., when compressed air is exhausted from the air cylinder to lower the upper body, if there is an item or an operator on the lower body, the air flow is also blocked in the second embodiment by the pilot valve 440, which is an intermediate stop type solenoid valve.

[0118] Of course, when a mechanical or control abnormality occurs in the pilot valve 440, it operates as shown in FIG.

[0119] Those skilled in the art will be able to make various applications and modifications within the scope of the present invention based on the above content. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 100 chamber fuselage 110 Lower fuselage 120 upper fuselage 121 Fastening part 121' Receiving groove 200 Chamber Frame 210 Vertical Frame 220 horizontal frame 230 Support Plate 231 Fasteners 240 Guide Frame 300 air cylinder 310 Cylinder Tube 320 head cover 321 Head side port 330 Rod Cover 331 Rod side port 340 piston 350 piston rod 400 control section 410 Main Valve 411 Air inlet port 420 Supply pressure control member 430 First pressure sensor 431 1st display section 440 Pilot Valve 441 First pilot valve 442 Second pilot valve 450 Supply Flow Sensor 451 First supply flow sensor 451' First Air Entrance 452 Second supply flow sensor 452' Second Air Entrance 460 Exhaust flow sensor 461 No. 1 exhaust flow sensor 462 Second exhaust flow sensor 470 Second pressure valve (second pressure sensor) 471 2nd display section 480 Exhaust pressure control member L1 First air pipe L2 Second air pipe L3 Third air pipe V Directional Control Valve

Claims

1. a chamber body including a lower body and an upper body located above the lower body; a chamber frame including a pair of vertical frames positioned facing each other with the chamber body sandwiched therebetween, a horizontal frame connecting upper portions of the pair of vertical frames to each other, and a support plate positioned below the horizontal frame and moving up and down while the upper body is fastened thereto; an air cylinder including a cylindrical cylinder tube positioned near each of the pair of vertical frames; a head cover sealing a head side end of the cylinder tube and having a head side port through which air flows when the support plate is raised and through which air is exhausted when the support plate is lowered; a rod cover sealing a rod shaft end of the cylinder tube and having a rod side port that is always open; a piston dividing a cylinder chamber of the cylinder tube; and a piston rod connected at one end to the piston and at the other end to the support plate; a control unit including a supply pressure control member for supplying air to the cylinder tube so that the support plate rises, a first pressure sensor located in front of the supply pressure control member, a pair of supply flow rate sensors located in front of the first pressure sensor, a pair of exhaust flow rate sensors for exhausting air from the cylinder tube when the support plate descends, a second pressure sensor located in front of the exhaust flow rate sensors, and an exhaust pressure control member located in front of the second pressure sensors, the exhaust pressure control member controls the exhaust of the air in the cylinder tube while maintaining the air at a predetermined pressure, The pressure sensor may further include a pilot valve that cuts off the supply or exhaust of air to stop the movement of the piston rod when any one or more measured values of the first pressure sensor, the supply flow rate sensor, the exhaust flow rate sensor, and the second pressure sensor are outside a set range. Liftable chamber.

2. 2. The elevatable chamber according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust pressure control member is a regulator having an inlet port to which air is supplied, a connection port communicating with the second pressure sensor, and an exhaust port through which air is exhausted.

3. 2. The liftable chamber of claim 1, wherein the exhaust pressure control member is a relief valve.

4. 2. The elevatable chamber according to claim 1, wherein a main valve having an air inlet port for supplying air is connected to the rear of the supply pressure control member.

5. the exhaust flow sensor is located between the first pressure sensor and the supply flow sensor; 2. The liftable chamber of claim 1, wherein the supply flow sensor and the exhaust flow sensor are unidirectional flow sensors such that the supply flow sensor senses the air flow rate when air is supplied and the exhaust flow sensor senses the air flow rate when air is exhausted.

6. The liftable chamber of claim 5 , wherein the exhaust flow sensor is located between the second pressure sensor and the supply flow sensor.

7. 7. The liftable chamber according to claim 6, further comprising a pilot valve for redirecting the direction of air movement between the first pressure sensor, the exhaust flow rate sensor, and the second pressure sensor.

8. 8. The elevatable chamber of claim 7, wherein the pilot valve is an intermediate stop solenoid valve that cuts off the supply or exhaust of air to stop the movement of the piston rod when the measured values of any one or more of the first pressure sensor, the supply flow rate sensor, the exhaust flow rate sensor, and the second pressure sensor are outside a set range.

9. 9. The elevatable chamber according to claim 8, wherein when any one or more of the measured values are maintained outside a set range for a certain period of time or more, the air supply or exhaust is cut off to stop the movement of the piston rod.

10. 2. The liftable chamber of claim 1, further comprising a warning unit that warns of an abnormal state when a measurement value of at least one of the first pressure sensor, the supply flow rate sensor, the exhaust flow rate sensor, and the second pressure sensor is outside a set range.

11. The ascendable chamber of claim 1 , wherein the upper body is hemispherical or semi-elliptical, and is sealed when the lower body and the upper body are in close contact with each other.

12. A liftable chamber as described in claim 11 for use in a pressing device for impregnating an electrode assembly of a secondary battery with an electrolyte.

13. The first stage is to supply air to the air cylinder to raise the upper fuselage; a second stage in which the object is loaded into the lower fuselage; a third step of discharging compressed air from the air cylinder to bring the upper body into close contact with the upper part of the lower body; a fourth step of pressurizing and depressurizing a space formed by the close contact between the lower body and the upper body, The third step controls the compressed air to be discharged while maintaining the compressed air at a predetermined pressure, When one or more of the air supply flow rate or air supply pressure in the first stage and the air exhaust flow rate or air exhaust pressure in the third stage are outside of a set range, the air supply or exhaust is cut off to stop the operation of the air cylinder. How to operate a liftable chamber.

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