Battery cell conveyance system and conveyance method

Abstract

This battery cell conveyance system comprises: a conveyance rail; and a conveyance unit that circulates along the conveyance rail and transports battery cells, wherein the conveyance unit includes: a chamber that switches between a vacuum state and a non-vacuum state; and a suction unit that vacuum-suctions the battery cells when the chamber is in the vacuum state and detaches the vacuum-suctioned battery cells when the chamber is in the non-vacuum state. The cell conveyance system can vacuum-suction the battery cells and easily transport the battery cells to a stack point during a process for manufacturing secondary batteries.

Description

Battery cell transport system and transport method

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell transport system and transport method for easily transporting battery cells to a stack point by vacuum suction in a secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0002] In general, a secondary battery is a battery that converts external electrical energy into chemical energy, stores it, and then generates electricity when needed. Commonly used secondary batteries include lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH), lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion), and lithium-ion polymer batteries (Li-ion polymer).

[0003] These secondary batteries are manufactured by applying an active material to the surface of an electrode current collector to form a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and interposing a separator between them to form a battery cell, which is then mounted inside a cylindrical or square metal can or a pouch-shaped case made of aluminum laminate sheet, and are manufactured by mainly injecting or impregnating a liquid electrolyte into the battery cell or using a solid electrolyte.

[0004] Therefore, secondary batteries are charged and discharged by allowing ions of the electrolyte injected between the positive and negative electrodes, which are insulated by a separator, to move between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0005] The electrodes used in the positive and negative electrodes of these secondary batteries include an electrode body constituting the electrode and an electrode active material coated on the electrode body.

[0006] The above electrode body may be generally processed into a sheet, thin plate, or foil form using a metal with excellent conductivity, such as aluminum (Al) or copper (Cu).

[0007] The electrode film for forming a battery cell is manufactured in a form in which an active material is applied to a portion of the film and the electrode body is exposed in the remaining portion.

[0008] The exposed portion of the above electrode body is processed to function as an electrode terminal for connecting the positive and negative electrodes to the outside when configuring a battery cell.

[0009] In particular, there has been a recent consumer need to increase the capacity of secondary batteries, and accordingly, research is being conducted to stack multiple battery cells in the secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0010] Here, stacking multiple battery cells requires a transport rail and multiple transport members that move cyclically along the transport rails to transport the battery cells. Furthermore, the transport members generate a vacuum to vacuum-absorb the battery cells at the pickup point, and then release the vacuum at the stack point to separate the vacuum-absorbed battery cells.

[0011] However, a problem occurs in that a plurality of pipe lines are connected to a plurality of transfer members to form and break a vacuum, and when the plurality of transfer members move cyclically on the transfer rail, the plurality of pipe lines become entangled.

[0012] In addition, because of the complex piping lines, there are spatial constraints when installing the equipment, and in addition, the complex piping lines cause the maintenance of the equipment to take a considerable amount of time and cost.

[0013] The present invention relates to a battery cell transport system, and more specifically, to a battery cell transport system for easily transporting battery cells to a stack point by vacuum suction in a secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0014] In addition, the purpose is to provide a battery cell transport system that can solve problems that may arise from conventional complex piping lines by positioning a vacuum unit at the bottom of a transport rail and allowing the transport unit to be switched to a vacuum state or a vacuum release state as it passes through the vacuum unit.

[0015] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0016] A battery cell transport system is provided, comprising: a transport rail; and a transport unit that moves in a circular manner along the transport rail and transports battery cells, wherein the transport unit comprises: a chamber that is switched between a vacuum state and a vacuum release state; and an adsorption unit that vacuum-absorbs the battery cells in the vacuum state of the chamber and separates the vacuum-absorbed battery cells in the vacuum release state of the chamber.

[0017] The above transport unit includes a chamber that is switched to the vacuum state or the vacuum release state, and the battery cell transport system includes a vacuum unit that is coupled to the lower portion of the transport rail and includes air holes connected to the chamber, and the chamber can be switched to the vacuum state or the vacuum release state through the plurality of air holes.

[0018] When the transport unit moves in a circular manner along the transport rail, the chamber can form the vacuum state, and when the transport unit is positioned at a stack point, the chamber can be switched to the vacuum release state.

[0019] The vacuum unit may include a plurality of vacuum lines connected to the plurality of air holes to suck in air; and a plurality of pneumatic lines connected to the plurality of air holes to inject air.

[0020] The vacuum unit may include a vacuum forming member connected to the plurality of vacuum lines; and an air supply member connected to the plurality of pneumatic lines.

[0021] The above vacuum forming member may include at least one of a vacuum pump and a ring blower.

[0022] The above vacuum unit may include a fixing member formed so that the plurality of vacuum lines and the plurality of pneumatic lines are arranged vertically and spaced apart from each other.

[0023] The above-mentioned suction unit may include a suction plate that can move up and down; and a suction pad that is connected to the chamber and coupled to the suction plate, and generates a suction force to vacuum-absorb the battery cell.

[0024] The above suction unit may include an actuator that moves the suction plate when positioned at a pickup point and a stack point.

[0025] The above transport unit can be circulated along the transport rail in multiple numbers.

[0026] The transport unit may include a processor that outputs a driving signal that controls the driving of the transport unit, and the transport unit may include a vacuum pump that switches the chamber into a vacuum state or a vacuum release state; and a wireless communication transceiver that transmits the driving signal output from the processor to the vacuum pump via wireless communication.

[0027] The processor can output a driving signal to cause the suction unit to be in the vacuum state when the transfer unit moves cyclically along the transfer rail, and can output a driving signal to cause the suction unit to be in the vacuum-released state when the transfer unit is located at the stack point.

[0028] The above suction unit includes a suction plate that can move up and down; and a suction pad that is connected to the vacuum pump and coupled to the suction plate and generates a suction force to vacuum-absorb the battery cell, and the processor can output a driving signal to move the suction plate when the transfer unit is located at a pickup point and a stack point.

[0029] The above transport units are configured to move in a circular manner along the transport rail in multiple numbers, and the processor can output a driving signal for controlling the driving of each of the plurality of transport units.

[0030] A battery cell transport method is provided, comprising: a step of moving a transport unit along a transport rail; a step of outputting a driving signal for controlling the operation of the transport unit; a step of transmitting the outputted driving signal to a vacuum pump of the transport unit via wireless communication; a step of forming a vacuum state in an adsorption unit of the transport unit; a step of vacuum-adsorbing a battery cell through the adsorption unit when positioned at a pickup point; and a step of switching the adsorption unit to a vacuum-releasing state when positioned at a stack point and separating the adsorbed battery cell.

[0031] The step of vacuum-absorbing the battery cell may be performed by lowering the absorption plate of the absorption unit so that the absorption pad of the absorption unit vacuum-absorbs the battery cell, and the absorption plate may be raised or lowered.

[0032] The step of separating the adsorbed battery cell may include: lowering the adsorption plate of the adsorption unit, switching the adsorption unit to a vacuum release state, separating the adsorbed battery cell from the adsorption pad of the adsorption unit, and raising or lowering the adsorption plate.

[0033] After the step of separating the adsorbed battery cell, the step may further include a step of converting the adsorption unit into a vacuum state and circulating the transport unit along the transport rail.

[0034] The battery cell transport system according to the present invention can easily transport battery cells to a stack point by vacuum suction in a secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0035] In addition, by positioning the vacuum unit at the bottom of the transport rail and allowing the transport unit to be switched to a vacuum state or a vacuum release state as it passes through the vacuum unit, problems that may arise from conventional complex piping lines can be solved.

[0036] In addition, since the vacuum state or vacuum release state of the adsorption unit can be controlled through wireless communication, problems that may arise from conventional complex piping lines can be solved.

[0037] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a battery cell transport system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a vacuum unit coupled to the lower part of a transport rail in a battery cell transport system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a method of transporting a battery cell through a battery cell transport system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a battery cell transport system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a method of transporting a battery cell through a battery cell transport system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell transport method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining another embodiment of the battery cell transport method of the present invention.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0046] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0049] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a vacuum unit (120) coupled to the lower portion of a transport rail (110) in a battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. And FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a method of transporting a battery cell (10) through a battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Hereinafter, in describing a battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the left-right direction will be described based on the x-axis direction, and the up-down direction will be described based on the y-axis direction.

[0052] A battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a transport rail (110), a vacuum unit (120), and a transport unit (130). Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 together, the transport rail (110) may be configured with a pair of horizontal rails arranged vertically in parallel and a pair of side rails connecting both ends of the pair of horizontal rails. In addition, the vacuum unit (120) may be coupled to the lower portion of the transport rail (110). In addition, the transport unit (130) may serve to transport the battery cell (10) by moving in a circular manner along the transport rail (110) and passing through the vacuum unit (120).

[0053] The vacuum unit (120) may be coupled to the lower portion of the transport rail (110) and may include a plurality of air holes (121). In addition, the transport unit (130) may include a chamber (131) that is switched between a vacuum state and a vacuum release state. In addition, the transport unit (130) may include an adsorption unit (132) that vacuum-absorbs a battery cell (10) in a vacuum state of the chamber (131) and separates the vacuum-absorbed battery cell (10) in a vacuum release state of the chamber (131).

[0054] Here, the suction unit (132) may include a suction plate (1321) that can move in the vertical direction (y-axis direction). In addition, the suction unit (132) may include a suction pad (1322) that is connected to the chamber (131) and coupled to the suction plate (1321) and generates a suction force to vacuum-absorb the battery cell (10). Additionally, the suction unit (132) may include an actuator (1323) that moves the suction plate (1321) in the vertical direction (y-axis direction).

[0055] In particular, in a battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the transport unit (130) can move cyclically along the transport rail (110), and at this time, the chamber (131) of the transport unit (130) can be switched to a vacuum state or a vacuum release state through a plurality of air holes (121) formed in the vacuum unit (120).

[0056] And in the battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum unit (120) may include a plurality of vacuum lines (122) that are connected to a plurality of air holes (121) and that suck in air. In addition, the vacuum unit (120) may include a plurality of pneumatic lines (123) that are connected to a plurality of air holes (121) and that inject air.

[0057] Here, when the transport unit (130) moves in a circular manner along the transport rail (110), the chamber (131) can form a vacuum state. Through this, the chamber (131) can pass through a plurality of air holes (121) and suck in air through a plurality of vacuum lines (122) connected to the plurality of air holes (121), thereby forming a vacuum state in the chamber (131).

[0058] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the transport unit (130) moves in a circular manner along the transport rail (110), the chamber (131) forms a vacuum state, and the battery cell (10) can be vacuum-absorbed through the suction pad (1322) connected to the vacuum-state chamber (131) at the pick-up point. At this time, the suction plate (1321) to which the suction pad (1322) is coupled can move in the up-and-down direction (y-axis direction) through the operation of the actuator (1323) described above.

[0059] And, as the transport unit (130) moves along the transport rail (110) and is positioned at the stack point, the chamber (131) can maintain a vacuum state by passing through a plurality of air holes (121). Accordingly, the chamber (131) of the transport unit (130a, 130b, 130c) illustrated in FIG. 3 can maintain a vacuum state.

[0060] Here, a plurality of air holes (121) are connected to a plurality of vacuum lines (122), and the plurality of vacuum lines (122) can be connected to a vacuum forming member (124). In addition, air can be sucked in by driving the vacuum forming member (124). At this time, the vacuum forming member (124) can include at least one of a vacuum pump (1241) and a ring blower (1242).

[0061] In addition, the battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can switch the chamber (131) to a vacuum release state when the transport unit (130) moves along the transport rail (110) and is positioned at the stack point.

[0062] More specifically, when the transfer unit (130d) is positioned at the stack point, the suction plate (1321) can be lowered by driving the actuator (1323) described above. Then, the chamber (131) can be switched to a vacuum release state through the air hole (121) corresponding to the position of the transfer unit (130d).

[0063] At this time, the chamber (131) can be switched to a vacuum release state by injecting air through a pneumatic line (123) connected to an air hole (121) corresponding to the position of the transfer unit (130d). The pneumatic line (123) is connected to an air supply member (125), and air can be injected into the pneumatic line (123) connected to the air hole (121) corresponding to the position of the transfer unit (130d) through the air supply member (125).

[0064] In the vacuum-released state of the chamber (131) described above, the battery cell (10) vacuum-absorbed on the absorption pad (1322) can be separated. Therefore, the battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can transport the battery cell (10) in the above-described manner.

[0065] After this, the suction plate (1321) can be raised and lowered again, and the transport unit (130e) can move along the transport rail (110). At this time, the chamber (131) of the transport unit (130e) can be converted to a vacuum state again by passing through a plurality of air holes (121).

[0066] In particular, a battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of transport units (130) as illustrated in FIG. 3. The plurality of transport units (130) may transport battery cells (10) while moving in a circular manner along a transport rail (110).

[0067] In addition, in the battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum unit (120) may include a fixing member (126) formed so that a plurality of vacuum lines (122) and a plurality of pneumatic lines (123) are spaced apart from each other and arranged in the vertical direction (y-axis direction).

[0068] Conventionally, multiple piping lines were connected to create and release a vacuum in multiple transport elements. This entanglement was problematic as the multiple transport elements moved. Furthermore, the complex piping system resulted in spatial constraints during equipment installation, and significant time and cost were required for equipment maintenance.

[0069] On the other hand, a battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a vacuum unit (120) installed on a transport rail (110) separately from a plurality of transport units (130), and each of the plurality of transport units (130) may be provided with a chamber (131) that is switched to a vacuum state or a vacuum release state. In addition, when the transport unit (130) moves, the chamber (131) may be switched to a vacuum state or a vacuum release state by passing through an air hole (121) formed in the vacuum unit (120).

[0070] Therefore, the battery cell transport system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention does not need to connect a piping line for forming or breaking a vacuum to each of the plurality of moving units through a vacuum unit (120) provided separately from the plurality of moving units, thereby solving problems that may arise from conventional complicated piping lines.

[0071] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention. And Fig. 5 is a drawing for explaining a method of transporting a battery cell (10) through a battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Hereinafter, in describing a battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the left-right direction will be described based on the x-axis direction, and the up-down direction will be described based on the y-axis direction.

[0073] A battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a transport rail (110), a transport unit (130), and a processor (150). Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 together, the transport rail (110) may be composed of a pair of horizontal rails arranged vertically in parallel and a pair of side rails connecting both ends of the pair of horizontal rails.

[0074] And the transport unit (130) can play a role of transporting the battery cell (10) by moving in a circular manner along the transport rail (110). In addition, the processor (150) can play a role of outputting a driving signal that controls the driving of the transport unit (130).

[0075] More specifically, in a battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the transport unit (130) may include a vacuum pump (134), a wireless communication transceiver (132), and an adsorption unit (133). The wireless communication transceiver (132) may serve to transmit a driving signal output from a processor (150) to the vacuum pump (134) via wireless communication. In addition, the adsorption unit (133) may be switched to a vacuum state or a vacuum release state by driving the vacuum pump (134).

[0076] In particular, in a battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the adsorption unit (133) can serve to vacuum-adsorb the battery cell (10) in a vacuum state and to separate the vacuum-adsorbed battery cell (10) in a vacuum-released state.

[0077] Here, the adsorption unit (133) may include an adsorption plate (1331) that can move in the vertical direction (y-axis direction). In addition, the adsorption unit (133) may include an adsorption pad (1332) that is connected to a vacuum pump (134) through a chamber (131) and coupled to the adsorption plate (1331) and generates an adsorption force to vacuum-adsorb the battery cell (10).

[0078] In particular, in a battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the transport unit (130) can move cyclically along the transport rail (110), and at this time, the suction unit (133) connected to the vacuum pump (134) can be switched to a vacuum state or a vacuum release state through a wireless communication transceiver (132).

[0079] To this end, the processor (150) can output a driving signal that causes the suction unit (133) to be in a vacuum state when the transport unit (130) moves in a circular manner along the transport rail (110). In addition, the processor (150) can output a driving signal that causes the suction unit (133) to be in a vacuum-released state when the transport unit (130) is positioned at the stack point.

[0080] That is, the battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention can transport the battery cell (10) by driving the vacuum pump (134) through the processor (150) and the wireless communication transceiver (132) so that the suction unit (133) vacuum-absorbs the battery cell (10) in a vacuum state, and the suction unit (133) separates the vacuum-absorbed battery cell (10) in a vacuum-released state.

[0081] Here, when the transport unit (130) moves in a circular motion along the transport rail (110), the suction unit (133) can form a vacuum state. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the transport unit (130) moves in a circular motion along the transport rail (110), the suction unit (133) forms a vacuum state, and the battery cell (10) can be vacuum-absorbed through the suction pad (1332). At this time, the suction plate (1331) to which the suction pad (1332) is coupled can move in the up-and-down direction (y-axis direction). And the movement of the suction plate (1331) can be controlled through the processor (150).

[0082] And the suction unit (133) can maintain a vacuum state until the transfer unit (130) moves along the transfer rail (110) and is positioned at the stack point. Accordingly, the suction unit (133) of the transfer units (130a, 120b, 120c) illustrated in FIG. 5 can maintain a vacuum state.

[0083] Here, the processor (150) outputs a driving signal to cause the suction unit (133) to be in a vacuum state, and the wireless communication transceiver (132) can transmit the driving signal output from the processor (150) to the vacuum pump (134) via wireless communication. In addition, the suction unit (133) can be maintained in a vacuum state through the driving of the vacuum pump (134).

[0084] In addition, in the battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the transport unit (130) moves along the transport rail (110) and is positioned at the stack point, the suction unit (133) can be switched to a vacuum release state.

[0085] More specifically, when the transfer unit (130d) is positioned at the stack point, the processor (150) can output a driving signal to cause the suction unit (133) to be in a vacuum release state. In addition, the wireless communication transceiver (132) can transmit the driving signal output from the processor (150) to the vacuum pump (134) via wireless communication. In addition, the driving of the vacuum pump (134) is controlled, and the suction unit (133) can be switched to a vacuum release state.

[0086] At this time, the suction plate (1331) can be lowered under control of the processor (150). Thereafter, the suction unit (133) is switched to a vacuum release state, so that the battery cell (10) vacuum-absorbed on the suction pad (1332) can be separated. Accordingly, the battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention can transport the battery cell in the above-described manner.

[0087] After this, the suction plate (1331) can be raised and lowered again through the processor (150) and the transport unit (130e) can move along the transport rail (110). At this time, the suction part (133) of the transport unit (130e) can be converted back to a vacuum state by the vacuum pump (134) driven through the processor (150) and the wireless communication transceiver (132).

[0088] Additionally, the battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a power supply unit (140) for driving the transport unit (130). The power supply unit (140) may receive external power or internal power under the control of the processor (150) and supply power to each component included in the transport unit. The power supply unit (140) may include a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

[0089] Additionally, the power supply unit (140) may be equipped with a connection port, to which an external charger that supplies power for charging the battery may be electrically connected. As another example, the power supply unit (140) may be configured to wirelessly charge the battery without using a connection port.

[0090] In particular, a battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of transport units (130) as illustrated in FIG. 5. The plurality of transport units (130) may transport battery cells (10) while moving in a circular manner along a transport rail (110). At this time, the processor (150) may output a driving signal for controlling the driving of each of the plurality of transport units (130).

[0091] Conventionally, multiple piping lines were connected to create and release a vacuum in multiple transport elements. This entanglement was problematic as the multiple transport elements moved. Furthermore, the complex piping system resulted in spatial constraints during equipment installation, and significant time and cost were required for equipment maintenance.

[0092] On the other hand, a battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a processor (150) that controls the operation of a plurality of transport units (130), and a wireless communication transceiver (132) provided in each of the plurality of transport units (130). In addition, the operation of a vacuum pump (134) provided in each of the plurality of transport units (130) is controlled through the processor (150) and the wireless communication transceiver (132), so that the vacuum state or vacuum release state of the adsorption unit (133) provided in each of the plurality of transport units (130) can be controlled.

[0093] Therefore, the battery cell transport system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention does not need to connect a piping line for forming or breaking a vacuum to each of a plurality of transport units (130), thereby solving problems that may arise from conventional complicated piping lines.

[0094] Meanwhile, the block diagram of the battery cell transport system (100) illustrated in FIG. 4 is only a block diagram for another embodiment of the present invention, and each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the battery cell transport system (100) actually implemented.

[0095] That is, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components, as needed. Furthermore, the functions performed by each block are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and their specific operations or devices do not suggest the scope of the present invention.

[0096] Fig. 6 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell transport method according to another embodiment of the present invention. And Fig. 7 is a drawing for explaining another embodiment of the battery cell transport method of the present invention.

[0097] Hereinafter, the battery cell transport method of the present invention will be described by summarizing the above-described matters through FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 6, first, a transport unit (130) can be moved along a transport rail (110) (S110). Then, a driving signal for controlling the operation of the transport unit (130) can be output through the above-described processor (150) (S120). Thereafter, the driving signal output through the above-described wireless communication transceiver (135) can be transmitted to the vacuum pump (134) of the transport unit (130) through wireless communication (S130).

[0099] In addition, the suction part (133) of the transport unit (130) can form a vacuum state by driving the vacuum pump (134) (S140). Then, when the transport unit (130) is positioned at the pickup point, the battery cell (10) can be vacuum-absorbed through the suction part (133) (S150). Then, when the transport unit (130) is positioned at the stack point, the suction part (133) switches to a vacuum-releasing state, and the absorbed battery cell (10) can be separated (S160).

[0100] More specifically, referring to FIG. 7, the suction unit (133) forms a vacuum state through the processor (150) and the wireless communication transceiver (135) (S210), and the transport unit (130) can move to the pickup point (S220). Then, the suction plate (1331) is lowered, and the suction pad (1332) vacuum-absorbs the battery cell (10), and then the suction plate (1331) can be raised and lowered again (S230). Then, with the battery cell (10) vacuum-absorbed, the transport unit (130) can move to the stack point (S240).

[0101] When the transport unit (130) is positioned at the stack point, the suction plate (1331) may be lowered and the suction unit (133) may be switched to a vacuum release state (S250). More specifically, when the transport unit is positioned at the stack point, the suction plate (1331) may be lowered through the processor (150). Thereafter, the processor (150) may output a driving signal to cause the suction unit (133) to be in a vacuum release state, and may transmit the output driving signal to the vacuum pump (134) through the wireless communication transceiver (135). Then, the driving of the vacuum pump (134) is controlled and the suction unit (133) may be switched to a vacuum release state.

[0102] And after the battery cell (10) adsorbed on the adsorption pad (1332) is separated, the adsorption plate (1331) can be raised and lowered (S260). Thereafter, the processor (150) outputs a driving signal to cause the adsorption unit (133) to be in a vacuum state, and transmits the output driving signal to the vacuum pump (134) via the wireless communication transceiver (135) so that the adsorption unit (133) can be converted to a vacuum state. And the battery cell (10) can be transported by repeating the above-described process.

[0103] In summary, the battery cell transport system according to the present invention can easily transport battery cells to a stack point by vacuum suction in a secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0104] In addition, by positioning the vacuum unit at the bottom of the transport rail and allowing the transport unit to be switched to a vacuum state or a vacuum release state as it passes through the vacuum unit, problems that may arise from conventional complex piping lines can be solved.

[0105] In addition, since the vacuum state or vacuum release state of the adsorption unit can be controlled through wireless communication, problems that may arise from conventional complex piping lines can be solved.

[0106] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A transport rail; comprising a transport unit that moves in a circular manner along the transport rail and transports battery cells; The above transport unit, A battery cell transport system including an adsorption unit that vacuum-absorbs the battery cell in a vacuum state and separates the vacuum-absorbed battery cell in a vacuum-released state. In the first paragraph, The above transport unit includes a chamber that is switched between a vacuum state and a vacuum release state, The above battery cell transport system, A vacuum unit including an air hole connected to the chamber, The above chamber, A battery cell transport system characterized in that it is switched to the vacuum state or the vacuum release state through the air hole. In the second paragraph, When the above transport unit moves cyclically along the above transport rail, the chamber forms the above vacuum state, A battery cell transport system characterized in that the chamber is switched to the vacuum release state when the transport unit is positioned at the stack point. In the second paragraph, The above vacuum unit, A plurality of vacuum lines connected to the plurality of air holes to suck in air; and A battery cell transport system characterized by including a plurality of pneumatic lines connected to the plurality of air holes and injecting air. In paragraph 4, The above vacuum unit, A vacuum forming member connected to the plurality of vacuum lines; and A battery cell transport system characterized by including an air supply member connected to the plurality of pneumatic lines. In paragraph 5, The above vacuum forming member is, A battery cell transport system comprising at least one of a vacuum pump and a ring blower. In paragraph 4, The above vacuum unit, A battery cell transport system characterized by including a fixing member formed so that the plurality of vacuum lines and the plurality of pneumatic lines are arranged vertically and spaced apart from each other. In the first paragraph, The above adsorption part, A suction plate that can move up and down; and A battery cell transport system characterized by including an adsorption pad that is coupled to the adsorption plate and generates an adsorption force to vacuum-adsorb the battery cell. In paragraph 8, The above adsorption part, A battery cell transport system characterized by including an actuator for moving the suction plate when positioned at a pickup point and a stack point. In the first paragraph, The above transport unit, A battery cell transport system characterized in that a plurality of cells move in a circular manner along the transport rail. In the first paragraph, Includes a processor that outputs a driving signal that controls the driving of the above transport unit, The above transport unit, A vacuum pump that converts the above adsorption unit into a vacuum state or a vacuum release state; and A battery cell transport system characterized by including a wireless communication transceiver that transmits a driving signal output from the processor to the vacuum pump via wireless communication. In Article 11, The above processor, The above transport unit outputs a driving signal to cause the suction part to be in the vacuum state when the transport unit moves in a circular motion along the transport rail, A battery cell transport system characterized in that the transport unit outputs a driving signal to cause the suction unit to be in the vacuum release state when the transport unit is positioned at the stack point. In Article 11, The above adsorption part, A suction plate that can move up and down; and It includes an adsorption pad that is connected to the vacuum pump and is coupled to the adsorption plate and generates an adsorption force to vacuum-adsorb the battery cell. The above processor, A battery cell transport system characterized in that the transport unit outputs a driving signal for moving the suction plate when the transport unit is positioned at a pickup point and a stack point. In Article 11, The above transport unit is a plurality of units that move in a circular manner along the transport rail, A battery cell transport system, characterized in that the processor outputs a driving signal that controls the driving of each of the plurality of transport units. A step in which a transport unit moves along a transport rail; A step of outputting a driving signal that controls the driving of the above transport unit; A step of transmitting the output driving signal to the vacuum pump of the transport unit via wireless communication; A step of forming a vacuum state in the suction part of the above transfer unit; A step of vacuum-absorbing the battery cell through the absorbing unit when positioned at the pickup point; and A battery cell transport method comprising a step of switching the adsorption part to a vacuum release state when positioned at a stack point and separating the adsorbed battery cell. In Article 15, The step of vacuum-absorbing the above battery cell is: A battery cell transport method characterized in that the suction plate of the suction unit is lowered so that the suction pad of the suction unit vacuum-absorbs the battery cell, and the suction plate is raised and lowered. In Article 15, The step of separating the above-mentioned adsorbed battery cell is: A battery cell transport method characterized in that the suction plate of the suction unit is lowered, the suction unit is switched to a vacuum release state, the absorbed battery cell is separated from the suction pad of the suction unit, and the suction plate is raised and lowered. In Article 15, After the step of separating the above-mentioned adsorbed battery cell, A battery cell transport method characterized in that it further includes a step of converting the adsorption unit into a vacuum state and circulating the transport unit along the transport rail.

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