Gas collection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a gas collection device that automates the loading, unloading, and punching of a large number of batteries, and is capable of precisely and stably transmitting the collected target gas to a gas analysis module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0183126 filed on December 15, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the Korean Patent Application are included as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a gas collection device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gas collection device in which loading, unloading, punching, etc. of a large number of secondary batteries are automated, and an analysis target gas collected precisely and stably can be transmitted to a gas analysis module.

Background Art

[0003] A secondary battery is a battery that can be repeatedly used through a discharging process of converting chemical energy into electrical energy and a charging process of converting electrical energy into chemical energy. As its types, nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, lithium metal batteries, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries are generally known. Among such secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries having high energy density, voltage, long cycle life, and low self-discharge rate have been commercialized and widely used.

[0004] Inside a lithium secondary battery, various gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, C n H 2n-2 (n = 2 to 5), C n H 2n (n = 2 to 5), C n H 2n+2 (n = 1 to 5) hydrocarbons and other organic gas species are generated.

[0005] Furthermore, lithium-ion secondary batteries generate a large amount of gas during the decomposition and degradation of the electrolyte due to repeated charging and discharging cycles. This process manifests itself in various ways depending on the battery's design and usage. Therefore, analyzing the gases generated inside the battery and inferring the battery's degradation mechanism is an essential step in the battery development process.

[0006] Therefore, it is extremely important to collect and accurately analyze the gases generated within secondary batteries. Information on the composition and content of various gases generated during the charging and discharging of lithium secondary batteries is useful in the development of battery materials, optimization of battery manufacturing processes, and identification of the causes of battery failures. For this purpose, the development of technologies for collecting gases generated inside secondary batteries is crucial.

[0007] One method for analyzing the gases generated inside a secondary battery involves the following process.

[0008] To collect the target gas generated from inside the secondary battery, holes are drilled into the battery case, and the target gas is extracted through these holes.

[0009] The extracted analyte gas is diffused into a sealed gas diffusion space.

[0010] The target gas, diffused in the gas diffusion space, is sampled into a sampling container.

[0011] The sampled gas to be analyzed is injected into a gas analyzer such as a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) device into a sampling container, and the gas analysis is performed.

[0012] However, in order to obtain reliable analytical results, it is necessary to perform the above process on a large number of batteries and collect data. However, when the above process is performed manually, reproducibility decreases, there is a risk of gas leakage, and equipment contamination problems occur due to repeated execution. Therefore, an automated gas collection technology for secondary battery analysis that can solve the above problems is needed. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] The present invention relates to a gas collection device that automates the loading, unloading, and punching of batteries from a large number of secondary batteries, enabling precise and stable collection of the target gas for analysis, and transmission of the collected gas to a gas analysis module.

[0014] The technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and any other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The gas collection device includes: a loading unit that sequentially supplies multiple analyte batteries one by one to a first position on a first moving unit; a first moving unit that moves the analyte batteries located at the first position to a second position on the first moving unit; a gripper unit that either houses the analyte batteries located at the second position into a gas extraction unit, or moves the analyte batteries housed in the gas extraction unit to the second position; a gas extraction unit that extracts gas from the housed batteries; a second moving unit that moves the analyte batteries located at the second position to a third position, which is a second moving unit located on the second moving unit; and an unloading unit that recovers the analyte batteries located at the third position on the second moving unit.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first moving unit includes a first rotating part that rotates around a first center as its central axis, and a first driving part that rotates the first rotating part.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first rotating part is disc-shaped, and the first moving unit further includes a first guide part that prevents the battery to be analyzed from detaching along the circumferential direction of the first rotating part.

[0018] In one embodiment, the loading unit includes a loading conveyor belt that sequentially transfers the batteries to be analyzed to the upper surface of the first rotating part, and a loading driver that drives the loading conveyor belt, wherein the upper surface of the loading conveyor belt is higher than the upper end of the first guide part.

[0019] In one embodiment, the loading unit further includes a pair of loading guide bars that guide a plurality of analyte batteries to be aligned along the longitudinal direction of the loading conveyor belt and prevent them from detaching from the loading conveyor belt, wherein the pair of loading guide bars are parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other by a diameter greater than that of the analyte batteries, and extend along the longitudinal direction of the loading conveyor belt.

[0020] In one embodiment, the loading conveyor belt transports the battery to be analyzed in a first direction, and the second moving unit includes a second rotating part that rotates about a second center located at a predetermined distance from the first center in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the upper surface of the first rotating part, and a second drive unit that rotates the second rotating part.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second rotating part is disc-shaped, and the predetermined distance is smaller than the combined value of the radius of the first rotating part and the radius of the second rotating part.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the predetermined interval is a value obtained by subtracting the diameter of the battery to be analyzed from the sum of the radius of the first rotating part and the radius of the second rotating part. The second moving unit further includes a second guide part that prevents the battery to be analyzed from detaching along the circumferential direction of the second rotating part. The fourth position where the first rotating part and the second rotating part overlap is also a position where the first guide part and the second guide part are open to each other.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the unloading unit includes an unloading conveyor belt that sequentially collects the battery to be analyzed from the second rotating part, and an unloading driver that provides driving force to the unloading conveyor belt. The upper surface of the unloading conveyor belt is lower than the upper surface of the second rotating part. In the region of the second rotating part that contacts one end of the unloading conveyor belt, the second guide part is also open.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the first position is the position where the battery to be analyzed loaded by the loading conveyor belt on the first rotating part is first placed. The first rotating part rotates in a direction away from the battery to be analyzed located at the first position from the fourth position. The second rotating part rotates in the opposite direction to the first rotating part. At the fourth position, the battery to be analyzed also moves from the first rotating part to the second rotating part due to the rotation of the second rotating part.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the second position is a position before the battery to be analyzed located at the first position reaches the fourth position by rotating by the first rotating part. The third position is also the position of the edge of the second rotating part where the second rotating part contacts one end of the unloading conveyor belt.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the gas extraction unit includes a lower jig into which the lower end of the battery to be analyzed is inserted; an upper jig that covers the upper end of the battery to be analyzed and is coupled to the upper end of the lower jig; a punching unit that is mounted on the upper jig and forms a punching hole on the upper surface of the battery to be analyzed; a jig moving unit that moves the upper jig in the vertical direction; and a clamp that holds the upper jig and the lower jig in a coupled state.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the upper jig and the lower jig are cylindrical and extend in the vertical direction. A first protrusion protruding in the diameter direction along the outer peripheral surface is formed at the lower end of the upper jig, and a second protrusion protruding in the diameter direction along the outer peripheral surface is formed at the upper end of the lower jig. The clamp also engages the first protrusion and the second protrusion such that the bottom surface of the first protrusion and the upper surface of the second protrusion are in close contact with each other.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the clamp consists of a pair, and the pair of clamps engage each other on opposite sides.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the gas collection device further includes a cleaning unit that cleans the inside of the upper jig and the punching needle of the punching unit.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the cleaning unit includes a nozzle unit that injects air; a friction block that cleans through friction; a first frame having the nozzle unit coupled to one end and the friction block coupled to the other end; a first rail that guides the first frame to move in the longitudinal direction of the first frame; a second frame extending in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the first frame; and a second rail that guides the second frame to move in the longitudinal direction of the second frame. The first rail is fixed to the second frame, and the first frame approaches or separates from the upper jig by the movement of the second frame.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the gas collection device further includes a gas diffusion unit that transmits the gas to be analyzed from the gas extraction unit and diffuses the gas to be analyzed into a gas diffusion space formed inside.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the gas diffusion unit includes a base plate portion consisting of a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a cylindrical side wall portion whose lower end is fixed to the base plate portion and which expands and contracts in the vertical direction; a vertical moving portion to which the upper end of the cylindrical side wall portion is joined and fixed and which moves in the vertical direction; a guide support portion that guides the vertical movement of the vertical moving portion; and a vertical drive portion that moves the vertical moving portion in the vertical direction. The space surrounded by the base plate portion, the cylindrical side wall portion, and the vertical moving portion also forms the gas diffusion space.

[0033] In one embodiment, a gas inlet and outlet are formed in the base plate portion, and the gas to be analyzed is injected into or discharged into the gas diffusion space through the gas inlet and outlet.

[0034] According to one example, the cylindrical side wall also has a bellows structure.

[0035] In one embodiment, the vertically moving portion includes a cylindrical body member extending in the vertical direction and an upper plate member having a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, to which the upper end of the body member is joined and fixed at the bottom surface. The upper end of the cylindrical side wall is joined and fixed to the bottom surface of the upper plate member, the body member is located inside the cylindrical side wall, and the space surrounded by the lower end of the body member, the upper surface of the base plate, and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical side wall forms the gas diffusion space.

[0036] In one embodiment, when the vertically moving part is lowered to its lowest point, the lower end of the fuselage member contacts the upper surface of the base plate, and all inner surfaces of the cylindrical side wall face the outer surface of the fuselage member.

[0037] In one embodiment, the upper plate member is disc-shaped, the guide support portion is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction, the inner diameter of the guide support portion is the same as the diameter of the upper plate member, and the upper plate member slides and is guided by the inner circumferential surface of the guide support portion.

[0038] In one embodiment, the lower end of the guide support is fixed to the upper surface of the base plate, a guide hole extending in the vertical direction is formed on the side surface of the guide support, the vertical drive unit includes a power transmission member with one end inserted into the inside of the guide support through the guide hole, a vertical movement shaft whose longitudinal direction is vertical and which is connected to the other end of the power transmission member located outside the guide support, and a drive actuator supported by the base plate and which moves the vertical movement shaft in the vertical direction, the power transmission member is also connected to the upper surface of the upper plate member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0039] The gas collection device of the present invention automates the loading, unloading, and punching of multiple secondary batteries, enabling precise and stable collection of the target gas to be analyzed and transmission to a gas analysis module.

[0040] Furthermore, when sampling the analyte gas diffused in the gas diffusion space of the gas diffusion unit, the gas collection device of the present invention can vary the volume of the gas diffusion space to sample the analyte gas at a concentration optimized for analysis in the gas analysis unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram showing a gas collection device as an example. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram showing the movement sequence of the batteries being analyzed. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram showing the movement sequence of the batteries being analyzed. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram showing the movement sequence of the batteries being analyzed. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram showing the movement sequence of the batteries being analyzed. [Figure 6] This is a conceptual diagram showing the movement sequence of the batteries being analyzed. [Figure 7] This is a conceptual diagram showing the movement sequence of the batteries being analyzed. [Figure 8] This is a conceptual diagram showing the movement sequence of the batteries being analyzed. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a gas extraction unit based on one actual example. [Figure 10] This is a plan view showing a cleaning unit based on an actual example. [Figure 11] This is a plan view showing a cleaning unit based on an actual example. [Figure 12] This is a plan view showing a cleaning unit based on an actual example. [Figure 13] This is a side view showing a gas diffusion unit based on one actual example. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing a gas diffusion unit according to one example. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing a gas diffusion unit according to one example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the size and shape of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, terms specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present invention may vary depending on the intent or convention of the user or operator. The definitions of such terms should be based on the overall content of this specification.

[0043] In describing the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center," "up," "down," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inside," "outside," "one side," and "other side" are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, or the directions or positional relationships in which the product of the present invention is typically arranged during use. They are merely for the purpose of describing and briefly explaining the present invention, and do not imply or suggest that the displayed device or element must necessarily be configured or operated in a specific direction, and should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0044] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a gas collection device according to one embodiment. Figures 2 to 8 are conceptual diagrams showing the movement sequence of the battery 11 to be analyzed according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a gas extraction unit 600 according to one embodiment. Figures 10 to 12 are plan views showing a cleaning unit 800 according to one embodiment. Figure 13 is a side view showing a gas diffusion unit 700 according to one embodiment. Figures 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views showing a gas diffusion unit 700 according to one embodiment.

[0045] The gas collection device of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 15.

[0046] The gas collection device can collect gas from multiple secondary batteries in a sequential, automated system. Specifically, the gas collection device of the present invention can automatically and sequentially perform processes such as punching, gas extraction, gas diffusion, gas sampling, and battery recovery for a large number of secondary batteries without manual work.

[0047] Gas collection devices can extract gases generated inside secondary batteries and transfer them to instruments such as GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy), GC-PDD (gas chromatography-pulsed discharge detector), GC-TCD (gas chromatography-thermal conductivity detector), and GC-FID (gas chromatography-flame ionization detector).

[0048] In one embodiment, the gas collection device is a secondary battery having a rigid cylindrical case, where the battery 11 to be analyzed is also a secondary battery.

[0049] In another embodiment, the gas collection device may also consist of secondary batteries of various shapes housed in a chemical-resistant jig with an open top. The chemical-resistant jig in which the secondary batteries are housed may have a cylindrical outer shape. Multiple chemical-resistant jigs may be provided, and these jigs may be formed with different internal structures. The internal structures of the multiple chemical-resistant jigs may also be formed to accommodate the structures of various types of secondary batteries. When multiple secondary batteries are housed in each of the multiple chemical-resistant jigs, the top ends of each of the multiple secondary batteries are exposed.

[0050] In the following explanation, the vertical direction also corresponds to the direction of gravity. For example, the upper part refers to a position with higher potential energy than the lower part.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1, the gas collection device of the present invention includes: a gas extraction unit 600 for extracting the analyte gas from inside the analyte battery 11; a loading unit 300 for sequentially supplying multiple analyte batteries 11 one by one to a first position 111; a first moving unit 100 for moving the analyte battery 11 located at the first position 111 to a second position 112; a gripper unit 500 for either placing the analyte battery 11 located at the second position 112 into the gas extraction unit 600, or moving the analyte battery 11 placed in the gas extraction unit 600 to the second position 112; a second moving unit 200 for moving the analyte secondary battery located at the second position 112 to a third position 211 via a signal from the first moving unit 100; and an unloading unit 400 for recovering the analyte battery 11 located at the third position 211.

[0052] In Figure 1, the dashed lines represent gas pathways, which are the first gas pathway 12 and the second gas pathway 13. The analyte gas generated from the gas extraction unit 600 is also transmitted to the gas sampling unit or gas analysis unit. Specifically, the analyte gas initially extracted from the analyte battery 11 by the gas extraction unit 600 is sent through the first gas pathway 12 to the gas diffusion unit 700, which will be described later. In the gas diffusion unit 700, the analyte gas is adjusted to a concentration and pressure optimized for analysis and can be transmitted through the second gas pathway 13 to the gas sampling unit or gas analysis unit.

[0053] The first gas flow path 12 and the second gas flow path 13 are also gas flow paths that include pipes, hoses, etc.

[0054] A gas sampling unit (not shown) includes a gas sampling container in which a gas sampling space is formed as a fixed volume, and an on / off valve for opening and closing the gas sampling container.

[0055] The gas analysis unit (not shown) can also be a GC-MS, GC-PDD, GC-TCD, GC-FID, etc.

[0056] The first moving unit 100 includes a first rotating part 110 that rotates around a first center as its central axis, and a first drive unit 120 that provides a driving force for rotating the first rotating part 110. The loading unit 300 also supplies the battery to be analyzed to the upper surface of the first rotating part 110. The first rotating part 110 is disc-shaped, and the first moving unit 100 further includes a first guide part 130 that prevents the battery to be analyzed from detaching along the circumferential direction of the first rotating part 110.

[0057] More specifically, the first rotating part 110 is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and may be disc-shaped with a first center. The battery to be analyzed 11 is placed on the edge of the first rotating part 110, and the battery to be analyzed 11 moves in the circumferential direction of the first rotating part 110 as it rotates. Multiple battery housing grooves, whose shape corresponds to the lower end of the battery to be analyzed, may be formed along the circumferential direction on the edge of the first rotating part 110.

[0058] The first drive unit 120 is also a rotor. The first drive unit 120 can have its axis of rotation in the vertical direction. The first rotating part 110 can be rotated at the first center position.

[0059] The first guide portion 130 may be ring-shaped. The first guide portion 130 is formed along the frame of the first rotating portion 110 and is not formed in the region that overlaps with the second rotating portion 210, which will be described later. The upper end of the first guide portion 130 may be formed even higher than the upper surface of the first rotating portion 110.

[0060] The loading unit 300 includes a loading conveyor belt 310 that sequentially transfers the batteries 11 to be analyzed to the upper surface of the first rotating part 110, and a loading driver that provides driving force to the loading conveyor belt 310. The height of the upper surface of the loading conveyor belt 310 is also higher than the upper end of the first guide part 130.

[0061] In other words, the batteries 11 to be analyzed are sequentially placed on the first rotating section 110 from the loading conveyor belt 310. The longitudinal direction of the loading conveyor belt 310 is also the diametrical direction of the first rotating section 110. One end of the loading conveyor belt 310 can face the first center.

[0062] The loading unit 300 further includes a pair of loading guide bars 320 that guide the multiple batteries 11 to be analyzed so that they are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the loading conveyor and prevent them from detaching from the loading conveyor belt 310.

[0063] The pair of loading guide bars 320 are parallel to each other, spaced apart by a distance greater than or equal to the diameter of the battery 11 to be analyzed, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the loading conveyor belt 310.

[0064] When the direction in which the loading conveyor belt 310 transports the battery 11 to be analyzed is defined as the first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the direction parallel to the upper surface of the first rotating part 110 are defined as the second direction, the second moving unit 200 includes a second rotating part 210 that rotates around a second center located at a predetermined distance from the first center in the second direction, and a second drive unit 220 that provides a driving force for rotating the second rotating part 210.

[0065] The second rotating part 210 is disc-shaped. The second moving unit 200 further includes a second guide part 230 that prevents the battery 11 to be analyzed from detaching along the circumferential direction of the second rotating part 210.

[0066] More specifically, the second rotating part 210 is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and may be disc-shaped with a second center. The battery to be analyzed 11 is placed on the edge of the second rotating part 210, and the battery to be analyzed 11 moves in the circumferential direction of the second rotating part 210 as it rotates. Multiple battery housing grooves, whose shape corresponds to the lower end of the battery to be analyzed, may be formed along the circumferential direction on the edge of the second rotating part 210.

[0067] The second drive unit 220 is also a rotor. The second drive unit 220 can have its axis of rotation in the vertical direction. The second rotating unit 210 can be rotated at the second center position. The second drive unit 220 can rotate in the opposite direction to the first drive unit 120.

[0068] The second guide portion 230 may be ring-shaped. The second guide portion 230 is formed along the frame of the second rotating portion 210 and is not formed in the area that overlaps with the first rotating portion 110 or in the area that faces the unloading conveyor belt. The upper end of the second guide portion 230 may be formed to be higher than the upper surface of the second rotating portion 210.

[0069] The predetermined distance between the first center and the second center is smaller than the combined radius of the first rotating part 110 and the radius of the second rotating part 210. More specifically, the predetermined distance is also the combined value of the radius of the first rotating part 110 and the radius of the second rotating part 210 minus the diameter of the battery 11 to be analyzed. In the region where the first rotating part 110 and the second rotating part 210 overlap, the first guide part 130 and the second guide part 230 are open.

[0070] The unloading unit 400 includes an unloading conveyor belt 410 that sequentially retrieves the batteries 11 to be analyzed, which are placed on the upper surface of the second rotating part 210, and an unloading driver that provides driving force to the unloading conveyor belt 410, wherein the height of the upper surface of the unloading conveyor belt 410 is lower than the height of the upper surface of the second rotating part 210.

[0071] The second guide portion 230 is also opened along the arc of the second rotating portion 210 that contacts one end of the unloading conveyor belt 410.

[0072] The unloading unit 400 further includes a pair of unloading guide bars 420 that guide the multiple batteries 11 to be analyzed so that they are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the unloading conveyor belt 410 and prevent them from detaching from the unloading conveyor belt 410.

[0073] The pair of unloading guide bars 420 are parallel to each other, spaced apart by a distance greater than or equal to the diameter of the battery 11 to be analyzed, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the unloading conveyor belt 410.

[0074] The first position 111 is also the position where the battery 11 to be analyzed, loaded from the loading conveyor belt 310, is initially placed on the first rotating part 110. When the region where the first rotating part 110 and the second rotating part 210 overlap is defined as the fourth position 113, the first rotating part 110 can rotate in a direction that moves the battery 11 to be analyzed, located at the first position 111, away from the fourth position 113. For example, the angle between the first position 111 and the fourth position 113, with the first center as the vertex, is also a right angle. Here, when the first position 111 and the fourth position 113, and the second position 112 and the third position 211 are designated as point positions, they mean the center of those positions. The fact that the first rotating part 110 rotates in a direction that moves the battery 11 to be analyzed, which is located at the first position 111, away from the fourth position 113 means that the angle between the fourth position 113 and the battery 11 to be analyzed, with the first center as the vertex, gradually increases.

[0075] The second rotating part 210 can rotate in the opposite direction to the first rotating part 110.

[0076] In the region where the first rotating part 110 and the second rotating part 210 overlap, the battery 11 to be analyzed is moved by the rotation of the second rotating part 210. That is, at the fourth position 113, the battery 11 to be analyzed is moved by the second rotating part 210. More specifically, once the battery 11 to be analyzed reaches the fourth position 113, the second rotating part 210 moves the battery 11 to the third position 211.

[0077] The second position 112 is the position before the battery 11 to be analyzed, which was located at the first position 111, is rotated by the first rotating part 110 and arrives at the fourth position 113, and the third position 211 is also the position of the edge of the second rotating part 210 that is in contact with one end of the unloading conveyor belt 410.

[0078] For example, the second position 112 is also the position rotated 180° from the first position 111 in the direction of rotation of the first rotating part 110.

[0079] For example, the third position 211 is also the position rotated 90° from the fourth position 113 in the direction of rotation of the second rotating part 210.

[0080] The movement process of the battery 11 under analysis will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 2 through 9.

[0081] As shown in Figure 2, the battery 11 to be analyzed is loaded from the loading unit 300 to the first position 111 of the first moving unit 100.

[0082] As shown in Figure 3, the battery 11 under analysis moves from the first position 111 to the second position 112 by the rotation of the first rotating part 110.

[0083] As shown in Figure 4, the battery 11 to be analyzed is moved from the second position 112 to the gas extraction unit 600 by the gripper unit 500. The gripper unit 500 may include a gripping portion that grips the battery 11 to be analyzed and a transport portion that moves the gripping portion. The transport portion is capable of movement in at least two axes, including the vertical direction.

[0084] As shown in Figure 5, the battery 11 to be analyzed is housed in the gas extraction unit 600. In the gas extraction unit 600, as shown in Figure 9, the clamp 650 can further secure the lower jig 620 and the upper jig 610 in a connected state. The punching section 630 forms holes in the battery 11 to be analyzed, allowing the gas to be extracted from the battery 11.

[0085] As shown in Figure 6, the analyte battery 11, from which the extraction of the analyte gas has been completed, can be moved back to the second position 112 by the gripper unit 500.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7, the battery 11 to be analyzed can be moved from the second position 112 to the fourth position 113 by the first rotating part 110.

[0087] As shown in Figure 8, the battery 11 to be analyzed is moved from the fourth position 113 to the third position 211 by the second rotating part 210 and unloaded into the unloading unit 400.

[0088] As shown in Figure 9, the gas extraction unit 600 includes a lower jig 620 into which the lower end of the battery 11 to be analyzed is inserted; an upper jig 610 that covers the upper end of the battery 11 to be analyzed and connects with the upper end of the lower jig 620; a punching section 630 attached to the upper jig 610 to form a perforated hole on the upper surface of the battery 11 to be analyzed; a jig moving section 640 that moves the upper jig 610 in the vertical direction; and a clamp 650 that maintains the connected state of the upper jig 610 and the lower jig 620.

[0089] The upper jig 610 and the lower jig 620 may be cylindrical in shape and extend in the vertical direction.

[0090] Cylindrical grooves are formed on the bottom surface of the upper jig 610 and the top surface of the lower jig 620, and these grooves can be formed as a battery housing space 601.

[0091] A first projection 611 is formed at the lower end of the upper jig 610, projecting diametrically along its outer surface, and a second projection 621 may be formed at the upper end of the lower jig 620, projecting diametrically along its outer surface.

[0092] An O-ring insertion groove may be formed on the bottom surface of the first protrusion 611 or the top surface of the second protrusion 621. The bottom surface of the first protrusion 611 and the top surface of the second protrusion 621 can be in close contact with each other to form a sealed battery housing space 601.

[0093] The clamp 650 also grips the first protrusion 611 and the second protrusion 621 so that they are in close contact with each other, with the bottom surface of the first protrusion 611 and the top surface of the second protrusion 621 in close contact with each other.

[0094] The clamp 650 consists of a pair, and the pair of clamps 650 also bite into each other on opposite sides.

[0095] The jig movement section 640 is also a pneumatic cylinder.

[0096] The gas extraction unit 600 further includes a cleaning unit 800 for cleaning the inside of the upper jig 610 and the punching needle of the punching section 630. The cleaning unit 800 is for removing electrolyte adhering to the inside of the upper jig 610 and the punching needle of the punching section 630. The punching needle also punches holes in the case of the battery 11 to be analyzed.

[0097] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the cleaning unit 800 includes a nozzle section 810 for injecting air; a friction block 820 for cleaning through friction; a first frame 830 to which the nozzle section 810 is coupled at one end and the friction block 820 is coupled at the other end; a first rail 840 for guiding the first frame 830 to move in the longitudinal direction of the first frame 830; a second frame 850 extending in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the first frame 830; and a second rail 860 for guiding the second frame 850 to move in the longitudinal direction of the second frame 850.

[0098] The first rail 840 is also fixed to the second frame 850.

[0099] The first frame 830 also moves closer to or further away from the upper jig 610 as the second frame 850 moves.

[0100] The first frame 830 and the second frame 850 may be equipped with drive modules such as motors.

[0101] The first frame 830 and the first rail 840 can be configured to select one of two types of components depending on the degree of contamination: a nozzle 810 that sprays air and a friction block 820 that cleans through friction.

[0102] The second frame 850 and the second rail 860 are for approaching and retracting from the upper jig 610.

[0103] The gas collection device of the present invention further includes a gas diffusion unit 700 that receives the gas to be analyzed from the gas extraction unit 600 and diffuses the gas to be analyzed into a gas diffusion space 721 formed inside it.

[0104] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the gas diffusion unit 700 includes a base plate portion 710 consisting of a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a cylindrical side wall portion 720 whose lower end is fixed to the base plate portion 710 and which is expandable and contractible in the vertical direction; a vertical moving portion 730 to which the upper end of the cylindrical side wall portion 720 is joined and fixed and which moves in the vertical direction; a guide support portion 740 that guides the vertical movement of the vertical moving portion 730; and a vertical drive portion 750 that provides driving force for the vertical movement of the vertical moving portion 730. The space surrounded by the base plate portion 710, the cylindrical side wall portion 720, and the vertical moving portion 730 also forms the gas diffusion space 721.

[0105] The base plate portion 710 is a planar plate perpendicular to the vertical direction and is also a plate made of a rigid material. For example, the material of the base plate portion 710 may be stainless steel (SUS).

[0106] A gas inlet / outlet 711 is formed in the base plate portion 710, and the gas to be analyzed is injected into or discharged into the gas diffusion space 721 through the gas inlet / outlet 711. The center of the gas inlet / outlet 711 may be located at the center of a circular region of the base plate portion 710 that faces the cylindrical side wall portion 720. A first gas flow path 12 and a second gas flow path 13 are connected to the gas inlet / outlet 711. The flow paths connected to the gas inlet / outlet 711 include hoses, tubes, pipes, etc.

[0107] The cylindrical sidewall portion 720 is cylindrical with its central axis running in the vertical direction. The cylindrical sidewall portion 720 can be stretched or contracted in the vertical direction. When the cylindrical sidewall portion 720 is stretched or contracted in the vertical direction, its inner diameter is fixed. For example, the cylindrical sidewall portion 720 also has a bellows structure.

[0108] The vertically moving section 730 includes a cylindrical body member 731 whose longitudinal direction is vertical, and an upper plate member 732 which is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, and to which the upper end of the body member 731 is joined and fixed.

[0109] The upper end of the cylindrical side wall portion 720 is joined and fixed to the bottom surface of the upper plate member 732, and the body member 731 may be located inside the cylindrical side wall portion 720. The space surrounded by the lower end of the body member 731, the upper surface of the base plate portion 710, and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical side wall portion 720 also forms the gas diffusion space 721. In this case, the ideal structure is that the inner diameter of the cylindrical side wall portion 720 and the outer diameter of the body member 731 are the same, and the coefficient of friction between the outer circumferential surface of the body member 731 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical side wall portion 720 is 0.

[0110] When the vertically moving section 730 is lowered to its lowest point, the lower end of the fuselage member 731 contacts the upper surface of the base plate section 710, and all inner surfaces of the cylindrical side wall section 720 face the outer surface of the fuselage member 731. In other words, in an ideal structure, as shown in Figure 15, the volume of the gas diffusion space 721 is "0" when the vertically moving section 730 is at its lowest point.

[0111] The upper plate member 732 is disc-shaped, and the guide support portion 740 is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction. The inner diameter of the guide support portion 740 is the same as the diameter of the upper plate member 732, and the upper plate member 732 slides against and is guided by the inner circumferential surface of the guide support portion 740. For example, in an ideal state, the coefficient of friction between the side surface of the upper plate member 732 and the inner circumferential surface of the guide support portion 740 is 0. The upper plate member 732 is formed to have a certain thickness or more to prevent twisting of its position when moving in the vertical direction.

[0112] The lower end of the guide support portion 740 is fixed to the upper surface of the base plate portion 710, and a guide hole 741 extending in the vertical direction may be formed on the side surface of the guide support portion 740.

[0113] The vertical drive unit 750 includes a power transmission member 751 having one end inserted into the guide support unit 740 through the guide hole 741 and the other end located outside the guide support unit 740; a vertical movement shaft 752 extending in the vertical direction and coupled to the other end of the power transmission member 751; and a drive actuator 753 supported by the base plate unit 710 and moving the vertical movement shaft 752 in the vertical direction.

[0114] The power transmission member 751 is a support made of a rigid material and is rod-shaped, extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0115] The power transmission member 751 is also coupled to the upper surface of the upper plate member 732. More specifically, the bottom surface of the one end of the power transmission member 751, which is inserted into the inside of the guide support portion 740 through the guide hole 741, is attached to the upper surface of the upper plate member 732.

[0116] A gas diffusion unit having the above configuration can sample the analyte gas diffused in the gas diffusion space to a sampling unit, thereby varying the volume of the gas diffusion space and sampling the analyte gas at a concentration optimized for analysis in the gas analysis unit.

[0117] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that a wide variety of modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention must be determined by the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 11: Battery to be analyzed 12: First gas flow path 13: Second gas channel 100: First Mobile Unit 110: First Rotating Section 111: 1st position 112: 2nd position 113: 4th position 120: First drive unit 130: First Guide Section 200: Second Mobile Unit 210: Second rotating section 211: 3rd position 220: Second drive unit 230: Second Guide Section 300: Loading Unit 310: Loading conveyor belt 320: Loading guide bar 400: Unloading Unit 410: Unloading conveyor belt 420: Unloading Guide Bar 500: Gripper Unit 600: Gas extraction unit 601: Battery housing space 610: Upper jig 611: 1st protrusion 620: Lower jig 621:Second protrusion 630: Punching section 640: Jig movement section 650: Clamp 700: Gas Diffusion Unit 710: Base plate section 711: Gas Inlet / Outlet 720: Cylindrical side wall 721: Gas diffusion space 730: Vertical moving part 731: Fuselage component 732: Upper plate component 740: Guide support section 741: Guide Hall 750: Vertical drive unit 751: Power transmission member 752: Vertical moving shaft 753: Drive Actuator 800: Washing Unit 810: Nozzle part 820: Friction Block 830: First frame 840: First rail 850: 2nd frame 860: Second rail

Claims

1. A first moving unit that sequentially moves multiple batteries to be analyzed from a first position to a second position, A loading unit that supplies the batteries to be analyzed one by one to the first position on the first mobile unit, A gas extraction unit is positioned at a distance from the first mobile unit and extracts the target gas from inside the battery to be analyzed, A gripper unit that moves the battery to be analyzed, located at the second position on the first moving unit, into a battery housing space provided inside the gas extraction unit, and moves the battery housed in the gas extraction unit to the second position, A second mobile unit that receives the battery to be analyzed, located at the second position, from the first mobile unit and moves it to the third position, wherein the third position is located on the second mobile unit, The system includes an unloading unit that receives the battery to be analyzed, which is located at the third position on the second mobile unit, The gas to be analyzed generated in the battery housing space of the gas extraction unit is transmitted to a gas sampling unit or gas analysis unit by a gas collection device.

2. The first mobile unit is, A first rotating part that rotates around a first central axis, The system includes a first drive unit that provides a driving force for rotating the first rotating part, The gas collection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the loading unit supplies the battery to be analyzed to the upper surface of the first rotating part.

3. The first rotating part is provided in a disc shape, The gas collection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first moving unit further includes a first guide portion for preventing the first rotating portion of the battery to be analyzed from detaching from the circumferential direction.

4. The aforementioned loading unit is A loading conveyor belt that sequentially transfers the batteries to be analyzed to the upper surface of the first rotating part, The loading driver provides driving force to the loading conveyor belt, The gas collection device according to claim 3, wherein the upper surface of the loading conveyor belt is higher than the upper end of the first guide portion.

5. The loading unit further includes a pair of loading guide bars that guide multiple batteries so that they are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the loading conveyor belt and prevent them from detaching from the loading conveyor belt. The pair of loading guide bars are parallel to each other, The pair of loading guide bars are spaced apart from each other by at least the diameter of the battery to be analyzed. The gas collection device according to claim 4, wherein the pair of loading guide bars extend in the longitudinal direction of the loading conveyor belt.

6. The direction in which the loading conveyor belt moves the battery to be analyzed is defined as the first direction. The second direction is defined as a direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the upper surface of the first rotating part. The second moving unit includes a second rotating part that rotates about a second central axis which is separated from the first central axis by a predetermined distance in the second direction, The gas collection device according to claim 4, further comprising a second drive unit that provides a driving force for rotating the second rotating unit.

7. The second rotating part is disc-shaped, The gas collection device according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined interval is smaller than the sum of the radii of the first rotating part and the radii of the second rotating part.

8. The predetermined interval is the value obtained by subtracting the diameter of the battery to be analyzed from the sum of the radii of the first rotating part and the radii of the second rotating part. The second moving unit further includes a second guide portion that prevents the battery to be analyzed from detaching along the circumferential direction of the second rotating portion, The gas collection device according to claim 7, wherein the region where the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion overlap is open in the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

9. The aforementioned unloading unit is An unloading conveyor belt that sequentially retrieves the batteries to be analyzed, located on the upper surface of the second rotating part, Includes an unloading driver that provides driving force to the unloading conveyor belt, The upper surface of the unloading conveyor belt is lower than the upper surface of the second rotating part. The gas collection device according to claim 8, wherein the arc portion of the second rotating part facing one end of the unloading conveyor belt is open in the second guide part.

10. The region in which the first rotating part and the second rotating part overlap is defined as a fourth position, The first position is the position on the first rotating part where the battery to be analyzed, which is loaded by the loading conveyor belt, is initially placed. The first rotating part rotates in a direction that moves the battery, which is located at the first position, away from the fourth position. The second rotating part rotates in the opposite direction to the first rotating part. The gas collection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the battery to be analyzed moves in the overlapping region of the first rotating part and the second rotating part by the rotation of the second rotating part.

11. The second position is the position before the battery, which is located in the first position, is rotated by the first rotating part and arrives at the fourth position. The gas collection device according to claim 10, wherein the third position is the position of the edge of the second rotating part that faces one end of the unloading conveyor belt.

12. The aforementioned gas extraction unit is The lower jig into which the lower end of the battery to be analyzed is inserted, An upper jig that covers the upper end of the battery to be analyzed and connects to the upper end of the lower jig, A punching section is attached to the upper jig and forms a perforated hole on the upper surface of the battery to be analyzed, A jig moving unit that moves the upper jig in the vertical direction, A clamp that holds the upper jig and the lower jig in a connected state, A gas collection device according to claim 1, including the following:

13. The upper jig and the lower jig are formed in a cylindrical shape having a longitudinal direction in the vertical direction, The lower end of the upper jig has a first projection that protrudes radially along its outer surface. The upper end of the lower jig has a second projection that protrudes radially along its outer circumferential surface. The gas collection device according to claim 12, wherein the clamp grips the first protrusion and the second protrusion such that the bottom surface of the first protrusion and the top surface of the second protrusion are in close contact with each other.

14. A pair of clamps is provided, The gas collection device according to claim 13, wherein the pair of clamps grip opposite sides of the protrusions.

15. The system further includes a gas diffusion unit that receives the gas to be analyzed from the gas extraction unit and diffuses the gas into a gas diffusion space formed therein, The aforementioned gas diffusion unit is A base plate section consisting of a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, A cylindrical side wall portion having a lower end fixed to the base plate portion and being expandable and contractible in the vertical direction, The upper end of the cylindrical side wall portion is joined and fixed to a vertically movable portion that can move in the vertical direction, A guide support portion that guides the vertical movement of the aforementioned vertical moving portion, The system includes a vertical drive unit that provides a driving force to move the vertically moving part in the vertical direction, The gas collection device according to claim 1, wherein the space surrounded by the base plate portion, the cylindrical side wall portion, and the vertically moving portion forms the gas diffusion space.

16. The base plate portion is provided with a gas inlet and outlet, The gas collection apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the gas to be analyzed is injected into the gas diffusion space via the gas inlet / outlet, or discharged from the gas diffusion space.

17. The gas collection device according to claim 15, wherein the cylindrical side wall portion has a bellows structure.

18. The vertical moving part is A cylindrical body member with its longitudinal direction in the vertical direction, The upper plate member is formed on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the upper end of the body member is joined and fixed to the lower surface of the upper plate member, The upper end of the cylindrical side wall portion is joined and fixed to the lower surface of the upper plate member. The body member is located inside the cylindrical side wall portion, The gas collection device according to claim 15, wherein the space enclosed by the lower end of the body member, the upper surface of the base plate portion, and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical side wall portion forms the gas diffusion space.

19. When the vertical moving part is lowered to its maximum extent, The lower end of the fuselage member contacts the upper surface of the base plate portion. The gas collection device according to claim 18, wherein the entire inner surface of the cylindrical side wall portion faces the outer surface of the body member.

20. The upper plate member is formed in the shape of a disc, The guide support portion is formed in a cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as its longitudinal direction. The inner diameter of the guide support portion is the same as the diameter of the upper plate member. The gas collection device according to claim 18, wherein the upper plate member is guided by sliding along the inner circumferential surface of the guide support portion.

21. The lower end of the guide support portion is fixed to the upper surface of the base plate portion, The guide support portion has a guide hole that extends in the vertical direction. The aforementioned vertical drive unit is A power transmission member, one end of which is inserted into the guide support portion through the guide hole, A vertical movement shaft is connected to the other end of the power transmission member outside the guide support portion, with the vertical direction being its longitudinal direction. It includes a drive actuator supported by the base plate portion and which moves the vertical movement shaft in the vertical direction, The gas collection device according to claim 20, wherein the power transmission member is coupled to the upper surface of the upper plate member.

22. Further comprising a cleaning unit configured to clean the inside of the upper jig and the punching needle of the punching section, The aforementioned cleaning unit is A nozzle section configured to eject air, A friction block configured to be cleaned by friction, A first frame having a nozzle portion coupled to one end and a friction block coupled to the other end, A first rail that guides the first frame to move in the longitudinal direction of the first frame, A second frame extending in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the first frame, The system includes a second rail that guides the second frame to move in the longitudinal direction of the second frame, The first rail is fixed to the second frame, The gas collection device according to claim 12, wherein the first frame moves closer to or away from the upper jig by the movement of the second frame.

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