Suctioning device for thin film sheet and suctioning method using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a suctioning device for a thin film sheet, and the suctioning device may comprise: a base part; main suctioning units which are installed in regions at both ends of the base part and which come into contact with the thin film sheet and vacuum-suction the thin film sheet; and auxiliary suctioning units which are installed, spaced apart from the main suctioning units, in the regions at both ends of the base part and which suction the thin film sheet by means of negative pressure airflow. Here, the auxiliary suctioning units can lift the thin film sheet toward the main suctioning units via negative pressure and thereby bring the thin film sheet into contact with the main suctioning units. Also, the present invention may include a suctioning method for a thin film sheet, wherein the method utilizes the suctioning device for a thin film sheet.

Description

Adsorption device for thin film sheet and adsorption method using the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adsorption device for a thin film sheet, and more specifically, to a device capable of adsorbing an electrode plate of a secondary battery and transporting it to a post-process.

[0002] In addition, the present disclosure includes an adsorption method for a thin film sheet using an adsorption device for a thin film sheet.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which can be repeatedly charged and discharged, are widely used as power sources for portable electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops, driven by the advancements in the information and communication and display industries. Furthermore, with growing concern for environmental issues, secondary batteries are also being used as power sources for eco-friendly transportation vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which offer the output characteristics and stability needed to replace fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

[0004] A typical secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a case (or pouch) that accommodates the electrode assembly and an electrolyte, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends out of the case. The electrode assembly may be formed as a jelly-roll type that winds electrode plates and separators, or as a stack type that is formed by alternately stacking electrode plates and separators. The electrode plates may include a coated portion where an active material is applied to a current collector and a non-coated portion where no active material is applied, and an electrode lead is electrically connected to the non-coated portion by welding. Here, the electrode plates are composed of a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate.

[0005] As is known to those skilled in the art, thin film electrode plates can achieve large capacity and miniaturization of secondary batteries, but have the problem of reduced mechanical strength.

[0006] Accordingly, active development of technology for a device capable of transporting electrode plates without damage, such as in Patent Document 1, is underway. Since the electrode plate transport device according to the prior art focuses on lifting one electrode plate from a plurality of stacked electrode plates, there is a need for a new proposal for a technology that can prevent damage such as scratches and deformation to the electrode plate in advance due to physical contact between the suction nozzle and the electrode plate during the process of lifting the electrode plate.

[0007] Accordingly, active technological development is underway for a device capable of transporting electrode plates without damage, as described in Patent Document 1. However, since the electrode plate transport device according to the prior art focuses on lifting a single electrode plate from a plurality of stacked electrode plates, there is room for improvement in the technology for effectively lifting and picking up electrode plates supplied in a bent state during the work process, and thus, a newer proposal is required.

[0008] [Prior Art Literature]

[0009] [Patent Document]

[0010] Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1208998

[0011] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an adsorption device for a thin film sheet can be provided that can easily adsorb even a curved thin film sheet.

[0012] In addition, the present disclosure includes an adsorption method for a thin film sheet using an adsorption device for a thin film sheet.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an adsorption device for a thin film sheet may include a base portion; a main adsorption portion installed at both end regions of the base portion and contacting the thin film sheet to vacuum-adsorb the thin film sheet; and an auxiliary adsorption portion installed within both end regions of the base portion and spaced apart from the main adsorption portion and adsorbing the thin film sheet by a negative pressure airflow. Here, the auxiliary adsorption portion may lift the thin film sheet toward the main adsorption portion by a negative pressure and bring it into contact with the main adsorption portion.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main adsorption portion may be positioned at the corner positions of a square or rectangle centered on the auxiliary adsorption portion.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main adsorption portion may be positioned adjacent to both edges along the length of the base portion within the two end regions of the base portion.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the auxiliary adsorption unit may include a head having a plurality of through holes and facing the thin film sheet; a body having a hollow portion fluidly connected to the plurality of through holes; a supply pipe for supplying compressed air to the hollow portion; and an exhaust pipe for discharging internal air of the hollow portion to the outside.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom edge of the head may be rounded.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main adsorption unit may include an adsorption pad in contact with a thin film sheet; a vacuum pump providing vacuum pressure to the adsorption pad; and a vacuum line connecting the adsorption pad and the vacuum pump.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main adsorption portion can be horizontally movably coupled to the base portion.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction pad of the main suction portion may be positioned below the head bottom surface of the auxiliary suction portion.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the base portion is formed in a shape corresponding to the thin film sheet and may include a joining hole for joining and fixing the main adsorption portion and the auxiliary adsorption portion.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adsorption pressure of the auxiliary adsorption unit may be set higher than the adsorption pressure of the main adsorption unit.

[0023] In addition, the present disclosure relates to a method for absorbing a thin film sheet using the absorbing device for a thin film sheet described above, comprising: a step of preparing a magazine loaded with a plurality of thin film sheets; a step of providing an absorbing device for a thin film sheet including a base portion, a main absorbing portion, and an auxiliary absorbing portion; a step of moving the absorbing device for a thin film sheet to a pickup position; a step of picking up a thin film sheet with the absorbing device for a thin film sheet; and a step of moving the absorbing device for a thin film sheet to a drop-off position.

[0024] At the stage of picking up the thin film sheet,

[0025] It may include a step of moving the base portion downward toward a plurality of thin film sheets; a step of applying negative pressure to an auxiliary adsorption portion; a step of vacuum-adsorbing the thin film sheets to the main adsorption portion; a step of releasing the negative pressure to the auxiliary adsorption portion; and a step of moving the base portion upward.

[0026] The present disclosure can simultaneously perform the step of applying negative pressure to the auxiliary adsorption unit and the step of vacuum adsorption of the main adsorption unit.

[0027] Additionally, the present disclosure may further include a step of determining whether a thin film sheet is adsorbed in a main adsorption portion.

[0028] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in the sense and concept that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, one thin film sheet from among a plurality of thin film sheets (i.e., electrode plates) loaded in a magazine can be lifted and transported to a post-process by being absorbed by a main absorbing portion together with an auxiliary absorbing portion.

[0031] Moreover, the present disclosure can ensure vacuum adsorption of the main adsorption part for the thin film sheet by inducing initial adsorption of the curved thin film sheet by means of an auxiliary adsorption part that adsorbs and transports under negative pressure.

[0032] As described above, the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to transport the thin film sheet while maintaining a flattened posture without sagging by the auxiliary adsorption unit and the main adsorption unit.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a state in which an electrode plate is adsorbed on an adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a side view schematically illustrating the adsorption device for the thin film sheet illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0035] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of an auxiliary adsorption unit employed in an adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a partial cutaway perspective view schematically illustrating the auxiliary suction part illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view from below of an auxiliary suction unit employed in an suction device for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an adsorption method using an adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] The terminology used to describe one embodiment of the present disclosure is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0042] When assigning reference numbers to components in a drawing, identical components are assigned the same reference numbers as much as possible even if they are displayed on different drawings, and similar components are assigned similar reference numbers.

[0043] The drawings may be schematic or exaggerated for the purpose of illustrating the embodiments. In this document, expressions such as "has," "may have," "includes," or "may include" indicate the presence of a corresponding feature (e.g., a numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0044] Terms such as "one", "other", "another", "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not limited by these terms.

[0045] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0046] The present disclosure relates to an adsorption device for a thin film sheet, preferably configured to pick up a curled thin film sheet by adsorption.

[0047] More preferably, the present disclosure is configured to enable the thin film sheet, which is the target of adsorption, to be adsorbed without damage by combining the negative pressure adsorption of the auxiliary adsorption unit and the vacuum adsorption of the main adsorption unit. The "thin film sheet" described in the specification may be an electrode plate required for the manufacture of a secondary battery, but is not limited thereto, and may also be configured as a thin flat plate structure, such as a separator for a secondary battery.

[0048] An adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a state in which an electrode plate is adsorbed on an adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the adsorption device for a thin film sheet shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of an auxiliary adsorption unit employed in an adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the auxiliary adsorption unit illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a perspective view from below of an auxiliary adsorption unit employed in an adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] An adsorption device (1) for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a base portion (11); a main adsorption portion (13) installed at both end regions of the base portion (11) and contacting the thin film sheet (2) to vacuum-adsorb the thin film sheet (2); and an auxiliary adsorption portion (12) installed spaced apart from the main adsorption portion (13) within the both end regions of the base portion (11) and adsorbing the thin film sheet (2) by a negative pressure airflow. The auxiliary adsorption portion (12) is configured to lift the thin film sheet (2) toward the main adsorption portion (13) by a negative pressure and to bring it into contact with the main adsorption portion (13).

[0051] Moreover, the adsorption device (1) for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can directly contact the main adsorption part (13) to the thin film sheet (2) and adsorb and fix it.

[0052] An adsorption device (1) for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to be able to adsorb a thin film sheet (2) for transport from a pre-process to a post-process, and after adsorbing an electrode plate positioned at the top among a plurality of electrode plates loaded on a magazine (not shown), it is installed so as to be able to travel along the extension direction of a guide rail (R) so as to transport the electrode plate to a post-process.

[0053] The base portion (11) can be installed so as to be able to move along the guide rail (R) as described above, and provides a space for arranging members for absorbing the thin film sheet (i.e., electrode plates) therein. As is known to those skilled in the art, the guide rail (R) can extend along the transport path of the thin film sheet, for example, from a pick-up position to a drop-off position.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the base portion (11) may include a driving unit (11a) that drives along a guide rail (R) so that the auxiliary suction portion (12) and the main suction portion (13) are positioned on top of a plurality of thin film sheets (2) stacked in the vertical direction. The thin film sheets (2) may be stacked in the vertical direction.

[0055] In addition, the present disclosure may include an elevating unit (11b) that elevates the base portion (11) in a vertical direction toward the thin film sheet from the driving unit (11a). Accordingly, the present disclosure allows the base portion (11) to be placed adjacent to the thin film sheet positioned at the uppermost position among a plurality of thin film sheets without contact. Since the driving unit and the elevating unit described above are known techniques, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] The base portion (11) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the thin film sheet (2) and may include joining holes (111, 112) for joining and fixing the main adsorption portion (13) and the auxiliary adsorption portion (12). That is, the base portion (11) may form a second joining hole (112) for joining and fixing the auxiliary adsorption portion (12) therein. In addition, the base portion (11) may form a first joining hole (111) for joining and fixing the main adsorption portion (13), and the first joining hole (111) may be spaced apart from the second joining hole (112) at a predetermined distance.

[0057] The present disclosure can arrange four first coupling holes (111) radially at equal intervals around the second coupling hole (112) at both end regions of the base portion (11). As illustrated, the four first coupling holes (111) can be arranged to correspond to the four corner positions of a square or rectangle within the two end regions of the base portion (11).

[0058] The base portion (11) may be formed as a first joining hole (111) as a long hole, that is, as a long hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the base portion (11) and / or the thin film sheet (2). Optionally, the second joining hole (112) may also be formed as a long hole. For reference, the thin film sheet (2) may be formed as a rectangular shape having a long side extending in the longitudinal direction and a short side intersecting the long side, as illustrated. In the present specification, the longitudinal direction of the thin film sheet may mean a direction parallel to the long side.

[0059] As described above, the base portion (11) can be equipped with an auxiliary suction portion (12) and a main suction portion (13). Specifically, the auxiliary suction portion (12) can be positioned corresponding to the center of the two end regions of the thin film sheet (2).

[0060] In order to stably vacuum-absorb the thin film sheet (2) without sagging and without overlapping with the auxiliary absorbing portion (12), the present disclosure can arrange a plurality of main absorbing portions (13) in the peripheral portion surrounding the center of both end regions of the thin film sheet (2).

[0061] The present disclosure may include an auxiliary adsorption unit (12) that adsorbs a thin film sheet (2).

[0062] The auxiliary adsorption unit (12) is installed on the base unit (11) and is configured to generate a negative pressure airflow so as to adsorb the thin film sheet (2). The auxiliary adsorption unit (12) includes a head (121) having a plurality of through holes (121a) and facing the thin film sheet (2), a main body (122) having a hollow portion (122a, hollow portion) fluidly connected to the plurality of through holes (121a), a supply pipe (123) for supplying compressed air to the hollow portion (122a), and an exhaust pipe (124) for discharging the internal air of the hollow portion (122a) to the outside.

[0063] As illustrated, the head (121) can be placed facing the thin film sheet by covering one side of the hollow portion (122a) of the main body (122). The bottom surface of the head (121) facing the thin film sheet (2) can be formed flat.

[0064] The head (121) forms a plurality of through holes (121a) penetrating in the thickness direction thereof. The plurality of through holes (121a) may be arranged at regular intervals on the bottom surface of the head (121). The present disclosure can form a negative pressure on the bottom surface of the head (121) through the plurality of through holes (121a) to upwardly adsorb the thin film sheet (2) located under the auxiliary adsorption part (12). In order to minimize damage to the electrode plate during adsorption, the edge of the bottom surface of the head (121) may be rounded. A detailed description of the adsorption method of the auxiliary adsorption part (12) will be described later.

[0065] The main body (122) forms a hollow portion (122a) inside the main body, and is configured such that the aforementioned multiple through holes (121a), the supply pipe (123), and the exhaust pipe (124) can be fluidly connected to the hollow portion (122a).

[0066] The present disclosure can not only hold the lower surface of the head (121) and the thin film sheet (2) without contact by means of a negative pressure airflow formed on the lower surface of the head (121) of the auxiliary adsorption unit (12), but can also fix the thin film sheet (2) by adsorption in a state of contact with the lower surface of the head (121) by controlling the negative pressure.

[0067] Accordingly, the auxiliary suction unit (12) may have a hollow portion (122a) structure to ensure that the suction function by the Bernoulli principle / venturi effect can be performed, and may form a suction force on the bottom surface of the head (121). The compressed air supplied from the compressed air supply source passes through the supply pipe (123) and the hollow portion (122a) and is discharged to the exhaust pipe (124), thereby forming a negative pressure by exhausting the air inside the hollow portion (122a) to the exhaust pipe (124). The negative pressure can form a negative pressure airflow on the bottom surface of the head (121) through a plurality of through holes (121a). The arrows illustrated in Fig. 7 indicate the direction of the airflow.

[0068] The thin film sheet (2) is lifted upward toward the head (121) of the auxiliary suction unit (12) without contact by the negative pressure airflow generated in this way, which makes it possible to not only pick up the thin film sheets one by one from the magazine, but also to suction the upper surface of the curved thin film sheet under negative pressure. Furthermore, the auxiliary suction unit (12) can maintain or change the distance between the head (121) and the thin film sheet (2) by adjusting the negative pressure generated on the lower surface of the head (121).

[0069] The present disclosure can flexibly respond to the specifications (size, weight, etc.) of the thin film sheet (2) by controlling the pressure (and / or flow rate) of the compressed air through driving a compressed air supply source such as an air compressor (not shown), and can also perform processes such as pickup / drop-off of the thin film sheet (2).

[0070] As described above, the auxiliary suction unit (12) can adjust the distance from the thin film sheet (12) by the pressure of the compressed air. Optionally, the auxiliary suction unit (12) may also have a distance sensor (S) fixedly installed on the bottom surface of the head (121) to detect the distance from the thin film sheet (2). The distance sensor (S) can detect the distance from the thin film sheet (2) to be placed under the header (121) as described above, and based on this fact, the suction state of the thin film sheet (2) can be confirmed. As known to those skilled in the art, the distance sensor (S) may be an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, a lidar sensor, a stereo camera sensor that measures the distance using two or more cameras, and is not limited to a specific form as long as it is a sensor that can measure the distance between the head (121) of the auxiliary suction unit (12) and the thin film sheet (2).

[0071] The auxiliary suction part (12) is mounted on the base part (11) so that its head (121) faces the thin film sheet (2), and can be detachably coupled to the base part (11) by being inserted into the second coupling hole (112). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the auxiliary suction part (12) is arranged by passing a bracket (without reference symbol) protruding from the main body (122) through the second coupling hole (112), and a coupling plate (125) extending parallel to the base part (11) while being height-adjustable along the extension direction of the bracket can be fixed to the base part (11) by bolting. Accordingly, the present disclosure can adjust the height of the auxiliary suction part (12) with respect to the base part (11) by coupling the coupling plate (125) and the base part (11). In addition, the auxiliary adsorption part (12) can be arranged to be horizontally movable along the longitudinal direction within the second coupling hole (112).

[0072] As is widely known, the adsorption device according to the prior art can adsorb the thin film sheet by forming a vacuum on the adsorption pad after contacting the adsorption pad with the upper surface of the electrode plate (2), that is, the electrode plate. However, when the electrode plate is pressed and deformed by the adsorption pad, the structure of the electrode plate is destroyed, the lifespan is deteriorated, the active material is detached, etc., which ultimately has a negative effect on the performance of the secondary battery.

[0073] In contrast, the present disclosure can prevent damage such as bending deformation and scratches of the electrode plates in advance by preferentially adsorbing the electrode plate positioned at the top among a plurality of electrode plates loaded on a magazine (not shown) using a non-contact adsorption method by means of an auxiliary adsorption unit (12).

[0074] In addition, the present disclosure may include a main adsorption part (13) that vacuum-adsorbs a thin film sheet (2).

[0075] The main adsorption part (13) may be a contact-type adsorption part capable of adsorbing the thin film sheet (2) in a contact state. The main adsorption part (13) is mounted on the base part (11) so as to face the thin film sheet (2), which is the adsorption target, and may be inserted into the first joining hole (111) and detachably coupled to the base part (11).

[0076] In order to prevent sagging of the thin film sheet (2) during the adsorption process, the present disclosure arranges one or more main adsorption parts (13) along the periphery of both end areas of the base part (11), while arranging auxiliary adsorption parts (12) within the both end areas surrounded by the main adsorption parts (13).

[0077] As is widely known to those skilled in the art, the electrode plate corresponding to the thin film sheet (2) experiences a curling phenomenon due to the difference in elongation between the coated portion where the active material is applied and the uncoated portion where the active material is not applied. In addition, the cut portion may become curled due to residual stress from the punching process for cutting the electrode plate into a set size or the notching process for forming electrode tabs on the uncoated portion. As such, the curling phenomenon of the electrode plate causes problems such as poor alignment of the electrode plate and reduced stability of the cell. In particular, the curl generated in the electrode plate may cause an adsorption error in which the electrode plate is not normally adsorbed to the adsorption device.

[0078] Since reliable contact between the main adsorption part (13) and the thin film sheet (2) cannot be guaranteed due to the geometric shape of the thin film sheet (2) that is bent during the adsorption process, the present disclosure is characterized in that the initial adsorption of the thin film sheet (2) is led by the auxiliary adsorption part (13) and then both end regions of the thin film sheet (2) can be stably vacuum-adsorbed through one or more main adsorption parts (13).

[0079] Accordingly, the present disclosure arranges four main suction parts (13) corresponding to the four vertex positions of a square or rectangle within each end area of ​​the base part (11), and arranges auxiliary suction parts (12) at the intersections of diagonals connecting the opposite diagonal vertices among the four main suction parts. In other words, the main suction parts (13) can be arranged at the vertex positions of a square or rectangular rectangle centered on the auxiliary suction part (12).

[0080] Moreover, the main adsorption portion (13) can be arranged adjacent to both edges along the length direction of the base portion (11) within the both end regions of the base portion (11).

[0081] The present disclosure guides the upper surface of the thin film sheet (2) to come into contact with the adsorption pad (131) of the main adsorption part (13) by lifting the thin film sheet (2) upwards through the negative pressure adsorption of the auxiliary adsorption part (12), and can adsorb both end areas of the thin film sheet (2) in a flat, spread state through a plurality of main adsorption parts (13) spaced apart at equal intervals.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main adsorption part (13) is configured to be able to vacuum-adsorb a thin film sheet (2) in a contact state, and includes an adsorption pad (131) that contacts the thin film sheet (2), a vacuum pump that provides vacuum pressure to the adsorption pad (131), and a vacuum line (132) that connects between the adsorption pad (131) and the vacuum pump.

[0083] When the vacuum pump is driven, the present disclosure sucks the air remaining in the suction pad (131) and the vacuum line (132) by the vacuum pump through the vacuum line (132) connecting the main suction part (13) and the vacuum pump, thereby generating vacuum pressure in the suction pad (131) and vacuum-adsorbing the attachment sheet (2).

[0084] The main adsorption part (13) is mounted on the base part (11) so that the adsorption pad (131) faces the thin film sheet (2), and can be detachably coupled to the base part (11) by being inserted into the first coupling hole (111). The main adsorption part (13) can be bolted and fastened with a fastening nut (no reference symbol) through the first coupling hole (111), and any fastening method may be used as long as the main adsorption part (13) can be detachably installed on the base part (11).

[0085] In addition, the main adsorption part (13) can be horizontally movably coupled and arranged on the base part along the longitudinal direction of the first coupling hole (111) of the long hole structure by loosening / tightening the fastening nut. The present disclosure can vary the coupling position of the main adsorption part (13) within the first coupling hole (111) depending on the size of the thin film sheet (2).

[0086] As shown in FIG. 2, the present disclosure can be set so that the suction pad (131) of the main suction part (13) is positioned lower than the head (121) of the auxiliary suction part (12).

[0087] The present disclosure sets the adsorption pressure of the auxiliary adsorption unit (12) higher than the adsorption pressure of the main adsorption unit (13), so that the thin film sheet (2) placed at the top among a plurality of thin film sheets loaded in a magazine (not shown) can be lifted upward toward the thin film sheet adsorption device (1). At this time, as the thin film sheet (2) is lifted to below the head (121) of the auxiliary adsorption unit (12), it can provide an opportunity for reliable contact with the adsorption pad (131) of the main adsorption unit (13).

[0088] If the auxiliary suction part (12) is not present and the thin film sheet (3) is suctioned only by the vacuum suction of the main suction part (13), a collision may occur between the thin film sheet (2) and the suction pad (131) as the main suction part (13) moves downward, and there is a risk that excessive pressure generated in this process may be applied to the thin film sheet (2), causing damage such as indentations.

[0089] The adsorption method of the adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure having the above-described configuration is described as follows.

[0090] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an adsorption method using an adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] As described above, the present disclosure is a technology capable of adsorbing and transporting a thin film sheet (2) by means of an auxiliary adsorption unit (12) and a main adsorption unit (13) installed on a base unit (11), and may be a pick and place device that employs an adsorption method to transport a plurality of thin film sheets loaded on a magazine to a post-process.

[0092] The method for absorbing a thin film sheet according to the present disclosure may include a step (S100) of preparing a magazine loaded with a plurality of thin film sheets, which absorbs the upper surfaces of thin film sheets loaded in a magazine and sequentially picks up and transports the thin film sheets one by one; a step (S200) of providing an absorbing device (1) for a thin film sheet including a base portion (11), a main absorbing portion (13), and an auxiliary absorbing portion (12); a step (S300) of moving the absorbing device (1) for a thin film sheet to a pickup position; a step (S400) of picking up a thin film sheet (2) with the absorbing device (1) for a thin film sheet; and a step (S500) of moving the absorbing device (1) for a thin film sheet to a drop-off position.

[0093] In the present disclosure, the step (S400) of picking up a thin film sheet may include a step (S410) of moving the base part (11) of the thin film sheet adsorption device (1) downward toward a plurality of thin film sheets (2); a step (S420) of applying negative pressure to the auxiliary adsorption part (12) of the thin film sheet adsorption device (1); a step (S430) of vacuum-adsorbing the thin film sheet (2) with the main adsorption part (13) of the thin film sheet adsorption device (1); a step (S440) of releasing the negative pressure from the auxiliary adsorption part (12) of the thin film sheet adsorption device (1); and a step (S450) of moving the base part (11) of the thin film sheet adsorption device (1).

[0094] First, the present disclosure includes a step (S100) of preparing a magazine (not shown) for loading a plurality of thin film sheets (2) processed in the pre-process.

[0095] The thin film sheet (2) may be an electrode plate applicable to, for example, the secondary battery industry, and may be unexpectedly accommodated in a bent state in a magazine during a work process. A magazine loaded with a plurality of thin film sheets (2) may be placed at a pickup position.

[0096] The present disclosure includes a step (S200) of providing an adsorption device (1) for a thin film sheet that can transport the thin film sheets (2) loaded in a magazine to a post-process in a state of being adsorbed one by one.

[0097] An adsorption device (1) for a thin film sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is equipped with an auxiliary adsorption part (12) and a main adsorption part (13) arranged to protrude downward from the bottom surface of a base part (11), as shown in FIG. 1.

[0098] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an adsorption device (1) for a thin film sheet is provided with auxiliary adsorption parts (12) installed at both end regions of a base portion (11) corresponding to both ends of a thin film sheet (2), and a plurality of main adsorption parts (13) arranged at equal intervals along the periphery of the auxiliary adsorption parts (12) in the both end regions of the base portion (11). The auxiliary adsorption parts (12) are configured to be able to adsorb an adsorption target using a negative pressure, while the main adsorption parts (13) are configured to be able to vacuum-adsorb by directly contacting the adsorption target.

[0099] In particular, the present disclosure can be set to have a height difference (G; see FIG. 2) between the opposing surface (i.e., head (121)) of the auxiliary suction part (12) facing the thin film sheet (2) and the opposing surface (i.e., suction pad (131)) of the main suction part (13) facing the thin film sheet (2). That is, the suction pad (131) of the main suction part (13) can be placed below the bottom surface of the head (121) of the auxiliary suction part (12).

[0100] Moreover, the thin film sheet adsorption device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can set the adsorption pressure of the auxiliary adsorption unit (12) higher than the adsorption pressure of the main adsorption unit (13).

[0101] The present disclosure includes a step (S300) of moving an adsorption device (1) for a thin film sheet to a pickup position.

[0102] The present disclosure is directed to a driving unit (11a) of the previously described thin film sheet adsorption device (1) to drive along a guide rail (R; see FIG. 1) so that a magazine loaded with a plurality of thin film sheets (2) is positioned at a pickup position.

[0103] Then, the present disclosure includes a step (S400) of picking up a thin film sheet (2) with an adsorption device (1) for a thin film sheet.

[0104] The present disclosure moves the base (11) downward so that the auxiliary suction part (12) and the main suction part (3) are adjacent to each other on the thin film sheet (2) arranged at the top among a plurality of thin film sheets (2) loaded in a magazine (S410). The base (11) may be moved downward from the guide rail through the control of the lifting unit (11b). The present disclosure applies a negative pressure to the auxiliary suction part (12) (S420) so that one thin film sheet (2) can be lifted upward toward the main suction part (13) by the negative pressure airflow. The present disclosure may include a negative pressure sensor (not shown) that detects the negative pressure within the auxiliary suction part (12) to detect an abnormality in the auxiliary suction part (12). An alarm signal may be output when the negative pressure detected by the negative pressure sensor is outside a preset range. Provides notifications to the operator to easily recognize any deterioration in initial adsorption properties, such as replacement of auxiliary adsorption units, checking of compressed air pressure (and / or flow rate), etc.

[0105] In addition, the auxiliary adsorption unit (12) may include a distance sensor (S) that detects the distance between its head (121) and the thin film sheet (2).

[0106] When the upper surface of the thin film sheet (2) comes into contact with the suction pad (131) of the main suction portion (13), the present disclosure can adsorb and fix both longitudinal ends of the thin film sheet (2) with the main suction portions (13) arranged at both end regions of the base portion (11) (S430). The present disclosure fixes the position of the thin film sheet (2) by vacuum adsorption through the main suction portion (13) and then releases the negative pressure in the auxiliary suction portion (12) (S440). By releasing the negative pressure of the auxiliary suction portion (12), the present disclosure can support and maintain the thin film sheet (2) in a horizontal state only by vacuum adsorption of the main suction portion (13), as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0107] As an option, the present disclosure can simultaneously perform the step of applying negative pressure (S420) to the auxiliary adsorption unit (12) and the step of adsorption (S430) to the main adsorption unit (13), and further, the step of applying negative pressure (S420) to the auxiliary adsorption unit (12) and the step of adsorption (S430) to the main adsorption unit (13) can simultaneously be performed while the base unit (11) is moved downward toward the magazine (S410).

[0108] When the adsorption process of the thin film sheet (2) is completed, the present disclosure raises the base part (11) of the adsorption device (1) for the thin film sheet by the lifting unit (11b) (S450) so that it can travel along the guide rail (R).

[0109] Finally, the present disclosure holds the thin film sheet (2) in an adsorption state and transfers it to a post-process. The adsorption device (1) for the thin film sheet includes a step (S500) of moving to a drop-off position along a guide rail (R).

[0110] The present disclosure releases the adsorption of the main adsorption portion (13) at the drop-off position, thereby separating the thin film sheet (2) from the adsorption device (1) for the thin film sheet, thereby enabling the thin film sheet (2) to be supplied onto, for example, a stacking table (not shown).

[0111] In step (S500), the present disclosure may further include a step of moving the base portion downward to load the thin film sheet (2) on the stacking table, a step of releasing the vacuum pressure on the main suction portion, and a step of moving the base portion upward.

[0112] The present disclosure releases the thin film sheet (2) from the drop-off position and then returns to the pick-up position to perform the absorption of the thin film sheet (2) again.

[0113] Optionally, the present disclosure may additionally include a step (S600) of determining whether the thin film sheet (2) is adsorbed in the main adsorption portion (13).

[0114] The present disclosure can perform a process of checking the adsorption state of the thin film sheet (2) after the adsorption of the thin film sheet (2) is completed through vacuum adsorption by the main adsorption part (13).

[0115] In the present disclosure, while the thin film sheet (2) is being absorbed and fixed by the main absorbing portion (13), more specifically, in the step (S430) of vacuum absorbing the thin film sheet (2) by the main absorbing portion (13) until the step of releasing the absorption at the drop-off position, the vacuum pressure maintenance state inside the absorption pad (131) of the main absorbing portion (13) can be detected through a vacuum pressure detection sensor (not shown). For example, when the thin film sheet (2) is in close contact with the absorption pad (131) of the main absorbing portion (13), it can be determined that the absorption force due to the vacuum pressure is maintained. On the other hand, when the thin film sheet (2) is not in a close contact state with the absorption pad (131) and the vacuum pressure of the absorption pad (131) is lower than the set vacuum pressure, the base portion (11) is moved upward and then the process is repeated from step (S410).

[0116] Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to a vacuum pressure detection sensor in the step (S600) of determining whether the main adsorption part (13) is successfully adsorbed, and the adsorption state of the thin film sheet can also be determined by a contact sensor that detects whether there is contact between the adsorption pad (131) of the main adsorption part (13) and the thin film sheet (3).

[0117] The present disclosure also relates to several aspects, including:

[0118] Aspect 1: The thin film sheet adsorption device of the present disclosure comprises: a base portion; a main adsorption portion installed at both end regions of the base portion and contacting the thin film sheet to adsorb the thin film sheet under vacuum; and an auxiliary adsorption portion installed within both end regions of the base portion and spaced apart from the main adsorption portion and adsorbing the thin film sheet by a negative pressure airflow; wherein the auxiliary adsorption portion helps to lift the thin film sheet toward the main adsorption portion by a negative pressure to bring it into contact with the main adsorption portion.

[0119] In the thin film sheet adsorption device of aspect 2 aspect 1, the main adsorption part is arranged at the corner position of a square or rectangle centered on the auxiliary adsorption part.

[0120] In the adsorption device for a thin film sheet of aspect 3 aspect 1 or aspect 2, the main adsorption portion is arranged adjacent to both edges along the length direction of the base portion within the both end regions of the base portion.

[0121] Embodiment 4 In the adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, the auxiliary adsorption part includes a head having a plurality of through holes and facing the thin film sheet; a body having a hollow portion in fluid communication with the plurality of through holes; a supply pipe for supplying compressed air to the hollow portion; and an exhaust pipe for discharging the internal air of the hollow portion to the outside.

[0122] In the adsorption device for a thin film sheet according to any one of aspects 1 to 4 of aspect 5, the lower edge of the head is rounded.

[0123] In any one of aspects 1 to 5 of aspect 6, an adsorption device for a thin film sheet, the main adsorption unit includes: an adsorption pad in contact with the thin film sheet; a vacuum pump providing vacuum pressure to the adsorption pad; and a vacuum line connecting the adsorption pad and the vacuum pump.

[0124] In the thin film sheet adsorption device of any one of aspects 1 to 6 of aspect 7, the main adsorption part is horizontally movably coupled to the base part.

[0125] In the thin film sheet adsorption device of any one of aspects 1 to 7 of aspect 8, the adsorption pad of the main adsorption part is positioned below the head bottom surface of the auxiliary adsorption part.

[0126] In the adsorption device for a thin film sheet of any one of aspects 1 to 8 of aspect 9, the base portion is formed in a shape corresponding to the thin film sheet and includes a joining hole for joining and fixing the main adsorption portion and the auxiliary adsorption portion.

[0127] In the thin film sheet adsorption device of any one of aspects 1 to 9 of aspect 10, the adsorption pressure of the auxiliary adsorption part is set higher than the adsorption pressure of the main adsorption part.

[0128] Embodiment 11 A method for absorbing a thin film sheet using an absorbent device for a thin film sheet according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10 comprises the steps of: preparing a magazine loaded with a plurality of thin film sheets; providing an absorbent device for a thin film sheet including a base portion, a main absorbent portion, and an auxiliary absorbent portion; moving the absorbent device for a thin film sheet to a pickup position; picking up a thin film sheet with the absorbent device for a thin film sheet; and moving the absorbent device for a thin film sheet to a drop-off position.

[0129] In the step of picking up the above thin film sheet,

[0130] It includes a step of moving the base portion downward toward the plurality of thin film sheets; a step of applying negative pressure to the auxiliary suction portion; a step of vacuum-adsorbing the thin film sheet with the main suction portion; a step of releasing the negative pressure from the auxiliary suction portion; and a step of moving the base portion upward.

[0131] In the method for absorbing a thin film sheet of aspect 11, the step of applying negative pressure to the auxiliary absorbing portion and the step of vacuum absorbing the main absorbing portion are performed simultaneously.

[0132] In the method for adsorbing a thin film sheet according to aspect 13, aspect 11 or aspect 12, a step of determining whether the thin film sheet is adsorbed in the main adsorbing portion is additionally included.

[0133] The present disclosure has been described in detail through specific examples. These examples are intended to illustrate the present disclosure in detail, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It will be apparent that modifications and improvements can be made within the technical scope of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art.

[0134] All simple modifications or changes of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the present disclosure, and the specific scope of protection of the present disclosure will be made clear by the appended claims.

[0135] [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1: Adsorption device for thin film sheet 11: Base part

[0137] 12: Auxiliary adsorption section 13: Main adsorption section

[0138] 2: Thin film sheet G: Height difference

[0139] R: Guide rail

Claims

1. Base section; A main adsorption part installed at both ends of the base part and contacting the thin film sheet to vacuum-absorb the thin film sheet; and It includes an auxiliary adsorption part installed spaced apart from the main adsorption part within the both end regions of the base part and adsorbing the thin film sheet by a negative pressure airflow; Here, the auxiliary adsorption unit is an adsorption device for a thin film sheet that helps lift the thin film sheet toward the main adsorption unit with negative pressure and bring it into contact with the main adsorption unit.

2. In claim 1, An adsorption device for a thin film sheet, wherein the main adsorption part is positioned at the corner position of a square or rectangle centered on the auxiliary adsorption part.

3. In claim 1, The above main adsorption unit is an adsorption device for a thin film sheet, which is arranged adjacent to both edges along the length direction of the base unit within the both end regions of the base unit.

4. In claim 1, The above auxiliary adsorption part is, A head forming a plurality of through holes and positioned facing the thin film sheet; A main body having a plurality of through holes and a hollow portion in fluid communication; A supply pipe supplying compressed air to the above hollow portion; and An adsorption device for a thin film sheet, comprising an exhaust pipe for discharging internal air of the hollow portion to the outside.

5. In claim 4, An adsorption device for a thin film sheet, the lower edge of which of the above head is rounded.

6. In claim 1, The above main adsorption part is, An absorption pad in contact with the above thin film sheet; A vacuum pump that provides vacuum pressure to the above suction pad; and An adsorption device for a thin film sheet, comprising a vacuum line connecting the adsorption pad and the vacuum pump.

7. In claim 6, The above main adsorption unit is an adsorption device for a thin film sheet that is horizontally movably connected to the base unit.

8. In claim 4 or claim 6, An adsorption device for a thin film sheet in which the adsorption pad of the above-mentioned main adsorption unit is positioned lower than the head bottom surface of the above-mentioned auxiliary adsorption unit.

9. In claim 1, An adsorption device for a thin film sheet, wherein the base portion is formed in a shape corresponding to the thin film sheet and includes a joining hole for joining and fixing the main adsorption portion and the auxiliary adsorption portion.

10. In claim 1, An adsorption device for a thin film sheet in which the adsorption pressure of the auxiliary adsorption part is set higher than the adsorption pressure of the main adsorption part.

11. Step of preparing a magazine loaded with a number of thin film sheets; A step of providing an adsorption device for a thin film sheet including a base portion, a main adsorption portion, and an auxiliary adsorption portion; A step of moving the above-mentioned thin film sheet adsorption device to a pickup position; A step of picking up a thin film sheet using the above thin film sheet adsorption device; and A step of moving the above thin film sheet adsorption device to a drop-off position; In the step of picking up the above thin film sheet, A step of moving the base portion downward toward the plurality of thin film sheets; A step of applying negative pressure to the above auxiliary adsorption unit; A step of vacuum-absorbing the thin film sheet using the main absorbing portion; A step of releasing the negative pressure in the auxiliary adsorption unit; and An absorption method for a thin film sheet, comprising a step of moving the base portion upward.

12. In claim 11, An absorption method for a thin film sheet, wherein the step of applying negative pressure to the auxiliary absorption unit and the step of vacuum absorption of the main absorption unit are performed simultaneously.

13. In claim 11, An adsorption method for a thin film sheet, further comprising a step of determining whether the thin film sheet is adsorbed in the main adsorption section.

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