Pouch conveying device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pouch conveying device, and more particularly, to a pouch conveying device for conveying a pouch in which an electrode assembly is housed, and in particular, to a pouch conveying device capable of generating a lifting force on the upper surface of the pouch during conveyance to prevent the pouch from folding.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0092767 filed on July 18, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams for explaining a conventional pouch conveying device.

[0004] Specifically, FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a case where a curling portion occurs in a pouch being conveyed by a conventional conveying unit, FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a problem that occurs when the curling portion of the pouch collides with the folding unit during the process of conveying the conveying unit on which the pouch has landed to the folding unit, and FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a problem that occurs when performing a folding process in a state where a part of the pouch is folded.

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

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

[0007] The pouch 1 has a first cup portion 3 and a second cup portion 4. The first cup portion 3 and the second cup portion 4 may be arranged spaced apart on the same plane. The first cup portion 3 and the second cup portion 4 are parts of the pouch 1 that are partially recessed and provide a space for housing the electrode assembly 9.

[0008] In the electrode assembly storage process, the electrode assembly 9 can be stored in the first cup portion 3 of the pouch 1. After that, the pouch 1 containing the electrode assembly 9 is secured to the transport portion 30 and transported to the folding portion 50. The folding portion 50 is provided to perform a folding process in which the pouch 1 is folded so that the second cup portion 4 of the pouch 1 covers the electrode assembly 9.

[0009] Referring to Figure 2, the transport unit 30 transports the pouch 1 containing the electrode assembly 9 to the folding unit 50. The transport unit 30 transports the pouch 1 to the first docking position while moving along the first path L1 in a direction approaching the folding unit 50 (F1 direction). The folding unit 50 is provided to be movable along a second path L2 which intersects the first path L1. Referring to Figure 2, the first path L1 may be in the x-axis direction, and the second path L2 may be in the y-axis direction.

[0010] At this time, the first docking position is the position where the first path L1 and the second path L2 intersect, and represents the position where the pouch 1, which has been securely attached to the transport section 30, is transmitted to the folding section 50. The folding section 50 moves along the second path L2 in the direction toward the first docking position (direction F3). At the first docking position, the folding section 50 may be provided so that a portion of its area can enter the interior of the transport section 30.

[0011] The entire area of ​​the pouch 1 does not adhere to the transport section 30, and a portion of the pouch is located outside the transport section 30. For example, a pouch 1 provided with a first cup section 3 containing an electrode assembly 9 may include a central area, a first area 1a, and an edge area of ​​the pouch 1 surrounding the first area 1b. In this case, the first area 1a represents the central area of ​​the pouch 1 including the first cup section 3 and the second cup section 4, and the second area 1b represents the edge area of ​​the outer perimeter of the first area 1a. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first area 1a may adhere to the transport section 30, and a portion of the second area 1b of the pouch may be located outside the transport section 30. In this case, when the pouch 1 is transported to the folding section 50 by the transport section 30, a phenomenon occurs in which the edge of the second area 1b, which is exposed to the outside of the transport section 30, sags in the direction of gravity. At this time, the part of pouch 1 that sags in the direction of gravity during transport is called the "curling part 5".

[0012] Referring to Figure 2, the folding section 50 enters the transport section 30 at the first docking position along the second path L2. At this time, the curled portion 5 of the pouch 1 is caught in the space between the transport section 30 and the folding section 50, causing the curled portion 5 to fold. The folded portion of the curled portion 5 is called the "folded portion 6".

[0013] Referring to Figure 3, the folding section 50 includes a plurality of adsorption sections 51 for adsorbing the edge region of the pouch 1. When the folding process is performed with the pouch 1 having a folded portion 6, the folded portion 6 of the pouch 1 will no longer be adsorbed by the folding section 50. This results in poor adsorption of the pouch 1.

[0014] Poor suction of pouch 1 leads to poor folding of pouch 1, and poor folding of pouch 1 leads to poor sealing of pouch 1 during the sealing process.

[0015] Furthermore, a faulty seal in pouch 1 can lead to electrolyte leakage and / or insulation failure of the secondary battery. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a pouch conveying device that can generate lift on the upper surface of a pouch by injecting air onto the upper surface of the pouch during transport.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a pouch conveying device that can prevent interference during conveyance via the first conveying section by generating lift on the upper surface of the pouch during conveyance to prevent the pouch from curling.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a pouch conveying device that can prevent curling of the edge region by injecting air onto the upper part of the upper surface of the edge region of a pouch that is not attached to the first conveying section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] A pouch transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first transport section provided to securely attach the lower surface of a pouch and transport the pouch along a first path; a folding section provided to be able to enter the first transport section to support the lower surface of the pouch secured on the first transport section; and a nozzle section positioned on the first path and provided to spray air onto the upper part of the upper surface of the pouch being transported by the first transport section.

[0020] Furthermore, the pouch may include a first region in which the electrode assembly is housed and which comes into contact with the first transport section, and a second region which does not come into contact with the first transport section.

[0021] Furthermore, the nozzle portion may be provided to inject the air onto the upper part of the second region.

[0022] Further, the nozzle portion may be provided to inject the air in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first conveying unit moves along the first path toward the folding unit. As an example, the nozzle portion may be provided to inject the air in a direction parallel to the first path. In such a structure, an air flow is formed along the upper surface of the pouch being conveyed by the first conveying unit in a direction parallel to the first path, and a lift force is generated in a direction opposite to the gravitational direction by the air flow, and the curling of the edge region of the pouch can be prevented by the lift force.

[0023] Further, the nozzle portion may include a first nozzle provided to inject the air above the first edge region in the second region of the pouch, and a second nozzle disposed at a distance from the first nozzle and provided to inject the air above the second edge region in the second region of the pouch.

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

[0025] Further, the control unit may be provided to inject air above the pouch resting on the first conveying unit in a conveying mode of conveying the pouch along the first path to the folding unit.

[0026] Further, after the first conveying unit reaches the first docking position along the first path, the control unit can move the folding unit along the second path intersecting the first path below the first conveying unit to the first docking position.

[0027] Further, the folding unit may be provided to enter below the first conveying unit along the second path so as to support the lower surface of the pouch at the first docking position.

[0028] Further, the control unit may be provided to convey the folding part along the second path to a folding position so that the pouch resting on the folding at the first docking position detaches from the first conveying unit.

[0029] Further, the folding part may be provided to perform a folding mode in which the lower surface of the pouch is vacuum-sucked at the folding position and the sucked pouch is folded.

[0030] Further, when the first conveying unit reaches the first docking position, the control unit can stop the operation of the nozzle unit.

[0031] Further, the first conveying unit may include a first grip part that contacts and supports a first area of the pouch, and a plurality of first resting bars that are connected to the first grip part and arranged at a predetermined interval. Also, in a state where the pouch is resting on the first conveying unit, a partial area of the lower surface may be exposed in the space between two adjacent first resting bars.

[0032] Further, the folding part may include a first folding grip part provided to be able to enter the inside of the first grip part along a second path that intersects the first path below the first conveying unit, and a plurality of first folding bars that are connected to the first folding grip part and arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0033] Also, when the first folding grip part enters the first grip part, each first folding bar may be provided to enter the space between the two adjacent first resting bars.

[0034] Further, the folding part may include a second folding grip part that is hinge-connected to the first folding grip part.

[0035] Furthermore, the pouch transport device may include a second transport unit for transporting the pouch containing the electrode assembly to the first transport unit.

[0036] Furthermore, the second transport section may be able to enter the first transport section and be provided to support the lower surface of the pouch.

[0037] Furthermore, the second transport section may include a second grip section for supporting a first region of a pouch containing an electrode assembly, and a plurality of second attachment bars connected to the second grip section and arranged at predetermined intervals.

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

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

[0040] By injecting air onto the top surface of the pouch during transport, lift can be generated on the top surface of the pouch.

[0041] Furthermore, by generating lift on the top surface of the pouch during transport, curling of the pouch can be prevented, thereby preventing interference during transport via the transport section.

[0042] Furthermore, by spraying air onto the upper surface of the edge region of the pouch that is not attached to the first transport section, curling of the edge region can be prevented.

[0043] Furthermore, it can prevent poor pouch adhesion during the folding process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

[0045] [Figure 4] This is a configuration diagram showing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a pouch transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the first transport section.

[0048] [Figure 7] This is a bottom view of the first transport section, showing the pouch in its securely attached state.

[0049] [Figure 8] This is a plan view of the first transport section, showing the pouch in its secured state.

[0050] [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 8, illustrating the approximate arrangement of the first transport unit, pouch, and first nozzle when air is injected onto the upper part of the top surface of the pouch.

[0051] [Figure 10] This is a plan view of the folding section that constitutes a pouch transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] [Figure 11] This is a plan view showing the folding section and the first transport section at the first docking position.

[0053] [Figure 12] This is a plan view of the second transport section.

[0054] [Figure 13] This is a plan view showing the first and second transport units at the second docking position.

[0055] [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing one operating state of a pouch transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] The pouch transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0057] Notwithstanding the reference numerals in the drawings, identical or corresponding components shall be assigned the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof shall be omitted. The size and shape of each component shown for the convenience of explanation may be exaggerated or reduced.

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

[0059] Referring to Figure 4, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pouch processing unit 400 for cutting a pouch, an assembly insertion unit 300 for housing an electrode assembly inside the pouch, and a folding unit 130 for folding the pouch into which the electrode assembly is inserted.

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

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

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

[0063] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, the pouch transport device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first transport unit 110 that securely attaches to the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 and transports the pouch 1 along a first path L1.

[0064] Furthermore, the pouch transport device 100 includes a folding section 130 that is provided to be able to enter the first transport section 110 so as to support the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 that is securely attached to the first transport section 110.

[0065] Furthermore, the pouch transport device 100 is positioned on the first path L1 and includes a nozzle section 150 that is configured to spray air onto the upper surface 8 of the pouch 1 being transported by the first transport section 110.

[0066] Furthermore, the pouch transport device 100 may include a control unit 190 that controls the first transport unit 110, the folding unit 130, and the nozzle unit 150.

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

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

[0069] Furthermore, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 8, and schematically shows the arrangement of the first transport unit, pouch, and first nozzle when air is injected onto the upper part of the top surface of the pouch.

[0070] Furthermore, the pouch 1 may include a first region 1a in which the electrode assembly 9 is housed and which comes into contact with the first transport section 110, and a second region 1b which does not come into contact with the first transport section 110.

[0071] The pouch 1 has a first cup portion 3 and a second cup portion 4. The first cup portion 3 and the second cup portion 4 may be arranged spaced apart on the same plane. The first cup portion 3 and the second cup portion 4 are parts of the pouch 1 that are partially recessed and provide a space for housing the electrode assembly 9. For example, in the process of housing the electrode assembly 9, the electrode assembly 9 may be housed in the first cup portion 3 of the pouch 1.

[0072] In this case, the first region 1a of pouch 1 may mean the central region of pouch 1 that includes one or more cup portions. For example, the first region 1a may mean the central region that includes the first cup portion 3 and the second cup portion 4. The second region 1b may mean the edge region of pouch 1 that surrounds the outer edge of the central region.

[0073] Referring to Figure 7, the first transport section 110 may be smaller in size than the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1. In such a structure, the edge region of the pouch 1 may not be supported by the first transport section 110. That is, the second region 1b does not come into contact with the first transport section 110 and is located outside of the first transport section 110. In particular, the edge regions A11 and A12 on the second cup section 4 side, where the electrode assembly 9 is not housed, may be strongly affected by gravity when the first transport section 110 moves, which may cause curling.

[0074] Referring to Figures 5, 8, and 9, the nozzle portion 150 may be provided to inject the air onto the upper part of the second region 1b.

[0075] Furthermore, the nozzle portion 150 may be configured to spray the air in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first transport portion 110 moves along the first path L1 toward the folding portion 130.

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

[0077] Furthermore, the nozzle portion 150 may include a first nozzle 151 provided to inject the air onto the upper part of the first edge region A11 in the second region 1b of the pouch 1, and a second nozzle 152 provided at a distance from the first nozzle 151 to inject the air onto the upper part of the second edge region A12 in the second region 1b of the pouch 1.

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit 190 may be configured to inject air onto the upper part of the pouch 1 that has settled on the first transport unit 110 when transporting the pouch 1 to the folding unit 130 along the first path L1.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 190 can move the folding unit 130 to the first docking position L12 along a second path L2 that intersects the first path L1 below the first transport unit 110, after the first transport unit 110 has reached the first docking position L12 along the first path L1.

[0080] At this time, the first docking position L12 is the position where the first path L1 and the second path L2 intersect, and represents the position where the pouch 1, which has been securely attached to the first transport unit 110, is transmitted to the folding unit 130.

[0081] Furthermore, the folding section 130 may be provided to enter the lower part of the first transport section 110 along the second path L2 so as to support the lower surface of the pouch 1 at the first docking position L12.

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

[0083] The first transport section 110 may be provided so as to not cover the entire area of ​​the first region 1a on the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1, but rather so as to be securely attached (in contact) with at least a portion of it. Alternatively, at least a portion of the first region 1a on the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 may not be in contact with the first transport section 110 and may be exposed toward the lower part of the first transport section 110.

[0084] Furthermore, the first transport section 110 may include a first grip section 111 that contacts and supports the first region 1a of the pouch, and a plurality of first anchoring bars 112 connected to the first grip section 111 and arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0085] Furthermore, when the pouch 1 is securely attached to the first transport section 110, a portion of the lower surface 7 may be exposed in the space 113 between two adjacent first attachment bars 112.

[0086] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the first transport unit 110 may have a first grip unit 111 in which a plurality of first anchoring bars 112 are arranged at predetermined intervals.

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

[0088] In this case, the first and second edge regions A11 and A12 are the parts where the pouch 1 is not secured by the first grip portion 111 and the first securing bar 112, and are located adjacent to the second cup portion 4 where the electrode assembly 9 is not housed. The first and second edge regions A11 and A12 correspond to the curling portion 5 (see Figure 1) described in the background art.

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

[0090] Referring to Figure 5, the nozzle portion 150 is positioned on the first path L1. The nozzle portion 150 is configured to spray air onto the upper surface 8 of the pouch 1 being transported by the first transport portion 110.

[0091] The nozzle portion 150 is provided to inject air into the upper part of the second region 1b. The nozzle portion 150 may be located above the first transport portion 110 which moves along the first path L1.

[0092] Referring to Figure 8, the nozzle section 150 may include a first nozzle 151, a second nozzle 152, and an air pressure supply section 155. The air pressure supply section 155 is fluidly movable in connection with the first and second nozzles 151 and 152.

[0093] Referring to Figures 5 and 8, the first nozzle 151 may be configured to inject air into the upper part of the first edge region A11 of the second region 1b of the pouch 1. The second nozzle 152 may be positioned alongside the first nozzle 151 at a distance from it.

[0094] The second nozzle 152 may be configured to inject air into the upper part of the second edge region A12 of the second region 1b of the pouch 1. As mentioned above, the second edge region A12 may be located on the opposite side from the first edge region A11.

[0095] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the first and second nozzles 151 and 152 can be arranged so that air is concentrated on the upper parts of the first and second edge regions A11 and A12 of the pouch 1. When the first and second nozzles 151 and 152 inject air onto the upper parts of the first and second edge regions A11 and A12 of the pouch 1 while it is being transported on the first transport unit 110, a lift force P1 is generated on the first and second edge regions A11 and A12 of the upper surface 8 of the pouch 1.

[0096] The aforementioned lift force P1 is a force that pulls the first and second edge regions A11 and A12 of the pouch 1 in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. This lift force P1 prevents the curling phenomenon in which the first and second edge regions A11 and A12 sag in the direction of gravity during transport by the first transport unit 110.

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

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

[0099] The folding portion 130 is provided so as to be able to enter the first transport portion 110 so as to support the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 that is fixed on the first transport portion 110, and when it enters the first transport portion 110, it may come into contact with at least a portion of the first region 1a.

[0100] As described above, at least a portion of the first region 1a of the lower surface 7 of pouch 1 may be exposed toward the lower part of the first transport section 110 without contacting it. The folding section 130 supports the region exposed toward the lower part of the first transport section 110 at the first docking position L12. That is, a portion of the lower surface 7 is exposed in the space 113 between two adjacent first anchoring bars 112, and the folding section 130 enters the space 113 and contacts the exposed portion of the lower surface 7.

[0101] The folding portion 130 is provided so as to be able to enter the first transport portion 110 so as to support the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 which is secured on the first transport portion 110. When the folding portion 130 enters the first transport portion 110, it is provided so as to be able to enter at least a portion of the first region 1a of the pouch 1.

[0102] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the folding section 130 may include a first folding grip section 131 that is provided so as to be able to enter the first grip section 111, and a second folding grip section 133 that is hinged to the first folding grip section 131.

[0103] Furthermore, the folding section 130 may include a first folding grip section 131 that is provided so as to be able to enter the interior of the first grip section 111 along a second path L2 that intersects the first path at the lower part of the first transport section 110, and a plurality of first folding bars 132 that are connected to the first folding grip section 131 and arranged at predetermined intervals.

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

[0105] The first folding grip portion 131 and the first transport portion 110 may have various shapes and may have corresponding shapes that can be docked to transmit the pouch 1 at the first docking position L12. In this specification, corresponding shape means a shape that allows the first folding grip portion 131 to enter the first transport portion 110 along the second path and then separate (detach) from the first transport portion 110 along the second path, and may not be physically in contact or fastened at the first docking position L12.

[0106] The first folding grip portion 131 may be provided so as to securely attach at least a portion of the first region 1a of the pouch 1 that is exposed at the lower part of the first grip portion 111. The first folding grip portion 131 may be connected to a plurality of first folding bars 132 that are provided so as to be insertable into the space 113 between the first attachment bars 112 of the first grip portion 111.

[0107] Furthermore, when the first folding grip section 131 enters the first grip section 111, each first folding bar 132 may be positioned so that it enters the space 113 between two adjacent first anchoring bars 112 and is located on multiple first anchoring bars 112.

[0108] Furthermore, the second folding grip portion 133 is hinged to the first folding grip portion 131 and is provided so that the remaining portion of the pouch 1 protruding from the first transport portion 110 can be securely attached.

[0109] The folding section 130 may include a hinge shaft 135 that hinge-connects a first folding grip section 131 and a second folding grip section 133, and a folding drive section 136 provided to the hinge shaft 135 to rotate the first and second folding grip sections 131 and 133.

[0110] Furthermore, the folding section 130 may include a third drive unit 139 that provides transport driving force to the first folding grip section 131. The third drive unit 139 enables the first folding grip section 131 to reciprocate along the second path L2. The third drive unit 139 may include an LM guide capable of movement in one axis direction (y-axis direction) and may include a Cartesian robot capable of movement in two axes.

[0111] Furthermore, the folding section 130 may include a plurality of adsorption members 137 for adsorbing the pouch 1 attached to the first and second folding grip sections 131 and 133, and a vacuum pressure application section 138 for providing vacuum pressure to each of the adsorption members 137.

[0112] Figure 12 is a plan view of the second transport unit, and Figure 13 is a plan view showing the first and second transport units at the second docking position.

[0113] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing one operating state of a pouch transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0115] Furthermore, the second transport section 170 may be able to enter the first transport section 110 and be provided to support the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1.

[0116] Furthermore, the second transport section 170 may include a second grip section 171 for supporting the first region 1a of the pouch 1 in which the electrode assembly 9 is housed, and a plurality of second anchoring bars 172 connected to the second grip section 171 and arranged at predetermined intervals. Each second anchoring bar 172 may be provided so as to be able to enter the space between two adjacent first anchoring bars 112. Similarly, each first anchoring bar 112 may be provided so as to be able to enter the space 174 between two adjacent second anchoring bars 172.

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

[0118] Furthermore, the second transport unit 170 may perform the function of transporting the pouch 1 discharged from the storage unit 200 to the first transport unit 110 along the discharge path L0. The storage unit 200 may contain the pouch 1 in which the electrode assembly 9 is stored.

[0119] The second transport section 170 is accessible into the first transport section 110 and is provided such that a portion of the first region 1a of the lower surface 7 of the pouch 1 is exposed at the bottom to support the lower surface of the pouch 1.

[0120] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the second transport section 170 may have a second grip section 171 in which a plurality of second anchoring bars 172 are arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0121] Furthermore, when the second grip portion 171 enters the first grip portion 111, each second anchoring bar 172 enters the space 113 between two adjacent first anchoring bars 112, and is positioned between multiple first anchoring bars 112.

[0122] The second transport section 170 and the first transport section 110 may have various shapes and may have corresponding shapes that can be docked at the second docking position L11 to transmit the pouch 1.

[0123] The second docking position L11 refers to the point where the first path L1 and the discharge path L0 intersect, and represents the position where the pouch 1, which has been secured on the second transport unit 170, is transferred to the first transport unit 110.

[0124] In this specification, the corresponding shape means a shape in which the second transport unit 170 enters the first transport unit 110 along the discharge path L0, and after the second transport unit 170 enters the first transport unit 110, the second transport unit 170 can be separated (detached) from the first transport unit 110 along the discharge path L0, and the two units may not be physically in contact or fastened at the second docking position L11.

[0125] Referring to Figure 5, the second transport unit 170 further includes a second drive unit 175 that provides driving force to the second grip unit 171. The second drive unit 175 enables the second grip unit 171 to reciprocate along the discharge path L0. The second drive unit 175 is controlled by the control unit 190.

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

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

[0128] Referring to Figure 14, the process by which the pouch 1 discharged from the storage unit 200 is transported to the folding unit 130 will be explained.

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

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

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

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

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

[0134] When the first transport unit 110 is moved toward the first docking position L12 (direction F1), the control unit 190 causes the nozzle unit 150 to inject air onto the upper part of the upper surface of the pouch 1 that is securely attached to the first transport unit 110.

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

[0136] Furthermore, the control unit 190 may be configured to transport the folding unit 130 along the second path L2 to the folding position L22 so that the pouch 1, which is securely attached to the folding unit 130 at the first docking position L12, detaches from the first transport unit 110.

[0137] Furthermore, the control unit 190 can stop the operation of the nozzle unit 150 once the folding unit 130 is separated from the first transport unit 110.

[0138] Furthermore, the folding section 130 may be configured to perform a folding mode in which it vacuum-suctions the lower surface of the pouch at the folding position L22 and folds the suctioned pouch.

[0139] On the other hand, the position of the pouch 1, which is fixed on the folding part 130 at the folding position L22, can be adjusted. For example, the position of the pouch 1 can be adjusted so that the folding line of the pouch 1 is located on the hinge shaft 135, and this position adjustment can be done using a suction-type gripper.

[0140] When the first transport unit 110 reaches the first docking position L12, the folding unit 130 moves along the second path L2 from the folding standby position L21 to the first docking position L12 and enters the first transport unit 110. The folding unit 130 receives the pouch 1 which has been securely attached to the first transport unit 110 at the first docking position L12 and moves to the folding position L22.

[0141] The control unit 190 can control the folding unit 130 to perform the folding process when the folding unit 130 reaches the folding position L22. During the folding process, after the pouch 1 is vacuum-adhered to the upper surfaces of the first and second folding grip units 131 and 133, the second folding grip unit 133 rotates in a direction that approaches the first folding grip unit 131.

[0142] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes only, and a person skilled in the art with ordinary skill in the invention will know that various modifications, changes, and additions are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the claims below. [Industrial applicability]

[0143] According to at least one embodiment of the pouch conveying device of the present invention, lift is generated on the upper surface of the pouch during conveyance to prevent the pouch from curling, thereby preventing interference during conveyance via the conveying section.

Claims

1. A first transport unit is provided to securely attach the bottom surface of the pouch and transport the pouch along a first path, A folding section is provided so as to be able to enter the first transport section so as to support the lower surface of the pouch which is securely attached to the first transport section, A pouch conveying device comprising: a nozzle section arranged on the first path and provided to spray air onto the upper part of the top surface of the pouch being conveyed by the first conveying section.

2. The pouch contains an electrode assembly and includes a first region that contacts the first transport section and a second region that does not contact the first transport section. The pouch conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle portion is provided to spray the air onto the upper part of the second region.

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

4. The nozzle portion includes a first nozzle provided to inject the air into the upper part of the first edge region of the second region of the pouch, The pouch conveying device according to claim 2, further comprising: a second nozzle positioned at a distance from the first nozzle and provided to inject the air onto the upper part of the second edge region of the second region of the pouch.

5. The system further includes a control unit that controls the first transport unit, the folding unit, and the nozzle unit, The pouch transport device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is provided to inject air onto the upper part of the pouch that has settled on the first transport unit when transporting the pouch to the folding unit along the first path.

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

7. The folding section is provided to enter the lower part of the first transport section along the second path so as to support the lower surface of the pouch at the first docking position. The pouch transport device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is provided to transport the folding unit along the second path to the folding position such that the pouch, which is securely attached to the folding unit at the first docking position, detaches from the first transport unit.

8. The pouch transport device according to claim 7, wherein the folding section is provided to perform a folding mode in which the lower surface of the pouch is vacuum-suctioned at the folding position and the suctioned pouch is folded.

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

10. The first transport unit includes a first grip portion that contacts and supports a first region of the pouch, and a plurality of first anchoring bars connected to the first grip portion and arranged at predetermined intervals. The pouch conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the pouch is securely attached to the first conveying section and a portion of its lower surface is exposed in the space between two adjacent first attachment bars.

11. The folding section includes a first folding grip section provided so as to be able to enter the interior of the first grip section along a second path that intersects the first path at the lower part of the first transport section, and a plurality of first folding bars connected to the first folding grip section and arranged at predetermined intervals. The pouch conveying device according to claim 10, wherein when the first folding grip portion enters the first grip portion, each first folding bar is provided to enter the space between the two adjacent first securing bars.

12. The pouch conveying device according to claim 11, wherein the folding portion includes a second folding grip portion hinged to the first folding grip portion.

13. The system further includes a second transport unit for transferring the pouch containing the electrode assembly to the first transport unit, The pouch transport device according to claim 10, wherein the second transport section is capable of entering the first transport section and is provided to support the lower surface of the pouch.

14. The pouch transport device according to claim 13, wherein the second transport section includes a second grip section for supporting a first region of the pouch in which the electrode assembly is housed, and a plurality of second anchoring bars connected to the second grip section and arranged at predetermined intervals.

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

16. A cutting step of cutting the pouch, The assembly insertion step involves housing the electrode assembly inside the pouch, A transport step of transporting the pouch containing the electrode assembly, A folding step of folding the pouch into which the electrode assembly is inserted, Equipped with, The method for manufacturing a pouch-type secondary battery, wherein the transport step uses a pouch transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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