Apparatus and method for transferring unit cell

Abstract

A unit cell transfer device according to the present invention is a unit cell transfer device formed as a hexahedron having an upper surface, a lower surface, and four sides between the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein a predetermined number of anodes, a separator, and a cathode are stacked, and the device comprises one that adsorbs one side of the unit cell and another that adsorbs the other side of the unit cell, and a suction part that adsorbs and fixes two sides facing each other in the unit cell, wherein the suction part is capable of moving in the up and down direction while adsorbing the unit cell.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a unit cell transfer device and a transfer method, and more specifically, to a unit cell transfer device and a transfer method capable of resolving the problem of the conventional method in which a separator or electrode (anode or cathode) stacked on the uppermost layer of the unit cell separates due to gravity during the transfer of the unit cell. Background Technology

[0003] Demand for high-efficiency rechargeable batteries is rapidly increasing in sectors such as mobile devices and electric vehicles. Among these rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries, which feature high energy density, the ability to maintain relatively high voltage, and a low self-discharge rate, have been commercialized and are widely used, while active research and development is underway to improve their performance.

[0004] Secondary batteries have a structure in which an electrode assembly and an electrolyte are housed within a case, such as a can or a pouch. The electrode assembly has a structure in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are repeatedly stacked; generally, it can be classified into a wound type, in which the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode are stacked and then rolled up to be housed within a case, and a stacked type, in which the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode are cut to a specific size and then stacked.

[0005] The above-mentioned wound electrode assembly is suitable for mounting in cylindrical batteries due to its spirally wound structure, but is disadvantageous in terms of space utilization for prismatic or pouch-type batteries. Conversely, while the stacked electrode assembly allows for size adjustment when cutting the electrodes and separator, making it easy to obtain a prismatic shape that fits the case, it has the disadvantage of a relatively complex manufacturing process and being relatively vulnerable to external shocks.

[0006] In addition, a Stack & Folding process has been developed to manufacture an electrode assembly by manufacturing a bicell (having a stacked structure of anode / separator / cathode, with the electrodes stacked at the top and bottom being the same) and / or a halfcell (having a stacked structure of anode / separator / cathode, with the electrodes stacked at the top and bottom being different) into unit cells of an appropriate size to combine the advantages of the wound type and the stack type, arranging the unit cells with spacing on a folding separator, and then folding the folding separator.

[0007] Electrode assemblies manufactured by the stack-and-fold process have the advantages of high stability and space utilization, but if the alignment is disrupted even slightly or if damage occurs to the unit cells when the unit cells are placed on the folding separator, the likelihood of defects in the entire electrode assembly increases.

[0008] Meanwhile, referring to Fig. 1, which shows the adsorption of an adsorbent onto a unit cell according to a conventional method, in the conventional method, an adsorbent (2) that generates negative pressure descends from the top to the bottom of the unit cell (1) to adsorb and fix it, and then the adsorbent (2) rises to a certain height and slides in the left-right, front-back directions to transport the unit cell (1).

[0009] However, in this conventional method, since only one sheet (1a) of the separator or electrode (positive or negative) stacked on the top layer of the unit cell (1) is fixed to the adsorber (2) and transported by gravity, the separator and electrode stacked on the lower layer sag downwards and lift up.

[0010] And, the unit cell (1) is typically manufactured to have a thin cuboid shape, but is configured to have two long sides (l) with relatively longer lengths and two short sides (s) with relatively shorter lengths, so that when it is re-seated after lifting, there is a possibility that the positive and negative electrodes will come into contact and a short circuit will occur even if a slight twist occurs along the long side (l).

[0011] In order to resolve this, conventional methods could be used to fix the unit cell (1) by wrapping it with tape or to bond the stacked separator and the electrode, but when the size of the unit cell (1) increases or the number of stacks increases, these methods could not be a fundamental solution.

[0012] Therefore, a method and device for transferring a unit cell (1) to a required position without causing lifting were required. The problem to be solved

[0014] In order to satisfy the above technical requirements, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a method for transporting unit cells and a transport device that prevent lifting of the unit cells during transport. means of solving the problem

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a unit cell transfer device and a transfer method.

[0017] A unit cell transfer device according to the present invention is a unit cell transfer device having a cuboid shape in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are stacked in a predetermined number, and four sides are formed along the thickness direction between the upper surface and the lower surface, and includes one that adsorbs one side of the unit cell and another that adsorbs the other side of the unit cell, and includes an adsorption part that adsorbs and fixes two sides facing each other in the unit cell, wherein the adsorption part is capable of moving at least in the vertical direction (preferably in all directions of vertical, horizontal, and front and back) while adsorbing the unit cell.

[0018] The above-mentioned adsorption unit comprises a plurality of bars, and has a structure in which a vacuum pad is attached to the end of each bar to generate negative pressure and adsorb to the surface of a unit cell.

[0019] The above unit cell is formed in a rectangular shape, with the upper surface and the lower surface each having two short sides and two long sides, and the adsorption part is adsorbed on both sides formed along the long sides of the unit cell.

[0020] The above bar is configured such that multiple bars are spaced apart from one another and can be accessed to the corresponding side of a unit cell that faces multiple bars simultaneously.

[0021] The above adsorption unit rises while adsorbing the unit cell, and further includes a gripper that slides to support the lower surface of the unit cell; and the gripper slides to transport the unit cell while supporting the lower surface of the unit cell.

[0022] The above gripper has its end bent to form a support, and when the unit cell rises to a certain height, the support enters below the unit cell.

[0023] In addition, the method for transporting a unit cell provided in the present invention is a method for transporting a unit cell formed as a cuboid having four sides along the perimeter between an upper surface and a lower surface and between the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein an anode, a separator, and a cathode are stacked in a predetermined number, and the unit cell is characterized by comprising: a unit cell fixing step in which an adsorption part is attached to each of the one side and the other side of the unit cell and negative pressure is applied from the adsorption part to adsorb the unit cell; and a unit cell lifting step in which the adsorption part moves the unit cell in an up-and-down direction while adsorbing the unit cell.

[0024] The above unit cell is formed in a rectangular shape, with the upper surface and the lower surface each having two short sides and two long sides, and in the unit cell fixing step, the adsorption part is adsorbed to both sides formed along the long sides of the unit cell.

[0025] The above-mentioned adsorption parts are arranged spaced apart from each other along the long side of the unit cell, and in the unit cell fixing step, the multiple adsorption parts are simultaneously adsorbed to the unit cell.

[0026] It includes a unit cell seating step in which, after the unit cell is raised in the unit cell lifting step, a support portion of a gripper enters to support the lower surface of the unit cell.

[0027] It includes a gripper sliding step in which the gripper slides while the unit cell is seated on the support portion of the gripper to transfer the unit cell. Effects of the invention

[0029] The present invention, having the configuration described above, raises the unit cell while the adsorption part is fixed to the side of the unit cell, thereby resolving the lifting problem that occurred at the top layer of the unit cell.

[0030] In addition, in the present invention, the unit cell can be transported even when the adsorption part fixes the side of the unit cell, but since it can slide while the gripper supports the lower surface of the unit cell, the unit cell can be transported more stably. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the appearance of an adsorbent being adsorbed to a unit cell according to a conventional method and the appearance of lifting occurring in the unit cell when the adsorbent rises. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a unit cell transfer device according to the present invention, showing the appearance of the adsorption part before adsorbing the unit cell. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the adsorption portion adsorbed on both sides of the unit cell. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the support portion of the gripper entering below the unit cell after the adsorption portion has risen while adsorbed to both sides of the unit cell. FIG. 5a is a simplified drawing showing only the relative positions of the unit cell and the vacuum pad, with other parts omitted from the state of FIG. 2. FIG. 5b is a simplified drawing showing only the relative positions of the unit cell and the vacuum pad, with other parts omitted from the state of FIG. 3. FIG. 5c is a front view taken from the front, showing the base of the gripper supporting the bottom of the unit cell when the unit cell rises together with the vacuum pad in the state of FIG. 4, with other parts omitted. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0033] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement it. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0034] To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0035] Furthermore, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0036] The present invention relates to a transfer device and transfer method for a unit cell formed as a rectangular parallelepiped having four sides along the perimeter between an upper surface, a lower surface, and between the upper and lower surfaces, wherein a predetermined number of anodes, separators, and cathodes are stacked. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] First embodiment

[0040] The present invention provides a unit cell transfer device as a first embodiment. The unit cell transfer device according to the present invention is characterized by adsorption occurring on the side of the unit cell, unlike the conventional method in which adsorption occurs on the top surface.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a unit cell transfer device according to the present invention, showing the appearance of the adsorption part before adsorbing the unit cell, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the appearance of the adsorption part adsorbed to both sides of the unit cell, FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the appearance of the support part of the gripper entering below the unit cell after the adsorption part has risen while adsorbed to both sides of the unit cell.

[0042] The unit cell (1) provided in the present invention is formed as a rectangular prism having a top surface, a bottom surface, and four sides between the top surface and the bottom surface, by stacking a predetermined number of anodes, separators, and cathodes. That is, the unit cell is formed in a rectangular shape in which the top surface and the bottom surface each have two short sides and two long sides. As illustrated, the side located on the short side has an electrode tab formed protruding, and the side located on the long side is formed in a flat shape to enable adsorption.

[0043] And, the conveying device provided in this embodiment is configured to include an adsorption part (10).

[0044] The above adsorption part (10) includes one that adsorbs the side of one side (left in the drawing) of the unit cell (1) and another that adsorbs the side of the other side (right in the drawing) of the unit cell (1). That is, one of the adsorption parts (10) is placed on one side of the unit cell (1) and the other is placed on the other side of the unit cell (1), and they adsorb and fix the two sides of the unit cell (1) facing each other.

[0045] The above-mentioned adsorption unit (10) has a structure in which a plurality of bars (11) are mounted at a distance from each other on a frame placed along the longitudinal direction of the unit cell (1), and a vacuum pad (12) that generates negative pressure and adsorbs to the surface of the unit cell (1) is attached to the end of each bar (11).

[0046] Each vacuum pad (12) can be connected to an external vacuum pump (not shown) through an air-flowing pipe or hose (not shown) and adsorbed to the side of the unit cell (1). Multiple bars (11) are configured to have the same size so that multiple bars can simultaneously approach the opposing side of the unit cell (1).

[0047] For reference, in the drawing, the adsorption part (12) is shown as being adsorbed on both sides formed along the long side of the unit cell (1), but in some cases (e.g., depending on the position of the electrode tab), it may be configured to be adsorbed on a side located on a relatively shorter short side (see FIG. 1). Also, the material of the vacuum pad (12) may be selected from known materials such as silicone, rubber, etc., and the number thereof may also be selected from the unit cell (1). In addition, the negative pressure generated by the vacuum pad (12) may be selected or adjusted according to the size, thickness, weight, etc. of the unit cell (1).

[0048] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, the adsorption parts (10) on both sides are kept at a sufficient distance apart so that a unit cell (1) is placed between them, and when the unit cell (1) is placed between them, the adsorption parts (10) on both sides slide in a direction that brings them closer to each other so that they are adsorbed to each side of the unit cell (1), and then adsorption is performed.

[0049] In the state where adsorption is performed, the adsorption parts (10) can rise to a certain height and then slide in the left-right and front-back directions to transport the unit cell (1).

[0050] In addition, the transfer device provided in this embodiment is configured to further include a gripper (20) to more stably fix the unit cell (1) during transfer.

[0051] The above gripper (20) is shown in the drawing as being positioned parallel to the adsorption part (10), but it may be provided separately from the adsorption part (10).

[0052] That is, if the adsorption part (10) can enter below the unit cell (1) and support the lower surface of the unit cell (1) when the unit cell (1) is lifted above a certain height, it can be provided in various forms.

[0053] Accordingly, when the adsorption part (10) rises while adsorbing the unit cell (1), the gripper (20) slides to support the lower surface of the unit cell (1). In this embodiment, the gripper (20) provided has its end bent to form a support part (21), and when the unit cell (1) rises to a certain height, the support part (21) enters below the unit cell (1).

[0054] Then, while the gripper (20) supports the lower surface of the unit cell (1), the gripper (20) slides to transport the unit cell (1). At this time, the negative pressure of the adsorption part (10) may be released, or the negative pressure may be maintained for more stable support.

[0055] Additionally, if no interference occurs between the adsorption part (10) and the gripper (20), the adsorption part (10) may not slide, and only the gripper (20) may slide to transport the unit cell (1). Alternatively, the adsorption part (10) may be moved to a different location so that no interference occurs in the sliding path of the gripper (20), and only the gripper (20) may slide to transport the unit cell (1).

[0057] Second embodiment

[0059] The present invention provides a method for transferring a unit cell as a second embodiment. The method for transferring a unit cell provided in the present invention comprises a unit cell fixing step and a unit cell lifting step.

[0060] FIG. 5a is a simplified drawing showing only the relative positions of the unit cell (1) and the vacuum pad (12) in the state of FIG. 2 with other parts omitted, FIG. 5b is a simplified drawing showing only the relative positions of the unit cell (1) and the vacuum pad (12) in the state of FIG. 3 with other parts omitted, FIG. 5c is a front view showing the base (21) of the gripper (20) supporting the underside of the unit cell (1) when the unit cell (1) rises together with the vacuum pad (12) in the state of FIG. 4 with other parts omitted.

[0061] Referring to the drawings, in the unit cell fixing step, a vacuum pad (12) of the adsorption part is attached to each of the one side and the other side of the unit cell (1), and the unit cell (1) is adsorbed by applying negative pressure from the vacuum pad (12).

[0062] That is, as shown in FIG. 5a, the vacuum pads (12) included in the adsorption unit (10) form two rows and are arranged on both sides.

[0063] Then, when the unit cell (1) is placed in between, the bar (11) included in the adsorption part (10) slides and each vacuum pad (12) is adsorbed to each side of both sides of the unit cell (1), and the unit cell fixing step is performed.

[0064] At this time, the unit cell (1) is formed in a rectangular shape, with the upper surface and the lower surface each having two short sides and two long sides, and in the unit cell fixing step, the adsorption part (10) is adsorbed to both sides located along the long side of the unit cell (1). As illustrated, a plurality of vacuum pads (12) are spaced apart from each other along the long side of the unit cell (1), and in the unit cell fixing step, a plurality of vacuum pads (12) are simultaneously adsorbed to the unit cell (1).

[0065] Then, a unit cell lifting step is performed in which the adsorption part (10) lifts the unit cell (1) to a predetermined height while adsorbing the unit cell (1).

[0066] After the above unit cell lifting step is performed, the adsorption part (10) slides so that the direct transfer of the unit cell (1) can be carried out as is, but a unit cell settling step may be additionally performed to ensure more stable settling of the unit cell (1).

[0067] That is, when the unit cell (1) rises to a predetermined height in the unit cell lifting step, as shown in FIG. 5c, the support portion (21) of the gripper (20) enters below it to support the lower surface of the unit cell (1), and the unit cell settling step is performed.

[0068] Then, a gripper sliding step is performed in which the gripper (20) slides while the unit cell (1) is seated on the support portion (21) of the gripper (20) to transfer the unit cell (1). At this time, during the gripper sliding step, the adsorption portion (10) may slide while separated from the unit cell (1) or while maintaining adsorption.

[0070] The present invention, having the configuration described above, raises the unit cell (1) while the adsorption part (10) is fixed on the side of the unit cell (1), thereby resolving the lifting problem that occurred at the top layer of the unit cell (1).

[0071] In addition, in the present invention, the unit cell (1) can be transported even when the adsorption part (10) fixes the side of the unit cell, but since the unit cell (1) can slide while the bottom surface of the unit cell (1) is supported by the gripper (20), the unit cell can be transported more stably.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Explanation of the symbols

[0074] 1 : Unit cell 10 : Adsorption part 11 : Ba 12: Vacuum pad 20 : Gripper 21 : Support part

Claims

Claim 1 A unit cell transfer device formed as a hexahedron having an upper surface, a lower surface, and four sides between the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein a predetermined number of anodes, a separator, and a cathode are stacked, and the device comprises: one that generates negative pressure to adsorb one side of the unit cell and another that generates negative pressure to adsorb the other side of the unit cell, and adsorbs and fixes two opposing sides of the unit cell respectively, and is capable of moving upward while adsorbing the unit cell; and a gripper having a support member formed therein, wherein when the adsorber rises to a predetermined height while adsorbing the unit cell, the support member enters below the unit cell; wherein the adsorber members wait while spaced apart from each other, and when a unit cell is positioned between them, they slide in a direction that brings them closer together to adsorb each of the two sides of the unit cell, and then adsorb; wherein the gripper slides to transfer the unit cell while the support member supports the lower surface of the unit cell, and even while the gripper is transferring the unit cell, the adsorber applies negative pressure to fix the unit cell. Claim 2 A unit cell transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that the adsorption part comprises a plurality of bars, and a vacuum pad that generates negative pressure and adsorbs to the surface of the unit cell is coupled to the end of each bar. Claim 3 A transfer device for a unit cell according to claim 2, wherein the unit cell is formed in a rectangular shape having two short sides and two long sides on each of its upper and lower surfaces, and the adsorption portion is adsorbed to both sides formed along the long sides of the unit cell. Claim 4 A unit cell transfer device according to claim 3, characterized in that the above-mentioned bars are spaced apart from each other and are capable of approaching the side of a unit cell facing each other simultaneously. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A method for transporting a unit cell formed as a hexahedron having an upper surface, a lower surface, and four sides between the upper and lower surfaces, wherein an anode, a separator, and a cathode are stacked in a predetermined number; comprising: a unit cell fixing step in which an adsorption part is attached to each of the one side and the other side of the unit cell and negative pressure is applied from the adsorption part to adsorb the unit cell; a unit cell lifting step in which the unit cell is raised to a predetermined height while the adsorption part adsorbs the unit cell; and a unit cell seating step in which, after the unit cell is raised in the unit cell lifting step, a support part of a gripper enters to support the lower surface of the unit cell. A method for transporting a unit cell, comprising: a gripper sliding step in which the gripper slides while the unit cell is seated on the support portion of the gripper to transport the unit cell; wherein, in the unit cell fixing step, the adsorption portions wait while maintaining a distance from each other, and when a unit cell is positioned between them, they slide in a direction that brings them closer together so as to be adsorbed to each of the two sides of the unit cell, and then adsorb; and wherein, even while the gripper transports the unit cell in the gripper sliding step, the adsorption portions apply negative pressure to fix the unit cell. Claim 8 A method for transporting a unit cell according to claim 7, wherein the unit cell is formed in a rectangular shape having two short sides and two long sides on each of its upper and lower surfaces, and in the unit cell fixing step, the adsorption part is adsorbed on both sides formed along the long sides of the unit cell. Claim 9 A method for transferring a unit cell according to claim 8, wherein the adsorption portion comprises a plurality of bars, and the plurality of bars are spaced apart from each other along the long side of the unit cell, and the plurality of bars are simultaneously adsorbed to the unit cell during the unit cell fixing step. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete

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