Secondary battery transfer device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery transfer device and, more specifically, to a secondary battery transfer device which can efficiently join secondary batteries to each other even if the number of lines on which the batteries are transferred decreases, and can prevent an increase in the defect rate of the batteries or a delay in the transfer of the batteries.

Description

Secondary battery transfer device

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0171067 filed November 26, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a secondary battery transfer device, and more specifically, to a secondary battery transfer device that can efficiently combine batteries even if the number of lines through which secondary batteries are transferred is reduced, and can prevent an increase in the defect rate of batteries or delays in the transfer of batteries.

[0005] Generally, there are various types of secondary batteries, such as nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, and lithium-metal batteries. These secondary batteries are used in many places, including small products such as smartphones, smartwatches, smart rings, smart glasses, portable gaming devices, and electric bicycles, as well as large products requiring high output such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESS) and backup power storage devices that store surplus power or renewable energy.

[0006] After being manufactured, secondary batteries are inspected for damage and defects, and are ultimately assembled into battery modules or shipped as products. To undergo these various processes, the secondary batteries are continuously transported to the relevant process rooms or locations where equipment is situated.

[0007] However, as a large number of secondary batteries are transported through each process, the number of transport lines fluctuates due to various issues such as space constraints and economic feasibility. If the number of transport lines decreases, bottlenecks occur, causing batteries to accumulate in specific areas, which reduces transport speed. Furthermore, this can lead to problems such as batteries veering off the lines and falling, or equipment failure. Therefore, when the number of transport lines for secondary batteries is reduced, technology is required to efficiently combine the batteries.

[0008] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a secondary battery transfer device capable of efficiently joining secondary batteries together when the number of lines of secondary batteries being transferred decreases.

[0009] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0010] A secondary battery transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: a first transfer line and a second transfer line through which a plurality of batteries are each transferred; a merging line through which the plurality of batteries, each transferred through the first transfer line and the second transfer line, merge and are transferred together; a passage formed between the first transfer line or the second transfer line and the merging line through which the plurality of batteries pass; a guide that rotates to open and close the passage and guides the plurality of batteries to the merging line; and a hinge formed on one side of the passage and serving as the rotation axis of the guide.

[0011] In addition, it further includes a first stopper for opening and closing the movement path of the first transfer line; and a second stopper for opening and closing the movement path of the second transfer line.

[0012] Additionally, the first stopper opens the movement path of the first transfer line when the plurality of batteries are transferred through the first transfer line and blocks the movement path of the first transfer line when the plurality of batteries are transferred through the second transfer line, and the second stopper opens the movement path of the second transfer line when the plurality of batteries are transferred through the second transfer line and blocks the movement path of the second transfer line when the plurality of batteries are transferred through the first transfer line.

[0013] In addition, the junction line is formed by extending from the first transfer line, and the passage is formed between the second transfer line and the junction line.

[0014] Additionally, when the battery being transported through the first transport line pushes the guide, the guide rotates around the hinge and closes the passage, and when the battery being transported through the second transport line pushes the guide, the guide rotates around the hinge and opens the passage.

[0015] Additionally, the passage includes a first passage formed between the first transfer line and the junction line; and a second passage formed between the second transfer line and the junction line.

[0016] Additionally, when the battery being transported through the first transport line pushes the guide, the guide rotates around the hinge and opens the first passage, and when the battery being transported through the second transport line pushes the guide, the guide rotates around the hinge and opens the second passage.

[0017] Other specific details of the present invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0018] According to embodiments of the present invention, at least the following effects are achieved.

[0019] Even if the number of lines through which secondary batteries are transported is reduced, the batteries can be efficiently combined, thereby alleviating bottlenecks and preventing the accumulation of batteries.

[0020] In addition, since the guide rotates around the hinge and the battery pushes the guide to open and close the passage, it is possible to prevent the battery from being damaged or getting stuck between the guide and the transfer line.

[0021] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and various other effects are included in this specification.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (21) in a conventional secondary battery transfer device (2) being opened.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the conventional first transfer line (21) being blocked and the movement path of the second transfer line (22) being opened.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the conventional second transfer line (22) opened.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the conventional guide (25) moving and colliding with the battery (3).

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (11) according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (11) being blocked and the movement path of the second transfer line (12) being opened according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the second transfer line (12) according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the second transfer line (12) being blocked and the movement path of the first transfer line (11) being opened according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (11) according to the first embodiment of the present invention being opened again.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the first transfer line (11a) in an open state according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (11a) being blocked and the movement path of the second transfer line (12a) being opened according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the second transfer line (12a) according to the second embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the second transfer line (12a) being blocked and the movement path of the first transfer line (11a) being opened according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (11a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention being reopened.

[0036] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0038] The terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used herein, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned.

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (21) in a conventional secondary battery transfer device (2) being opened.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of batteries (3) are transported through a first transport line (21) and a second transport line (22), respectively, until the number of transport lines decreases from two to one. At this time, a junction line (23) is formed as an extension from the first transport line (21), and a passage (24) may be formed between the second transport line (22) and the junction line (23). First, the plurality of batteries (3) that were being transported through the first transport line (21) continue to be transported and enter the junction line (23).

[0042] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the conventional first transfer line (21) being blocked and the movement path of the second transfer line (22) being opened.

[0043] When a specific number of batteries (3) among a plurality of batteries (3) enter the joining line (23) through the first transfer line (21), the actuator (26) operates as shown in FIG. 2 to move the guide (25) connected through the arm (261). At this time, the guide (25) moves in a straight line from the second transfer line (22) side to the first transfer line (21) side.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the conventional second transfer line (22) opened.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the guide (25) moves completely toward the first transfer line (21), opening the passage (24) formed between the second transfer line (22) and the junction line (23). Then, since the movement path of the second transfer line (22) is opened, a plurality of batteries (3) being transported through the second transfer line (22) pass through the passage (24) and enter the junction line (23).

[0046] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the conventional guide (25) moving and colliding with the battery (3).

[0047] However, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 4, a problem occurred where the guide (25) collided with the battery (3) while moving, causing the battery (3) to be damaged, or the battery (3) got stuck between the guide (25) and the transfer lines (21, 22), preventing the guide (25) from moving further. As a result, the defect rate of the battery (3) increased, and the transfer of the batteries (3) could be delayed.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (11) according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

[0049] The secondary battery transfer device (1) according to the present invention includes a first transfer line (11) and a second transfer line (12) through which a plurality of batteries (3) are each transferred, and a merging line (13) through which a plurality of batteries (3) transferred through the first transfer line (11) and the second transfer line (12) are joined together and transferred. Additionally, a passage (14) is formed between the first transfer line (11) or the second transfer line (12) and the merging line (13) so that a plurality of batteries (3) can pass through. Furthermore, the secondary battery transfer device (1) further includes a guide (15) that rotates to open and close the passage (14) and guides a plurality of batteries (3) to the merging line (13), and a hinge (151) formed on one side of the passage (14) and serving as the rotation axis of the guide (15).

[0050] In addition, the secondary battery transfer device (1) according to the present invention may further include a first stopper (111) for opening and closing the movement path of a first transfer line (11) and a second stopper (121) for opening and closing the movement path of a second transfer line (12).

[0051] Hereinafter, the transfer lines (11, 12) are described as having two, but according to the present invention, the number of multiple transfer lines is not limited. That is, the first transfer line (11) and the second transfer line (12) are not necessarily limited to two transfer lines of the present invention, but can be understood as selecting any two of the multiple transfer lines.

[0052] A conveyor belt or the like can be used to form a transport line, but is not limited thereto and various configurations can be used as long as multiple batteries (3) can be transported.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a plurality of batteries (3) are each transported through a first transport line (11) and a second transport line (12), and then the number of transport lines is reduced from two to one. At this time, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a joining line (13) is formed extending from the first transport line (11), and a passage (14) may be formed between the second transport line (12) and the joining line (13).

[0054] First, multiple batteries (3) being transported through the first transport line (11) continue to be transported and enter the joining line (13). Then, the first stopper (111) opens the movement path of the first transport line (11), and the second stopper (121) blocks the movement path of the second transport line (12). As a result, multiple batteries (3) are not transported through the second transport line (12) and stop.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (11) being blocked and the movement path of the second transfer line (12) being opened according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] When a specific number of batteries (3) among a plurality of batteries (3) enter the joining line (13) through the first transfer line (11), as shown in FIG. 6, the first stopper (111) blocks the movement path of the first transfer line (11), and the second stopper (121) opens the movement path of the second transfer line (12).

[0057] Although FIG. 6 illustrates that the first stopper (111) and the second stopper (121) move in a straight line in the width direction of the first transfer line (11) and the second transfer line (12), respectively, they are not limited thereto and can move in various ways, such as moving in a straight line or rotating in the depth direction, as long as they can open and close the first transfer line (11) and the second transfer line (12), respectively.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the second transfer line (12) according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

[0059] When the first stopper (111) completely blocks the movement path of the first transfer line (11) and the second stopper (121) completely opens the movement path of the second transfer line (12), a plurality of batteries (3) are transferred through the second transfer line (12) as shown in FIG. 7. Then, the batteries (3) transferred through the second transfer line (12) push the guide (15).

[0060] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the guide (15) rotates around the hinge (151) to open and close the passage (14) and guides a plurality of batteries (3) to the joining line (13). The hinge (151) is formed on one side of the passage (14) and becomes the axis of rotation when the guide (15) rotates. Therefore, when the batteries (3) being transported through the second transport line (12) push the guide (15), the guide (15) rotates around the hinge (151) and opens the passage (14). Then, the second transport line (12) and the joining line (13) are connected to each other through the passage (14), and the plurality of batteries (3) being transported through the second transport line (12) enter the joining line (13).

[0061] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the second transfer line (12) being blocked and the movement path of the first transfer line (11) being opened according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] When a specific number of batteries (3) among a plurality of batteries (3) enter the joining line (13) through the second transfer line (12), as shown in FIG. 8, the second stopper (121) blocks the movement path of the second transfer line (12), and the first stopper (111) opens the movement path of the first transfer line (11).

[0063] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (11) according to the first embodiment of the present invention being opened again.

[0064] When the second stopper (121) completely blocks the movement path of the second transfer line (12) and the first stopper (111) completely opens the movement path of the first transfer line (11), a plurality of batteries (3) are transferred through the first transfer line (11) as shown in FIG. 9. Then, when the batteries (3) being transferred through the first transfer line (11) push against the guide (15), the guide (15) rotates around the hinge (151) and closes the passage (14). Then, the first transfer line (11) and the junction line (13) are connected to each other again, and the plurality of batteries (3) being transferred through the first transfer line (11) enter the junction line (13).

[0065] In this way, by inducing a plurality of batteries (3) being transported along the first transport line (11) and the second transport line (12) to alternately enter the joining line (13) in specific quantities, the batteries (3) can be efficiently joined together, thereby alleviating bottlenecks and suppressing the accumulation of batteries (3). Additionally, since the guide (15) rotates around the hinge (151) and the battery (3) pushes the guide (15) to open and close the passage (14), it is possible to prevent the battery (3) from being damaged or getting stuck between the guide (15) and the transport lines (11, 12). This reduces the defect rate of the batteries (3) and prevents delays in the transport of the batteries (3).

[0066] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the first transfer line (11a) in an open state according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a joining line (13) is formed extending from the first transfer line (11), and a passage is formed between the second transfer line (12) and the joining line (13). When a battery (3) being transferred through the first transfer line (11) pushes against the guide (15), the guide (15) rotates around the hinge (151) to close the passage, and when a battery (3) being transferred through the second transfer line (12) pushes against the guide (15), the guide (15) rotates around the hinge (151) to open the passage.

[0068] On the other hand, in the secondary battery transfer device (1a) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10, the junction line (13a) extends from both the first transfer line (11a) and the second transfer line (12a) and naturally forms a single line. The passage may include a first passage (141a) formed between the first transfer line (11a) and the junction line (13a), and a second passage (142a) formed between the second transfer line (12a) and the junction line (13a).

[0069] First, the first transfer line (11a) and the junction line (13a) are connected to each other through the first passage (141a), and a plurality of batteries (3) being transferred through the first transfer line (11a) enter the junction line (13a). Then, the first stopper (111a) opens the movement path of the first transfer line (11a), and the second stopper (121a) blocks the movement path of the second transfer line (12a). As a result, the plurality of batteries (3) cannot be transferred through the second transfer line (12a) and stop.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (11a) being blocked and the movement path of the second transfer line (12a) being opened according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] When a specific number of batteries (3) among a plurality of batteries (3) enter the joining line (13a) through the first transfer line (11a), as shown in FIG. 11, the first stopper (111a) blocks the movement path of the first transfer line (11a), and the second stopper (121a) opens the movement path of the second transfer line (12a).

[0072] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the second transfer line (12a) according to the second embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

[0073] When the first stopper (111a) completely blocks the movement path of the first transfer line (11a) and the second stopper (121a) completely opens the movement path of the second transfer line (12a), a plurality of batteries (3) are transferred through the second transfer line (12a) as shown in FIG. 12. Then, when the batteries (3) being transferred through the second transfer line (12a) push the guide (15a), the guide (15a) rotates around the hinge (151a) to open the second passage (142a) and simultaneously close the first passage (141a). Then, the second transfer line (12a) and the junction line (13a) are connected to each other through the second passage (142a), and the plurality of batteries (3) being transferred through the second transfer line (12a) enter the junction line (13a).

[0074] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the second transfer line (12a) being blocked and the movement path of the first transfer line (11a) being opened according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] When a specific number of batteries (3) among a plurality of batteries (3) enter the joining line (13a) through the second transfer line (12a), as shown in FIG. 13, the second stopper (121a) blocks the movement path of the second transfer line (12a), and the first stopper (111a) opens the movement path of the first transfer line (11a).

[0076] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of the first transfer line (11a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention being reopened.

[0077] When the second stopper (121a) completely blocks the movement path of the second transfer line (12a) and the first stopper (111a) completely opens the movement path of the first transfer line (11a), a plurality of batteries (3) are transferred through the first transfer line (11a) as shown in FIG. 14. Then, when the batteries (3) being transferred through the first transfer line (11a) push the guide (15a), the guide (15a) rotates around the hinge (151a) to open the first passage (141a) and simultaneously close the second passage (142a). Then, the first transfer line (11a) and the junction line (13a) are connected to each other again through the first passage (141a), and the plurality of batteries (3) being transferred through the first transfer line (11a) enter the junction line (13a).

[0078] A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and various embodiments derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0079]

[0080]

Claims

1. A first transfer line and a second transfer line through which a plurality of batteries are each transferred; A merging line in which the plurality of batteries, each transported through the first transfer line and the second transfer line, merge and are transported together; A passage formed between the first transfer line or the second transfer line and the junction line, through which the plurality of batteries pass; A guide that rotates to open and close the passage and guides the plurality of batteries to the joining line; and A secondary battery transfer device comprising a hinge formed on one side of the above passage and serving as the rotation axis of the guide.

2. In Paragraph 1, A first stopper for opening and closing the movement path of the first transfer line; and A secondary battery transfer device further comprising a second stopper for opening and closing the movement path of the second transfer line.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned first stopper is, When the plurality of batteries are transported through the first transport line, the movement path of the first transport line is opened, and when the plurality of batteries are transported through the second transport line, the movement path of the first transport line is blocked. The above second stopper is, A secondary battery transfer device that opens the movement path of the second transfer line when the plurality of batteries are transferred through the second transfer line, and blocks the movement path of the second transfer line when the plurality of batteries are transferred through the first transfer line.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above joining line is, Extended from the above first transfer line, and The above passage is, A secondary battery transfer device formed between the second transfer line and the junction line.

5. In Paragraph 4, When the battery being transported through the first transport line pushes the guide, the guide rotates around the hinge and closes the passage, and A secondary battery transfer device in which, when the battery being transferred through the second transfer line pushes the guide, the guide rotates around the hinge and opens the passage.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above passage is, A first passage formed between the first transfer line and the junction line; and A secondary battery transfer device comprising a second passage formed between the second transfer line and the junction line.

7. In Paragraph 6, When the battery being transported through the first transport line pushes the guide, the guide rotates around the hinge and opens the first passage, and A secondary battery transfer device in which, when the battery being transferred through the second transfer line pushes the guide, the guide rotates around the hinge and opens the second passage.

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