Foreign substance removal device of battery gripper

Abstract

A foreign substance removal device of a battery gripper according to an embodiment of the present invention conveys a battery using a plurality of magnetic units, and may comprise a body part that is disposed below the battery gripper and communicates with an air supply device and a supply suction device. The body part may include: a plurality of insertion grooves having spaces into which portions of each of the magnetic units can be inserted; an air spraying unit for spraying the magnetic units with air supplied from the air supply device; and an air discharge flow path that suctions the air and foreign substances scattered from the magnetic units and discharges same to the supply suction device.

Description

Foreign matter removal device of battery gripper

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0180238 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 13, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a foreign matter removal device, and more specifically, to a foreign matter removal device for removing foreign matters from a battery gripper that transports a battery using a magnetic unit.

[0003] Secondary batteries are batteries that can be reused by charging even after discharge, and can be used as an energy source for small devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and vacuum cleaners, and are also used as an energy source for medium and large devices such as automobiles and ESS (Energy Storage Systems) for smart grids.

[0004] Secondary batteries are applied to systems in the form of assemblies, such as battery modules, in which multiple battery cells are connected in series and parallel, or battery packs, in which battery modules are connected in series and parallel, depending on the system requirements. For medium- to large-sized devices, high-capacity battery systems, in which multiple battery packs are connected in parallel, may be applied to meet the device's capacity requirements.

[0005] Secondary batteries can be categorized into can-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical metal can, and pouch-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch-shaped case. In general, cylindrical can-type batteries are known to have a relatively large capacity and high structural stability.

[0006] A cylindrical battery cell is manufactured by housing an electrode assembly in a coiled structure in a cylindrical can, injecting electrolyte into the can, and then attaching a cap assembly having electrode terminals to the open top of the can. A positive terminal may be formed in a protruding shape in the upper central area of ​​the cap assembly, and a negative terminal may be formed in another area of ​​the metal can. The cylindrical battery cell may be sealed through a crimping process after the cap assembly is attached to the open top of the can.

[0007] During the battery cell manufacturing process, a transfer device can be used to simultaneously transfer multiple battery cells to shorten the process time. This transfer device can be used to move on to another process step once a specific process step is completed.

[0008] Typically, magnetic cell grippers are used to transport battery cells, using magnetic units to secure and then transport the cells. However, these battery grippers can attract metallic foreign matter to the magnetic units due to their magnetic force. These metallic foreign matter can damage the battery cells or cause the fixed positions of the cells to shift, potentially resulting in defective batteries.

[0009] Accordingly, as a technology to solve these problems, an appropriate foreign matter removal technology is needed to remove foreign matter from a battery gripper that transports batteries using a magnetic unit.

[0010] The purpose of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a foreign matter removal device for removing foreign matter from a battery gripper that transports a battery using a magnetic unit.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above purpose, a foreign matter removal device is a foreign matter removal device of a battery gripper that transports a battery using a plurality of magnetic units, and may include a body portion that is arranged at the lower portion of the battery gripper and is connected to an air supply device and a supply suction device.

[0012] Here, the body part may include a plurality of inlet grooves, each having a space into which a portion of each of the magnetic units can be introduced; an air injection unit that injects air supplied from the air supply device to the magnetic units; and an air discharge path that sucks in the air and foreign matter flying from the magnetic units and discharges them to the supply suction device.

[0013] The above-mentioned inlet groove may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the magnetic unit.

[0014] The above air injection unit can be provided in each of the above inlet grooves.

[0015] Here, the air injection unit can inject air toward the end of the magnetic unit when the end of the magnetic unit is inserted into the inlet groove.

[0016] The air injection unit may be positioned on the lower surface of each of the inlet grooves. Here, when the end of the magnetic unit is inserted into the inlet groove, the air injection unit may inject air upward.

[0017] The air injection units provided in each of the above inlet grooves can individually receive air from the air supply device through different air supply pipes.

[0018] Each of the above inlet grooves may have one or more air intake holes formed on the inner wall. Here, the air exhaust path may be connected to the air intake holes of each of the above inlet grooves.

[0019] The above air exhaust path can discharge air sucked from the air intake hole to the supply suction device through one or more air exhaust ports formed in a specific area of ​​the body part.

[0020] The air exhaust path may include a flat portion that is formed in a direction in which the air intake holes are arranged and communicate with the air intake holes of each of the inlet grooves; and an inclined portion that is formed extending from the flat portion and gradually inclining toward the air exhaust port and communicates with the air exhaust port.

[0021] The above air exhaust port may be provided at each end of both sides of the body portion.

[0022] The above body part may be formed by laminating and bonding an upper plate and a lower plate. Here, the plurality of inlet grooves may be formed in the upper plate, and the air injection unit may be provided in the lower plate and arranged on the lower surface of each of the inlet grooves.

[0023] The above foreign body removal device may further include an elevating unit that supports the body portion and elevates it toward the battery gripper.

[0024] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, foreign substances adsorbed on each of the magnetic units of the battery gripper can be effectively removed.

[0025] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a foreign substance removal system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a front view of a foreign substance removal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a front view of a foreign matter removal device in an operating mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 is a plan view of the upper plate of the body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 is a plan view of the lower plate of the body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the lower plate of the body portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 is a front view of area A of Figure 6.

[0032] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a body part in which an upper plate and a lower plate are combined according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 9 shows the air flow in a foreign substance removal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] 100: Battery gripper

[0035] 200: Foreign body removal device

[0036] 300: Air supply device

[0037] 400: Air intake device

[0038] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components.

[0039] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," and "B" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component could be referred to as the "second component," and similarly, the second component could also be referred to as the "first component." The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items listed or any one of multiple related items listed.

[0040] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0041] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0043]

[0044] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a foreign substance removal system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] A foreign matter removal system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a system for removing foreign matters adsorbed on a specific area of ​​a battery gripper (100), and may include a foreign matter removal device (200), an air supply device (300), and an air suction device (400), as shown in FIG. 1.

[0046] A battery gripper (100) is a device that includes a plurality of magnetic units and can secure batteries and transport them to a specific location using the magnetic force of each magnetic unit. Here, the magnetic unit may include one or more of a permanent magnet or an electric magnet.

[0047] The foreign matter removal device (200) is disposed at the bottom of the battery gripper (100) and can be connected to the supply device (300) and the air suction device (400). Here, the foreign matter removal device (200) can spray air supplied from the supply device (300) onto the magnetic units of the battery gripper (100) using one or more air spray units. In addition, the foreign matter removal device (200) can suck in the sprayed air and foreign matter scattered from the magnetic units by the sprayed air, and discharge the air and foreign matter to the supply suction device (400) through an air discharge path formed inside.

[0048] The supply device (300) is a device that sucks in external air and supplies the sucked air to the foreign matter removal device (200). Here, the supply device (300) can suck in external air using an air pump and supply air to the air injection unit of the foreign matter removal device (200) using one or more air supply pipes.

[0049] The air suction device (400) is a device that sucks in air and foreign substances discharged from the foreign substance removal device (200). Here, the air suction device (400) can suck in air and foreign substances discharged from the foreign substance removal device (200) using an air pump and one or more air discharge pipes.

[0050] The method for removing foreign substances using a foreign substance removal system can proceed as follows.

[0051] By means of a transport device, the battery gripper (100) can be transported to the upper part of the foreign matter removal device (200). Thereafter, by means of an elevator device, the battery gripper (100) can be lowered or the foreign matter removal device (200) can be raised, so that the relative distance between the battery gripper (100) and the foreign matter removal device (200) can gradually narrow. Thereafter, when the magnetic unit of the battery gripper (100) and the air injection unit of the foreign matter removal device (200) reach a predetermined distance, the descent of the battery gripper (100) or the elevation of the foreign matter removal device (200) can be stopped. At this time, the foreign matter removal device (200) can use the air injection unit to inject air into a specific area of ​​the magnetic units, suck in the injected air and the scattered foreign matter, and discharge them to the supply suction device (400) through the air discharge path. Afterwards, the battery gripper (100) may be raised or the foreign matter removal device (200) may be lowered by the lifting device, so that the foreign matter removal process for the battery gripper (100) may be completed.

[0052]

[0053] Figure 2 is a front view of a foreign substance removal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The foreign body removal device (200) is placed at the bottom of the battery gripper (100) and may include a body part (210) and an elevating unit (220).

[0055] The battery gripper (100) may include a plurality of magnetic units (110). Here, a magnetic member including at least one of a permanent magnet and an electric magnet may be placed at the lower end of each of the magnetic units (110).

[0056] In the present invention, the shape of the magnetic unit (110) is not limited to a specific shape. However, for the purpose of clear explanation of the present invention, a cylindrical magnetic unit (110) is described as an example.

[0057] The lifting unit (220) is a device that supports and elevates the body part (210). Here, when the foreign matter removal device (200) is switched to the operation mode, the lifting unit (220) can elevate the body part (210) to a predetermined position toward the battery gripper (100), and when the foreign matter removal process is completed, lower the body part (210) to its original position. The lifting unit (220) can include an actuator for elevating the body part (210).

[0058] The body part (210) may include a plurality of inlet grooves (211), each of which has a space formed into which a portion of each of the magnetic units (110) can be inserted. Here, each of the inlet grooves (211) may be formed on the upper surface of the body part (210) and may be formed at a position corresponding to the position of the magnetic units (110).

[0059] The inlet groove (211) may be formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of the magnetic unit (110). That is, the inlet groove (211) may be formed with a diameter larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the circular magnetic unit (110) so that the end of the magnetic unit (110) can be inserted.

[0060] The body (210) may include one or more air injection units that inject air supplied from an air supply device (300) to the magnetic units (110). Here, the air injection unit may receive air from the air supply device (300) through an air supply pipe (310) and inject air to the corresponding magnetic unit (110).

[0061] An air injection unit may be provided in each of the inlet grooves (211). Here, the air injection unit may be arranged on the lower surface of each of the inlet grooves (211) and configured to inject air upward.

[0062] The air injection units provided in each of the inlet grooves (211) can individually receive air from the air supply device (300) through different air supply pipes (310). For example, when 16 inlet grooves (211) are formed in the body part (210), air injection units can be provided on the lower surface of each of the inlet grooves (211). Here, each of the 16 air injection units can be individually connected to 16 air supply pipes, receive air from the air supply device (300), and inject air to the corresponding magnetic unit (110).

[0063] An air discharge path may be formed inside the body (210) to suck in air injected by the air injection unit and foreign matter scattered from the magnetic units (110) and discharge them to the supply suction device (400). Here, the air and foreign matter sucked into the air discharge path may be discharged to the air suction device (400) through the air discharge pipe (410).

[0064]

[0065] FIG. 3 is a front view of a foreign matter removal device in an operating mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] When the foreign substance removal device (200) is switched to the operating mode while the battery gripper (100) is positioned above the foreign substance removal device (200), the lifting unit (220) can raise the body part (210) toward the battery gripper (100). Accordingly, the relative gap between the lower portion of the magnetic unit (110) and the upper surface of the body part (210) can gradually narrow.

[0067] When the lower part of each of the magnetic units (110) is inserted into each of the corresponding inlet grooves (211), and thereafter, when the lower part of the inlet groove (211) and the lower part of the magnetic unit (110) become a predetermined distance apart, the elevation of the body part (210) by the lifting unit (220) can be stopped.

[0068] The air injection units arranged in each of the inlet grooves (211) can receive air from the air supply device (300) through different air supply pipes (310) and inject air toward the end of the corresponding magnetic unit (110). Here, the air injection units are arranged on the lower surface of each of the inlet grooves (211) and can inject air upward.

[0069] The air injected by the air injection units and foreign matter scattered from the magnetic units are sucked in through the air discharge path formed inside the body part (210), and the sucked air and foreign matter can be discharged to the air suction device (400) through the air discharge pipe (410).

[0070] Each of the inlet grooves (211) may have one or more air intake holes formed on the inner wall. Here, an air discharge path may be connected to the air intake holes of each of the inlet grooves to suck in air and foreign substances. The air discharge path may be connected to one or more air outlets (212) formed in a specific area of ​​the body, and the air outlets (212) may be connected to an air discharge pipe (410) to discharge sucked air and foreign substances to the air intake device (400).

[0071] Air outlets (212) may be provided at each end of the body (210). Here, each of the air outlets (212) may have an upper side closed and a lower side communicating with an air exhaust pipe (410).

[0072]

[0073] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an upper plate of a body portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a plan view of a lower plate of a body portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The body portion (210) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed by laminating and bonding an upper plate (210A) and a lower plate (210B). Here, the upper plate (210A) and the lower plate (210B) may be screw-bonded using a plurality of screws or laminated and bonded using an adhesive to form the body portion (210).

[0075] Referring to Fig. 4, a plurality of inlet grooves (211) may be formed on the upper surface of the upper plate (210A). Here, each of the inlet grooves (211) may be formed at a position corresponding to the position of the magnetic units (110).

[0076] The inlet groove (211) formed in the upper plate (210A) is formed by penetrating the upper plate (210A), and an air injection unit (216) (see FIG. 5) arranged in the lower plate (210B) can be arranged at the bottom of the inlet groove (211).

[0077] Inside the upper plate (210A), an air discharge passage (213) may be formed to suck in air sprayed by air spray units (216) and foreign matter scattered from the magnetic units.

[0078] In each of the inlet grooves (211), one or more air intake holes (214) may be formed on the inner wall. Here, the air discharge path (213) is connected to the air intake holes (214) of each of the inlet grooves (211) to intake air and foreign substances.

[0079] The air discharge path (213) is connected to the air discharge port (212) formed on each of the two ends of the upper plate (210A), and the air discharge port (212) is connected to the air discharge pipe (410) so that the sucked air and foreign matter can be discharged to the air suction device (400).

[0080] The air discharge path (213) may include a flat portion (213-1) formed along the direction in which the air intake holes (214) are arranged, and an inclined portion (213-2) formed by extending from the flat portion (213-1), gradually inclining toward the air discharge port (212), and communicating with the air discharge port (212). Here, by the inclined portion (213-2) of the air discharge path (213), foreign substances are not accumulated, and air and foreign substances can be smoothly discharged.

[0081] Referring to Fig. 5, the lower plate (210B) may have a plurality of settling grooves (215) formed therein. Here, each of the settling grooves (215) may be formed at a position corresponding to the inlet grooves (211) of the upper plate (210A).

[0082] The air injection unit (216) can be mounted in the mounting groove (215). Here, each of the air injection units (216) can be tightly mounted and fixed in the corresponding mounting groove (215).

[0083] The air injection unit (216) may include a plurality of injection nozzles (N) that inject air supplied through an air supply pipe (310). Here, the injection nozzles (N) may be arranged to be dispersed along the circumferential direction of the air injection unit (216).

[0084] The lower part of the air injection unit (216) is hermetically connected to the air supply pipe (310) through a fastening member (320), and the air injection unit (216) can disperse the air supplied from the air supply pipe (310) through the injection nozzles and spray it upward.

[0085]

[0086] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the lower plate of the body portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7 is a front view of area A of Fig. 6.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 6, each of the air injection units (216) provided on the lower plate (210B) is connected to an air supply pipe (310) through a connecting member (320) and can individually receive air from an air supply device (300).

[0088] The air supply pipe (310) may be formed of a flexible material and arranged so as not to overlap with other air supply pipes (310).

[0089] Referring to Fig. 7, the lower plate (210B) may have a mounting groove (215) formed therein. Here, the air injection unit (216) may be securely mounted and fixed in the mounting groove (215).

[0090] The lower part of the air injection unit (216) is hermetically connected to the air supply pipe (310) through a fastening member (320), and the air injection unit (216) can disperse the air supplied from the air supply pipe (310) through the injection nozzles (N) and spray it upward.

[0091]

[0092] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a body part in which an upper plate and a lower plate are combined according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The body portion (210) can be formed by laminating and bonding an upper plate (210A) and a lower plate (210B). Here, the upper plate (210A) and the lower plate (210B) can be screw-bonded using a plurality of screws or laminated and bonded using an adhesive to form the body portion (210).

[0094] A plurality of inlet grooves (211) are formed on the upper plate (210A), and an air injection unit (216) fixed to the lower plate (210B) can be arranged at the bottom of each of the inlet grooves (211).

[0095] The air injection unit (216) may include a plurality of injection nozzles (N) that inject air supplied through an air supply pipe (310). Here, the injection nozzles (N) may inject air supplied from the air supply pipe (310) upward.

[0096] Inside the upper plate (210A), an air discharge passage (213) may be formed to suck in air sprayed by air spray units (216) and foreign matter scattered from the magnetic units.

[0097] In each of the inlet grooves (211), one or more air intake holes (214) may be formed on the inner wall. Here, the air discharge path (213) is connected to the air intake holes (214) of each of the inlet grooves (211) to intake air and foreign substances.

[0098]

[0099] Fig. 9 shows the air flow in a foreign substance removal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] After the foreign body removal device (200) is switched to the operation mode, when the lower ends of the magnetic units (110) are inserted into the corresponding inlet grooves (211), the air injection units (216) can receive air from the air supply device (300) through different air supply pipes (310). Here, each of the air injection units (216) can inject air toward the end of the corresponding magnetic unit (110) through a plurality of injection nozzles.

[0101] The injected air and flying foreign matter can be sucked into the air intake holes (214) formed on the inner wall of each of the inlet grooves (211) and introduced into the air discharge passage (213) formed inside the upper plate (210A). Thereafter, the introduced air and foreign matter can be discharged to the air intake device (400) through the air discharge ports (212) and the air discharge pipe (410) formed on each of the two ends of the body portion (210).

[0102] At this time, air and foreign matter may not be sucked into the suction hole (214) of another intake groove (211) by the inner wall of the intake grooves (211). In addition, by the inclined portion (213-2) of the air discharge path (213), foreign matter may not accumulate and air and foreign matter may be smoothly discharged.

[0103]

[0104] While some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of a device, they may also represent a description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described as a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most significant method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0105] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A foreign matter removal device of a battery gripper that transports a battery using a plurality of magnetic units, A body part is disposed at the bottom of the above battery gripper and is connected to an air supply device and a supply suction device, The above body part, A plurality of inlet grooves, each having a space formed into which a portion of each of the magnetic units can be introduced; An air injection unit that injects air supplied from the air supply device to the magnetic units; and A foreign matter removal device of a battery gripper, comprising an air discharge path for sucking in foreign matters flying from the air and the magnetic units and discharging them to the supply suction device.

2. In claim 1, The above inlet groove is, A foreign matter removal device of a battery gripper having a diameter larger than the diameter of the above magnetic unit.

3. In claim 1, The above air injection unit, A foreign matter removal device of the battery gripper provided in each of the above inlet grooves.

4. In claim 3, The above air injection unit, A foreign matter removal device of a battery gripper that sprays air toward the end of the magnetic unit when the end of the magnetic unit is inserted into the inlet groove.

5. In claim 3, The above air injection unit, A foreign matter removal device of a battery gripper, which is arranged on the lower surface of each of the above-described inlet grooves and sprays air upward when an end of the magnetic unit is inserted into the above-described inlet groove.

6. In claim 3, The air injection units provided in each of the above inlet grooves are: A foreign matter removal device of a battery gripper, which individually receives air from the air supply device through different air supply pipes.

7. In claim 1, Each of the above inlet grooves, One or more air intake holes are formed in the inner wall, The above air exhaust path is, A foreign matter removal device of the battery gripper, which communicates with the air intake holes of each of the above-mentioned inlet grooves.

8. In claim 7, The above air exhaust path is, A foreign matter removal device of a battery gripper, which discharges air sucked from the air intake hole to the supply suction device through one or more air discharge ports formed in a specific area of ​​the body part.

9. In claim 8, The above air exhaust path is, A flat portion formed in a direction in which the air intake holes are arranged and communicate with the air intake holes of each of the above-mentioned inlet grooves; and A foreign matter removal device of a battery gripper, comprising an inclined portion formed by extending from the above flat portion, gradually inclining toward the air outlet, and communicating with the air outlet.

10. In claim 8, The above air outlet, A foreign matter removal device of the battery gripper provided on each end of the above body part.

11. In claim 1, The above body part, The upper plate and the lower plate are formed by laminating and bonding, The above plurality of inlet grooves are formed in the upper plate, The above air injection unit is a foreign matter removal device of the battery gripper, which is provided on the lower plate and arranged on the lower surface of each of the inlet grooves.

12. In claim 1, A foreign matter removal device of a battery gripper, further comprising an elevating unit that supports the above body part and elevates it toward the battery gripper.

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