Pouch transfer device

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pouch transfer device comprises: a first transfer unit on which a lower surface of a pouch is seated, and which is provided to transfer the pouch along a first path; a folding unit provided to be able to enter the first transfer unit so as to support the lower surface of the pouch seated on the first transfer unit; and a nozzle unit disposed on the first path and provided to spray air onto the upper surface of the pouch being transferred by the first transfer unit.

Description

Pouch transport device

[0001] The present invention relates to a pouch transport device, and more particularly, to a pouch transport device for transporting a pouch in which an electrode assembly is stored, and more particularly, to a pouch transport device capable of preventing folding of the pouch by generating a lifting force on the upper surface of the pouch during transport.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0092767, filed July 18, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings for explaining a conventional pouch transport device.

[0004] Specifically, FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a case where a curling portion occurs in a pouch being transported by a conventional transport unit, FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a problem that occurs when a curling portion of a pouch collides with a folding portion during the process of transporting a transport unit on which a pouch is placed to a folding portion, and FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a problem that occurs when a folding process is performed while a portion of the pouch is folded.

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

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

[0007] The above 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) can be spaced apart from each other on the same plane. The first cup portion (3) and the second cup portion (4) are partially sunken portions of the pouch (1) and provide a space in which an electrode assembly (9) is accommodated.

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

[0009] Referring to Fig. 2, the transport unit (30) transports the pouch (1) containing the electrode assembly (9) to the folding unit (50). The transport unit (30) moves in a direction (F1 direction) toward the folding unit (50) along the first path (L1) and transports the pouch (1) to the first docking position. The folding unit (50) is provided to be able to move along a second path (L2) that is provided to intersect the first path (L1). With reference to Fig. 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 a position where the first path (L1) and the second path (L2) intersect, and refers to a position where the pouch (1) placed on the transport unit (30) is transferred to the folding unit (50). The folding unit (50) moves in the direction (F3 direction) toward the first docking position along the second path (L2). At the first docking position, the folding unit (50) may be provided so that a portion of the interior of the transport unit (30) can be entered.

[0011] The entire area of ​​the pouch (1) is not seated on the above-described transport section (30), and a portion of the pouch is positioned outside the transport section (30). For example, the pouch (1) provided with the first cup portion (3) in which the electrode assembly (9) is accommodated may include a first area (1a) as a central area and an edge area of ​​the pouch (1) surrounding the first area (1b). At this time, the first area (1a) represents the central area of ​​the pouch (1) including the first cup portion (3) and the second cup portion (4), and the second area (1b) represents an edge area outside the first area (1a). In addition, at least a portion of the first area (1a) may be seated on the transport section (30), and a portion of the second area (1b) of the pouch may be positioned outside the transport section (30). At this time, 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 region (1b) of the pouch (1) exposed to the outside of the transport section (30) sags in the direction of gravity. At this time, the area where the pouch (1) sags in the direction of gravity during transport is referred to as a 'curling area (5)'.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 2, the folding portion (50) enters the transport portion (30) at the first docking position along the second path (L2), and at this time, the curling portion (5) of the pouch (1) is rolled into the space between the transport portion (30) and the folding portion (50), and the curling portion (5) is folded. At this time, the folded portion of the curling portion (5) is referred to as a 'folding portion (7)'.

[0013] Referring to Fig. 3, the folding portion (50) includes a plurality of adsorption portions (51) for adsorption of the edge area of ​​the pouch (1), and when the folding process is performed with the folding portion (7) provided on the pouch (1), the folding portion (7) of the pouch (1) is not adsorbed to the folding portion (50). Accordingly, poor adsorption of the pouch (1) occurs.

[0014] The poor absorption of the above pouch (1) causes poor folding of the pouch (1), and the poor folding of the pouch (1) causes poor sealing of the pouch (1) during the sealing process.

[0015] In addition, poor sealing of the pouch (1) causes leakage of electrolyte and / or poor insulation of the secondary battery.

[0016] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pouch transport device capable of generating lift on the upper surface of a pouch by spraying air to the upper surface of the pouch during transport.

[0017] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a pouch transport device that can prevent interference during transport through a first transport section by generating a lifting force on the upper surface of the pouch during transport to prevent curling of the pouch.

[0018] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a pouch transport device capable of preventing curling of an edge area by spraying air to the upper surface of an edge area of ​​a pouch that is not seated on a first transport section.

[0019] A pouch transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first transport section on which a lower surface of a pouch is mounted and configured to transport the pouch along a first path, a folding section configured to be capable of entering the first transport section to support the lower surface of the pouch mounted on the first transport section, and a nozzle section arranged on the first path and configured to spray air upwards on the upper surface of the pouch being transported by the first transport section.

[0020] Additionally, the pouch may include a first region in which the electrode assembly is housed and in contact with the first transport section and a second region that is not in contact with the first transport section.

[0021] Additionally, the nozzle portion may be configured to spray the air to the upper portion of the second region.

[0022] In addition, the nozzle unit may be provided to inject the air in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first transport unit moves toward the folding unit along the first path. For example, the nozzle unit may be provided to inject the air in a direction parallel to the first path. In such a structure, an air current is formed on the upper surface of the pouch being transported by the first transport unit along a direction parallel to the first path, and a lift force is generated in the opposite direction of gravity by the air current, and the lift force can prevent curling of the edge area of ​​the pouch.

[0023] In addition, the nozzle unit may include a first nozzle configured to inject the air to an upper portion of a first edge region among the second regions of the pouch, and a second nozzle spaced apart from the first nozzle and configured to inject the air to an upper portion of a second edge region among the second regions of the pouch.

[0024] Additionally, the pouch transport device may include a control unit that controls the first transport unit, the folding unit, and the nozzle unit.

[0025] Additionally, the control unit may be configured to inject air to the upper portion of the pouch placed on the first transport unit during a transport mode in which the pouch is transported to the folding unit along the first path.

[0026] Additionally, the control unit may cause the folding unit to move to the first docking position along a second path intersecting the first path at the bottom of the first transport unit after the first transport unit reaches the first docking position along the first path.

[0027] Additionally, the folding portion may be arranged to enter the lower portion of the first transport portion along the second path to support the lower surface of the pouch at the first docking position.

[0028] Additionally, the control unit may be arranged to move the folding unit to the folding position along the second path so that the pouch mounted on the folding unit at the first docking position is detached from the first transport unit.

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

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

[0031] In addition, the first transport section may include a first grip section that contacts and supports a first area of ​​the pouch, and a plurality of first fixing bars connected to the first grip section and arranged at a predetermined interval. In addition, when the pouch is fixed to the first transport section, a portion of the lower surface may be exposed through a space between two adjacent first fixing bars.

[0032] In addition, the folding part may include a first folding grip part that is arranged to be able to enter the inside of the first grip part along a second path that intersects the first path at the bottom of the first transport part, and a plurality of first folding bars that are connected to the first folding grip part and are arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0033] Additionally, when the first folding grip portion enters the first grip portion, each first folding bar may be arranged to enter the space between the two adjacent first fixing bars.

[0034] Additionally, the folding portion may include a second folding grip portion hingedly connected to the first folding grip portion.

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

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

[0037] Additionally, the second transport unit may include a second grip unit for supporting a first area of ​​a pouch in which an electrode assembly is stored, and a plurality of second fixing bars connected to the second grip unit and arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0038] Additionally, each second anchor bar may be configured to enter a space between two adjacent first anchor bars.

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

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

[0041] In addition, by generating lifting force on the upper surface of the pouch being transported, curling of the pouch can be prevented, thereby preventing interference during transport through the transport unit.

[0042] Additionally, curling of the edge area can be prevented by spraying air to the upper surface of the edge area of ​​the pouch that is not seated in the first transport section.

[0043] Additionally, poor absorption of the pouch can be prevented during the folding process.

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings for explaining a conventional pouch transport device.

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a manufacturing device for a secondary battery related to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

[0048] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the first transport section, showing the pouch in place.

[0049] Figure 8 is a plan view of the first transport section, showing the pouch in place.

[0050] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of Fig. 8, schematically showing the arrangement relationship of the first transport section, the pouch, and the first nozzle when air is sprayed to the upper part of the upper surface of the pouch.

[0051] Figure 10 is a plan view of a folding part constituting a pouch transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

[0055] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an operating state of a pouch transport device related to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0057] In addition, regardless of the drawing symbol, identical or corresponding components are given identical or similar reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted, and for the convenience of explanation, the size and shape of each component depicted may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0058] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a manufacturing device for a secondary battery related to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, a manufacturing device for a secondary battery related to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pouch processing unit (140) for cutting a pouch, an assembly insertion unit (300) for storing an electrode assembly in a pouch, and a folding unit (130) for folding a pouch into which an electrode assembly is inserted.

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

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the manufacturing device of the secondary battery may include a pouch transport device (100) for transporting a pouch (1) containing an electrode assembly (9) to a folding unit (130).

[0062] In addition, the pouch (1) in this document has the same structure as described in FIG. 1, and the pouch transport device (100) is described below with reference to FIG. 1.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a pouch transport device (100) related to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first transport unit (110) on which a lower surface (7) of a pouch (1) is mounted and which is arranged to transport the pouch (1) along a first path (L1).

[0064] In addition, the pouch transport device (100) includes a folding part (150) that is provided to be able to enter the first transport part (110) to support the lower surface (7) of the pouch (1) mounted on the first transport part (110).

[0065] In addition, the pouch transport device (100) is arranged on the first path (L1) and includes a nozzle unit (150) configured to spray air to the upper portion of the upper surface (8) of the pouch (1) being transported by the first transport unit (110).

[0066] In addition, 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 document, referring to FIG. 5, the first path (L1) is provided along the x-axis direction, and the second path (L2) is provided to intersect the first path (L1) and may be provided along the y-axis direction.

[0068] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the first transport unit (110), Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the first transport unit, showing a state in which a pouch is installed, and Fig. 8 is a plan view of the first transport unit, showing a state in which a pouch is installed.

[0069] In addition, Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of Fig. 8, schematically showing the arrangement relationship of the first transport section, the pouch, and the first nozzle when air is sprayed to the upper part of the upper surface of the pouch.

[0070] In addition, the pouch (1) may include a first region (1a) in which the electrode assembly (9) is stored 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 above 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) can be spaced apart from each other on the same plane. The first cup portion (3) and the second cup portion (4) are partially sunken portions of the pouch (1) and provide a space in which the electrode assembly (9) is accommodated. For example, in a process of storing the electrode assembly (9), the electrode assembly (9) can be stored in the first cup portion (3) of the pouch (1).

[0072] At this time, the first region (1a) of the pouch (1) may mean a central region of the pouch (1) including one or more cup portions, and as an example, the first region (1a) may mean a central region including the first cup portion (3) and the second cup portion (4). In addition, the second region (1b) may mean an edge region of the pouch (1) surrounding the periphery of the central region.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 7, the first transport part (110) may have a smaller size than the lower surface (7) of the pouch (1). In this structure, the edge area of ​​the pouch (1) may not be supported by the first transport part (110). That is, the second area (1b) does not contact the first transport part (110) and is located outside the first transport part (110). In particular, the edge area (A11, A12) on the side of the second cup part (4) where the electrode assembly (9) is not stored may be greatly affected by gravity when the first transport part (110) moves, and thus curling may occur.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the nozzle portion (150) may be arranged to spray the air to the upper portion of the second region (1b).

[0075] In addition, the nozzle unit (150) may be arranged to spray the air in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first transport unit (110) moves toward the folding unit (130) along the first path (L1).

[0076] For example, the nozzle unit (150) may be configured to spray air in a direction parallel to the first path (L1). In this structure, an air current is formed on the upper surface (8) of the pouch (1) being transported by the first transport unit (110) in a direction parallel to the first path (L1), and a lift force (P1) is generated in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity by the air current. The lift force (P1) can prevent curling of the edge areas (A11, A12) of the pouch (1).

[0077] In addition, the nozzle unit (150) may include a first nozzle (151) arranged to inject the air to the upper portion of the first edge area (A11) of the second area (1b) of the pouch (1), and a second nozzle (152) arranged to be spaced apart from the first nozzle (151) and to inject the air to the upper portion of the second edge area (A12) of the second area (1b) of the pouch (1).

[0078] In addition, the control unit (190) may be configured to inject air to the upper portion of the pouch (1) mounted on the first transport unit (110) during the transport mode of transporting the pouch (1) to the folding unit (130) along the first path (L1).

[0079] In addition, the control unit (190) can cause the folding unit (130) to move to the first docking position (L12) along a second path (L2) intersecting the first path (L1) at the bottom of the first transport unit (100) after the first transport unit (110) reaches the first docking position (L12) along the first path (L1).

[0080] At this time, the first docking position (L12) is a position where the first path (L1) and the second path (L2) intersect, and means a position where the pouch (1) placed on the first transport unit (110) is transferred to the folding unit (130).

[0081] In addition, the folding part (130) may be arranged to enter the lower part of the first transport part (110) along the second path (L2) to support the lower surface of the pouch (1) at the first docking position (L12).

[0082] Additionally, 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 member (110) may be arranged so that at least a portion of the first region (1a) of the lower surface (7) of the pouch (1) is settled (in contact) without covering the entire area. In addition, at least a portion of the first region (1a) of the lower surface (7) of the pouch (1) may not be in contact with the first transport member (110) and may be exposed toward the lower portion of the first transport member (110).

[0084] In addition, the first transport unit (110) may include a first grip unit (111) that contacts and supports the first region (1a) of the pouch, and a plurality of first fixing bars (112) that are connected to the first grip unit (111) and arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0085] In addition, when the pouch (1) is mounted on the first transport section (110), a part of the area of ​​the lower surface (7) may be exposed to the space (113) between two adjacent first mounting bars (112).

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 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 above 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 edge regions on both sides of the region where the second cup portion (4) is provided.

[0088] At this time, the first and second edge areas (A11, A12) are areas where the pouch (1) is not secured by the first grip portion (111) and the first securing bar (112), and are positioned adjacent to the second cup portion (4) in which the electrode assembly (9) is not stored. The first and second edge areas (A11, A12) correspond to the curling area (5, see Fig. 1) mentioned in the background art.

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

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

[0091] The above nozzle unit (150) is provided to spray air to the upper portion of the second region (1b). The nozzle unit (150) may be positioned above the first transport unit (110) that moves along the first path (L1).

[0092] Referring to Fig. 8, the nozzle unit (150) may include a first nozzle (151), a second nozzle (152), and an air pressure providing unit (155). The air pressure providing unit (155) is fluidically connected to the first and second nozzles (151, 152).

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, the first nozzle (151) may be arranged to spray air toward the upper portion of the first edge region (A11) of the second region (1b) of the pouch (1). In addition, the second nozzle (152) may be spaced apart and parallel to the first nozzle (151).

[0094] The second nozzle (152) may be provided to spray air to the upper portion of the second edge region (A12) of the second region (1b) of the pouch (1). As described above, the second edge region (A12) may be provided on the opposite side of the first edge region (A11).

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first and second nozzles (151, 152) may be positioned so that air is concentratedly sprayed onto the upper portions of the first and second edge areas (A11, A12) of the pouch (1). When the first and second nozzles (151, 152) spray air onto the upper portions of the first and second edge areas (A11, A12) of the pouch (1) being transported on the first transport unit (110), a lifting force (P1) is generated on the first and second edge areas (A11, A12) of the upper surface (8) of the pouch (1).

[0096] The above lifting force (P1) is a force that pulls the first and second edge areas (A11, A12) of the pouch (1) in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity. Due to this lifting force (P1), the curling phenomenon in which the first and second edge areas (A11, A12) sag in the direction of gravity can be prevented during transport by the first transport unit (110).

[0097] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a folding part (130) constituting a pouch transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the folding part and the first transport part at a first docking position.

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

[0099] The above folding part (130) is provided so as to be able to enter the first transport part (110) to support the lower surface (8) of the pouch (1) placed on the first transport part (110), and can come into contact with at least a portion of the first region (1a) when entering the first transport part (110).

[0100] As described above, at least a portion of the first region (1a) of 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 portion of the first transport section (110). The folding section (130) supports the exposed portion toward the lower portion of the first transport section (110) at the first docking position (L12). That is, a portion of the lower surface (7) is exposed to the space (113) between two adjacent first fixing bars (112), and the folding section (130) enters the space (113) and comes into contact with a portion of the exposed lower surface (7).

[0101] The above folding part (130) is provided so as to be able to enter the first transport part (110) to support the lower surface (7) of the pouch (1) placed on the first transport part (110). The above folding part (130) is provided so as to come into contact with at least a portion of the first region (1a) of the pouch (1) when entering the first transport part (110).

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the folding portion (130) may include a first folding grip portion (131) that is provided to be able to enter the first grip portion (111) and a second folding grip portion (133) that is hinge-connected to the first folding grip portion (131).

[0103] In addition, the folding part (130) may include a first folding grip part (131) that is arranged to be able to enter the inside of the first grip part (111) along a second path (L2) that intersects the first path at the bottom of the first transport part (110) and a plurality of first folding bars (132) that are connected to the first folding grip part (131) and arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0104] In addition, when the first folding grip portion (131) enters the first grip portion (111), each first folding bar (132) may be arranged to enter the space (113) between the two adjacent first fixing bars (112).

[0105] The first folding grip portion (131) and the first transport portion (110) may have various shapes, and may have a corresponding shape that can be docked so as to be able to transfer the pouch (1) at the first docking position (L12). In this document, the corresponding shape means a shape in which the first folding grip portion (131) can be separated (detached) from the first transport portion (110) along the second path after the first folding grip portion (131) enters the first transport portion (110) along the second path, and may not physically contact or be engaged at the first docking position (L12).

[0106] The first folding grip portion (131) may be provided so that at least a portion of the first region (1a) of the pouch (1) exposed to the lower portion of the first grip portion (111) is secured thereto. 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 a space (113) between the first securing bars (112) of the first grip portion (111).

[0107] In addition, when the first folding grip portion (131) enters the first grip portion (111), each first folding bar (132) may be arranged to enter the space (113) between two adjacent first fixing bars (112) and be positioned on a plurality of first fixing bars (112).

[0108] Additionally, the second folding grip portion (133) is hinge-connected to the first folding grip portion (131) and is arranged to be secured to the remaining portion of the pouch (1) protruding from the first transport portion (110).

[0109] The above folding part (130) may include a hinge axis (135) that hinge-connects the first folding grip part (131) and the second folding grip part (133), and a folding driving part (136) that provides driving force to the hinge axis (135) and rotates the first and second folding grip parts (131, 133).

[0110] In addition, the folding unit (130) may include a third driving unit (139) that provides a transfer driving force to the first folding grip unit (131). By the third driving unit (139), the first folding grip unit (131) can reciprocate along the second path (L2). The third driving unit (139) may include an LM guide capable of movement in one axis direction (y-axis direction), or may include an orthogonal robot capable of movement in two axes.

[0111] In addition, the folding portion (130) may include a plurality of suction members (137) for suctioning the pouch (1) mounted on the first and second folding grip members (131, 133), and a vacuum pressure applying portion (138) for providing vacuum pressure to each suction member (137).

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

[0113] In addition, FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an operating state of a pouch transport device related to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0115] In addition, the second transport unit (170) can enter the first transport unit (110) and can be provided to support the lower surface (7) of the pouch (1).

[0116] In addition, the second transport unit (170) may include a second grip unit (171) for supporting the first region (1a) of the pouch (1) in which the electrode assembly (9) is stored, and a plurality of second mounting bars (172) connected to the second grip unit (171) and arranged at a predetermined interval. In addition, each second mounting bar (172) may be provided so as to be able to enter a space between two adjacent first mounting bars (112). Similarly, each first mounting bar (112) may be provided so as to be able to enter a space (174) between two adjacent second mounting bars (172).

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

[0118] In addition, the second transport unit (170) can perform the function of transporting the pouch (1) discharged from the storage unit (200) along the discharge path (L0) to the first transport unit (110). The storage unit (200) can store pouches (1) containing electrode assemblies (9).

[0119] The above second transport section (170) can enter the first transport section (110) and is provided to support the lower surface of the pouch (1) so that a part of the first area (1a) of the lower surface (7) of the pouch (1) is exposed downward.

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

[0121] In addition, when the second grip portion (171) enters the first grip portion (111), each second fixing bar (172) enters the space (113) between two adjacent first fixing bars (112), and is positioned between a plurality of first fixing bars (112).

[0122] The second transport unit (170) and the first transport unit (110) may have various shapes and may have corresponding dockable shapes so as to be able to transfer the pouch (1) at the second docking position (L11).

[0123] The second docking position (L11) refers to the point where the first path (L1) and the discharge path (L0) intersect, and refers to the position where the pouch (1) placed on the second transport unit (170) is transferred to the first transport unit (110).

[0124] In this document, the corresponding shape means a shape in which the second transport unit (170) can separate (detach) from the first transport unit (110) along the discharge path (L0) after the second transport unit (170) enters the first transport unit (110) along the discharge path (L0), and may not physically contact or engage at the second docking position (L11).

[0125] Referring to FIG. 5, the second transport unit (170) further includes a second driving unit (175) that provides driving force to the second grip unit (171). By means of the second driving unit (175), the second grip unit (171) can reciprocate along the discharge path (L0). The second driving unit (175) is controlled by the control unit (190).

[0126] The second driving unit (175) may include an LM guide capable of movement in one axis direction (y-axis direction) or may include an orthogonal robot capable of movement in two axes. The second transport unit (170) may be a shuttle unit movably mounted on an LM guide.

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

[0128] Referring to Fig. 14, the process of transferring a pouch (1) discharged from a storage unit (200) to a folding unit (130) will be described.

[0129] The above 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 transport stage of the pouch.

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

[0131] The above control unit (190) operates the first driving unit (115) and the second driving unit (175) so that the first grip unit (111) is first positioned at the second docking position (L11) 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) so as to place the pouch (1) on the upper surface of the first grip portion (111).

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

[0134] The above control unit (190) causes the nozzle unit (150) to spray air to the upper part of the upper surface of the pouch (1) mounted on the first transport unit (110) when the first transport unit (110) moves in the direction (F1 direction) toward the first docking position (L12).

[0135] The above control unit (190) causes the folding unit (130) to move to the first docking position (L12) along the second path (L2) intersecting the first path (L1) at the bottom of the first transport unit (110) after the first transport unit (110) reaches the first docking position (L12).

[0136] In addition, the control unit (190) may be arranged to move the folding unit (130) along the second path (L2) to the folding position (L22) so that the pouch (1) mounted on the folding unit (130) at the first docking position (L12) is detached from the first transport unit (110).

[0137] Additionally, the control unit (190) can stop the operation of the nozzle unit (150) when the folding unit (130) is separated from the first transport unit (110).

[0138] In addition, the folding part (130) may be provided to perform a folding mode in which the lower surface of the pouch is vacuum-absorbed at the folding position (L22) and the absorbed pouch is folded.

[0139] Meanwhile, at the above folding position (L22), the position of the pouch (1) placed on the folding portion (130) may be adjusted. For example, the position of the pouch (1) may be adjusted so that the folding line of the pouch (1) is located on the hinge axis (135), and the position may be adjusted using a suction-type gripper.

[0140] When the first transport unit (110) reaches the first docking position (L12), the folding unit (130) moves from the folding standby position (L21) to the first docking position (L12) along the second path (L2) and enters the first transport unit (110). The folding unit (130) receives the pouch (1) placed on the first transport unit (110) at the first docking position (L12) and moves to the folding position (L22).

[0141] The above control unit (190) can control the folding unit (130) to perform a folding process when the folding unit (130) reaches the folding position (L22). In the folding process, after the pouch (1) is vacuum-absorbed on the upper surfaces of the first and second folding grip units (131, 133), the second folding grip unit (133) rotates in a direction closer to the first folding grip unit (131).

[0142] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for the purpose of illustration, and those skilled in the art having ordinary knowledge of the present invention will be able to make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0143] According to a pouch transport device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by generating a lifting force on the upper surface of a pouch being transported, curling of the pouch is prevented, thereby preventing interference during transport through a transport unit.

Claims

1. A first transport section provided to transport the pouch along a first path, with the lower surface of the pouch secured thereto; A folding part that is provided to be able to enter the first transport part to support the lower surface of the pouch mounted on the first transport part; and A pouch transport device comprising a nozzle unit arranged on the first path and configured to spray air to the upper portion of the upper surface of the pouch being transported by the first transport unit.

2. In paragraph 1, 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 above nozzle portion is a pouch transport device designed to spray the air to the upper portion of the second region.

3. In paragraph 1, A pouch transport device in which the nozzle section is configured to spray the air in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first transport section moves toward the folding section along the first path.

4. In paragraph 2, The nozzle section comprises a first nozzle configured to spray the air to the upper portion of the first edge region among the second regions of the pouch; and A pouch transport device comprising a second nozzle spaced apart from the first nozzle and arranged to inject the air to the upper portion of a second edge region among the second regions of the pouch.

5. In paragraph 1, It further includes a control unit that controls the first transport unit, the folding unit, and the nozzle unit, A pouch transport device, wherein the control unit is configured to inject air to the upper portion of a pouch placed on the first transport unit in a transport mode in which the pouch is transported to the folding unit along the first path.

6. In the fifth paragraph, the control unit, After the first transport unit reaches the first docking position along the first path, A pouch transport device that causes the folding portion to move to the first docking position along a second path intersecting the first path from the lower portion of the first transport portion.

7. In paragraph 6, The above folding part is arranged to enter the lower part of the first transport part along the second path to support the lower surface of the pouch at the first docking position, A pouch transport device, wherein the control unit is configured to transport the folding unit to a folding position along the second path so that the pouch placed on the folding unit at the first docking position is detached from the first transport unit.

8. In paragraph 7, A pouch transport device, wherein the folding part is configured to perform a folding mode in which the lower surface of the pouch is vacuum-absorbed at the folding position and the absorbed pouch is folded.

9. In paragraph 6, A pouch transport device, wherein the control unit stops the operation of the nozzle unit when the first transport unit reaches the first docking position.

10. In paragraph 1, The first transport section includes a first grip section that contacts and supports a first area of ​​the pouch, and a plurality of first fixing bars connected to the first grip section and arranged at a predetermined interval. A pouch transport device in which a portion of the lower surface of the pouch is exposed through a space between two adjacent first mounting bars when the pouch is mounted on the first transport section.

11. In paragraph 10, The above folding part includes a first folding grip part that is arranged to be able to enter the inside of the first grip part along a second path intersecting the first path at the bottom of the first transport part, and a plurality of first folding bars connected to the first folding grip part and arranged at a predetermined interval. A pouch transport device, wherein when the first folding grip portion enters the first grip portion, each first folding bar enters the space between the two adjacent first fixing bars.

12. In paragraph 11, A pouch transport device, wherein the folding portion includes a second folding grip portion hingedly connected to the first folding grip portion.

13. In paragraph 10, It further includes a second transport section for transporting the pouch containing the electrode assembly to the first transport section, A pouch transport device 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. In paragraph 13, A pouch transport device, wherein the second transport section includes a second grip section for supporting a first area of ​​a pouch in which an electrode assembly is stored, and a plurality of second fixing bars connected to the second grip section and arranged at a predetermined interval.

15. In paragraph 14, A pouch transport device, wherein each second anchor bar is configured to enter the space between two adjacent first anchor bars.

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