KR102564180B1 - Secondary battery cell pickup gripper, secondary battery pickup and transfer unit and forvation system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A secondary battery pickup and transfer unit of a formation system is disclosed. The secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit of the formation system transfers and inserts secondary battery cells into the cell insertion space of the secondary battery charging and discharging unit including a plurality of compression plates arranged to sandwich the cell insertion space in the formation system. a plurality of mounting bar seating blocks arranged along the arrangement direction of the plurality of compression plates and disposed on both sides of the cell insertion space in the longitudinal direction of the cell insertion space above the cell insertion space; a plurality of cell pick-up grippers including a holding bar and a secondary battery pick-up holder mounted on the holding bar to pick up the secondary battery cells; and a pair of pick-up part supports that support both ends of the holding bar of each of the plurality of cell pick-up grippers and are provided to be liftable, wherein the plurality of cell pick-up grippers and the pick-up part support part are loaded with secondary battery cells. The secondary battery cell is configured to reciprocate between the secondary battery charging and discharging unit and the secondary battery cell is picked up by the secondary battery pickup holder of each cell pickup gripper in the loading unit where the secondary battery cells are placed, and the secondary battery charging and discharging unit Each secondary battery cell may be inserted into the cell insertion space by placing the holding bar of each cell pick-up gripper that has moved upward to pick up the secondary battery cell and is seated on the holding bar seating block.

Description

Cell pickup gripper, secondary battery pickup and transfer unit, and formation system using the same

The present invention relates to a formation system for charging and discharging secondary battery cells and units for picking up, transporting, and charging and discharging secondary battery cells in the system.

In general, secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical, prismatic, pouch-shaped, etc. according to their shapes. Among them, the pouch-type secondary battery uses a pouch exterior material composed of a multi-layer film of a metal layer (foil) and a synthetic resin layer coated on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal layer, so that the battery is more It is possible to reduce the weight of the battery by significantly reducing the weight, and it is possible to change into various shapes, so it is attracting a lot of attention.

In such a pouch-type secondary battery, electrode assemblies are stored in a stacked form. An electrode tab and an electrode lead are connected to the electrode assembly, and the electrode lead protrudes from the pouch exterior material. These electrode leads are electrically connected to an external device through contact and receive power from the external device.

A pouch-type secondary battery is manufactured through a process of assembling a cell and a process of activating the battery. In the battery activation step, the secondary battery cell is loaded in a charging/discharging device and charging and discharging are performed under conditions necessary for activation. In this way, a process of performing predetermined charging and discharging using a charging and discharging device to activate a battery is referred to as a formation process.

In order to perform such a secondary battery formation process, the secondary battery must be properly mounted in a charging/discharging device. That is, the electrode leads of the secondary battery should be placed in contact with the conductive parts of the charge/discharge device to be electrically connected to each other, and the electrical connection should be maintained during charging and discharging.

To this end, it is common for a secondary battery charge/discharge device to include a plurality of compression plates for fixing the secondary battery cells. A pouch-type secondary battery is inserted between the two compression plates, respectively, and while pressure is applied from both sides, current is applied through the lead of the secondary battery to charge.

In this way, by pressing the secondary battery cell with the compression plate, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the secondary battery cell due to gas generation in the charging/discharging process. The gas generated at this time is collected in the gas pocket and removed after the activation process. Here, the gas pocket part is a part of the pouch exterior material that extends in a direction crossing the electrode lead from the cell body portion that is pressurized in the activation process, and can be later cut from the pouch exterior material.

In this process, in order to support the lower part of the secondary battery cell sandwiched between the compression plates, thin sheet-shaped paper sheets are disposed between the compression plates, and the secondary battery cells sandwiched between the compression plates are moved by the paper sheets. It is supported at a certain height and maintained at that height.

However, the process of providing the paper sheet between each compression plate is cumbersome, there is a problem of being damaged during the charging and discharging process of the secondary battery cell, and the secondary battery cell cannot be stably maintained between the compression plates. When the secondary battery cell is pressed, the left and right sides of the secondary battery cell are twisted, causing a problem that the position of the electrode lead of the secondary battery is distorted. It leads to problems such as not being able to stably contact or not being able to contact the conductive part of the compression plate.

On the other hand, in the formation process of the secondary battery cell, an error in the pick-up device that transports the secondary battery cell 20 or an error in loading the secondary battery cell at the loading part where the secondary battery cell is loaded may occur, and compression is caused by this error. Insertion of the secondary battery cell between the two plates may be omitted. In this case, the two press plates with missing secondary battery cells may collide with each other as the secondary battery cells are missing, and this collision causes damage to the press plate and damage to parts related to the movement of the press plate. there was a problem with

Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is a cell pick-up gripper capable of stably holding the secondary battery cells between the compression plates without the conventionally used seal to maintain the secondary cells between the compression plates, and a secondary cell using the same It is to provide battery pickup and transfer units and formation systems.

In addition, it is to provide a formation system capable of preventing collision between compression plates due to omission of insertion of the secondary battery cells in the process of pressurizing the secondary battery cells.

A cell pick-up gripper according to an embodiment of the present invention is a cell pick-up gripper for picking up and transferring secondary battery cells to a secondary battery charge/discharge unit that charges and discharges secondary battery cells in a formation system that performs a secondary battery activation process. As such, it is a bar; and a secondary battery pick-up holder mounted on the mounting bar to pick up the secondary battery cells.

In one embodiment, two secondary battery pick-up holders are mounted on the mounting bar, and each of the secondary battery pick-up holders rotates around a first hinge shaft coupled to an upper end so that the ends are in contact with each other or are spaced apart. a holder unit including a first holder and a second holder; And a holder that is hingedly connected to upper ends of the first holder and the second holder and rotates the first holder and the second holder by pulling or pushing the upper ends of the first holder and the second holder upward or downward. wealth may be included.

In one embodiment, each of the secondary battery pick-up holders is connected to the holder movable part at an upper part of the holder movable part to maintain the holder movable part at a position where the first holder and the second holder come into contact with each other, and can move up and down. And it may further include a holder movable part support configured to be self-returnable after being lowered.

In one embodiment, each of the secondary battery pick-up holders may be slidably movable along the longitudinal direction of the mounting bar.

The secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit of the formation system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of compression plates arranged to sandwich the cell insertion space in the formation system. As a device for transferring and inserting battery cells, a plurality of mounting bar seating blocks are arranged along the arrangement direction of the plurality of compression plates and disposed on both sides of the cell insertion space in the longitudinal direction of the cell insertion space at the top of the cell insertion space. ; a plurality of cell pick-up grippers including a holding bar and a secondary battery pick-up holder mounted on the holding bar to pick up the secondary battery cells; and a pair of pick-up part supports that support both ends of the holding bar of each of the plurality of cell pick-up grippers and are provided to be liftable, wherein the plurality of cell pick-up grippers and the pick-up part support part are loaded with secondary battery cells. The secondary battery cell is configured to reciprocate between the secondary battery charging and discharging unit and the secondary battery cell is picked up by the secondary battery pickup holder of each cell pickup gripper in the loading unit where the secondary battery cells are placed, and the secondary battery charging and discharging unit Each secondary battery cell may be inserted into the cell insertion space by placing the holding bar of each cell pick-up gripper that has moved upward to pick up the secondary battery cell and is seated on the holding bar seating block.

In one embodiment, two secondary battery pick-up holders are mounted on the mounting bar, and each of the secondary battery pick-up holders rotates around a first hinge shaft coupled to an upper end so that the ends are in contact with each other or are spaced apart. a holder unit including a first holder and a second holder; And a holder that is hingedly connected to upper ends of the first holder and the second holder and rotates the first holder and the second holder by pulling or pushing the upper ends of the first holder and the second holder upward or downward. The secondary battery cell pick-up and transfer unit may include a holder movable control unit disposed above the holder movable unit to control lifting and lowering operations of the holder movable unit.

In one embodiment, each of the secondary battery pick-up holders is connected to the holder movable part 223 at an upper part of the holder movable part to maintain the holder movable part at a position where the first holder and the second holder come into contact with each other, , Further comprising a holder movable part support, which is configured to be liftable and self-returnable after being lowered, wherein the holder movable operation part is disposed on the holder movable part support part and presses the holder movable part support part in a vertical direction, and then the holder movable part support part It may be driven away from the holder movable part support so as to self-return.

In one embodiment, each of the secondary battery pick-up holders can maintain the pick-up state of the secondary battery cell in a state in which the holder bar is seated on two holder bar seating blocks disposed on both sides of the cell insertion space in the longitudinal direction. there is.

In one embodiment, the two secondary battery pick-up holders on the mounting bar may be slidably movable along the longitudinal direction of the mounting bar.

In one embodiment, the plurality of mounting bar seating blocks may be configured to have a variable height.

Formation system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit; and a plurality of compression plates disposed facing each other with a cell insertion space interposed therebetween and movably installed so as to narrow a gap therebetween, a plurality of grippers mounted on each compression plate and movably installed together with each compression plate. A secondary battery charge/discharge unit including a unit may be included.

In one embodiment, the secondary battery charge/discharge unit further includes a dummy cell unit including dummy cells having a thickness greater than or equal to a thickness of the secondary battery cells and installed to be movable in and out of the cell insertion space, and the system comprises: , Is installed in the secondary battery charge/discharge unit or the secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit, whether or not the secondary battery cell is picked up by each cell pick-up gripper or when the secondary battery cell is inserted into the cell insertion space, each cell A plurality of secondary battery cell presence detection sensors that detect whether or not there is a secondary battery cell in the insertion space and outputs an error signal when the pickup of the secondary battery cell is omitted or when the insertion of the secondary battery cell is omitted in the cell insertion space. The dummy cell unit may be configured to insert the dummy cell into a cell insertion space position corresponding to a position of a cell presence detection sensor at which the error signal is output.

In one embodiment, the secondary battery charge/discharge unit is connected between the gripper units such that a longitudinal direction is parallel to a moving direction of the plurality of compression plates, thereby preventing movement of the plurality of compression plates and the plurality of gripper units. It may further include a plurality of link assemblies that guide and maintain the spacing.

In one embodiment, each of the link assemblies, a first link shaft coupled to the ends of the left and right sides of any one of the two compression plates facing each other pressing plate; A second linking shaft coupled to ends of left and right sides of the other of the two pressing plates facing each other and located on a copper wire with the first linking shaft; And a first shaft coupling hole coupled to any one of the first linking shaft and the second linking shaft, and a movement distance greater than or equal to a moving distance at which the compression plates can press the secondary battery cell at the opposite side of the first shaft coupling hole. It may include a guide link including a second shaft coupling hole extending in length.

In one embodiment, each of the gripper units may include a sliding block supported on an upper end of the compression plate to be slid along the length of the upper end of the compression plate; and an electrode contact module disposed on one side of the sliding block and including a voltage copper plate and a current copper plate contacting an electrode lead of a secondary battery cell inserted into the cell insertion space.

In one embodiment, each of the gripper units may further include an opening/closing cover that is rotatably coupled to the sliding block to be disposed above the electrode contact module and rotates upward to open an upper portion of the electrode contact module. there is.

The cell pick-up gripper, the secondary battery cell pick-up and transfer unit, and the formation system according to the present invention have the following advantages.

First, each of the secondary battery cells inserted into each cell insertion space of the secondary battery charge/discharge unit is inserted into the cell insertion space because the insertion state of the secondary battery cells is maintained by the plurality of cell pick-up grippers. Conventionally used seals may be omitted to hold the respective secondary battery cells between the compression plates.

Second, since the secondary battery cells that have completed the charge/discharge test can be held while being held by a plurality of cell pick-up grippers, the process of holding the secondary battery cells again is omitted, making it easy to transfer the secondary battery cells that have completed the charge/discharge test. .

Third, collision between compression plates can be prevented due to omission of insertion of the secondary battery cell in the process of pressurizing the secondary battery cell, and thus, the compression plates and the movement of the compression plates due to collision between the compression plates are related. There is an advantage in that damage to parts can be prevented and stable operation can always be performed during a charge/discharge test process of a secondary battery cell.

Fourth, since the upper part of each gripper unit is opened when the opening/closing cover disposed above the electrode contact module is rotated upward, it is easy to withdraw and insert the electrode contact module from the upper part of the gripper unit. Accordingly, the gripper unit It has the advantage of easy maintenance.

1 is a perspective view for explaining a cell pick-up gripper according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of Figure 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing only the secondary battery pick-up holder by omitting the mounting bar shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the secondary battery pick-up holder shown in FIG. 3 by omitting the holder movable part support part.
5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cell pick-up gripper grips a secondary battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a perspective view illustrating a secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of mounting bars of a secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a front view of Figure 6;
9 to 11 are perspective views for explaining the pick-up part support part, the holder operation control part, and the pick-up holder horizontal movement device shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 .
12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a formation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating a configuration of a secondary battery charging/discharging unit of a formation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14A and 14B are perspective views illustrating an overall appearance of the secondary battery charge/discharge unit shown in FIG. 13 .
15 is a partially enlarged perspective view for explaining the link assembly shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the disposition of the compression plate and the gripper unit shown in FIG. 12;
17 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the gripper unit shown in FIG. 16;
18 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the electrode contact module shown in FIG. 16;
19 is a combined perspective view of FIG. 17;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the dummy cell unit shown in FIG. 12 .
FIG. 21 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating installation of the dummy cell unit shown in FIG. 20 .
FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit shown in FIG. 12 is moved over the secondary battery charge/discharge unit after picking up the secondary battery cells.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the cell pick-up gripper of the secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit shown in FIG. 22 descends and inserts a secondary battery cell into a cell insertion space.
24 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a secondary battery cell is inserted into a cell insertion space.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which compression plates of the secondary battery charging/discharging unit shown in FIG. 13 press the secondary battery cells.
26 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a dummy cell of a dummy cell unit is inserted into a cell insertion space;
27 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a state in which dummy cells and secondary battery cells of the secondary battery charge/discharge unit are pressurized.

Hereinafter, a top-type file connector according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since the present invention can have various changes and various forms, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific disclosed form, and includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. Like reference numerals have been used for like elements throughout the description of each figure. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of the structures are shown enlarged than actual for clarity of the present invention.

Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a first element may be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element may be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to designate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features It should be understood that it does not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, 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 the present invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, they should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning. don't

1 is a perspective view illustrating a cell pick-up gripper according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a secondary battery pick-up holder omitting the mounting bar shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a secondary battery pick-up holder shown in FIG. 3 by omitting the holder movable part support part, and FIG. 5 is a picture showing a cell pick-up gripper according to an embodiment of the present invention gripping a secondary battery cell. is a perspective view that represents

1 to 4 , the cell pickup gripper 220 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting bar 220a and a secondary battery pickup holder 220b.

The mounting bar 220a may have a certain length and may be provided as a bar type having a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

The secondary battery pickup holder 220b is mounted on the mounting bar 220a to pick up the secondary battery cell 20 . For example, two secondary battery pick-up holders 220b may be mounted on the mounting bar 220a, and at this time, each of the secondary battery pick-up holders 220b may be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.

Each secondary battery pick-up holder 220b may include a holder part 222 , a holder movable part 223 , and a holder movable part support part 224 .

The holder unit 222 includes a first holder 2221 and a second holder 2222 . The first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 may be connected to each other in the form of tongs.

The first holder 2221 extends in the vertical direction and extends from a first holder body portion 2221b having a first holding surface 2221a on an inner surface of an end portion and an upper end of the first holder body portion 2221b. A first link connection portion 2221c extending horizontally from the inner surface of the first holder body portion 2221b may be included.

The second holder 2222 extends in the vertical direction and extends from a second holder body portion 2222b having a second holding surface 2222a on an inner surface of an end portion and an upper end of the second holder body portion 2222b. A second link connection portion 2222c extending horizontally from the inner surface of the second holder body portion 2222b may be included.

In the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222, the first hinge shaft 2223 is coupled to the upper end of the first holder body 2221b and the second holder body 2222b, respectively, By rotating around the first hinge shaft 2223, the ends, that is, the first gripping surface 2221a and the second gripping surface 2222a may come into contact with each other or be separated from each other. At this time, the first link connection portion 2221c and the second link connection portion 2222c are disposed to face opposite directions.

The holder movable part 223 is hingedly connected to the upper ends of the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222, and pulls the upper ends of the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 up or down. to rotate the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222.

For example, the holder movable part 223 may include a movable block 2231 , a first connection link 2232 and a second connection link 2233 .

The movable block 2231 includes a third link connection part 2231a extending in a first direction and a fourth link connection part 2231b extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the third link connection part ( 2231a) and the fourth link connection part 2231b may face the first link connection part 2221c and the second link connection part 2222c at the upper position of the holder movable part 223.

The first connection link 2232 and the second connection link 2233 connect the movable block 2231 to the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 . For example, the first connection link 2232 may be connected to the first link connection portion 2221c and the third link connection portion 2231a facing each other in a vertical direction, and the second connection link 2233 may face each other vertically. It may be connected to the second link connection unit 2222c and the fourth link connection unit 2231b.

When the movable block 2231 descends, the holder movable part 223 also descends together with the first connecting link 2232 and the second connecting link 2233 so that the first connecting link 2232 and the second connecting link 2233 By pushing the first link connection portion 2221c of the first holder 2221 and the second link connection portion 2222c of the second holder 2222, the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 are connected to the first hinge shaft. 2223 as the center, so that the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 rotate away from each other, and thus the first holding surface 2221a and the second holder 2222 of the first holder 2221 The second gripping surfaces 2222a of may be spaced apart from each other.

The holder movable part support part 224 is connected to the holder movable part 223 at the upper part of the holder movable part 223 so that the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 come into contact with the holder movable part 223. It can be maintained in position, can be lifted, and can be configured to self-return after lowering.

For example, the holder movable part support part 224 may include a pair of holder supports 2241, a shaft guide block 2242, an elevating shaft 2243, a pressing cap 2244, and a return spring 2245.

The pair of holder supports 2241 have a certain height, and lower ends are coupled to the first hinge shaft 2223 to support the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 . In this case, one holder support 2241 is disposed in front of the first holder 2221 and the other holder support 2241 is disposed in front of the second holder 2222 .

The shaft guide block 2242 is coupled between a pair of holder supports 2241 and is disposed above the movable block 2231 at a predetermined distance. For the coupling of the shaft guide block 2242, for example, the shaft guide block 2242 is provided to have a T-shaped front shape, and the shaft guide block 2242 is provided on the inner surface of the pair of holder supports 2241. ) A block coupling groove into which both sides of the upper end of the T-shape are inserted may be formed.

The elevating shaft 2243 may pass through the center of the shaft guide block 2242 and be coupled to the shaft guide block 2242, and a lower end may be coupled to an upper surface of the movable block 2231. The elevating shaft 2243 has a length such that its upper end can protrude beyond the height of the upper end of the pair of holder supports 2241 when the lower end is coupled to the movable block 2231.

The pressing cap 2244 may be provided to have a larger diameter than the diameter of the lifting shaft 2243 and may be coupled to an upper end of the lifting shaft 2243.

The return spring 2245 may be inserted into the elevating shaft 2243 so that upper and lower ends of the shaft guide block 2242 and the lower surface of the pressing cap 2244 may be supported. The return spring 2245 presses the pressing cap 2244 in a direction away from the movable block 2231 so that the movable block 2231 is always pulled, that is, the movable block 2231 moves away from the first holder 2221. The first gripping surface 2221a of the holder 2222 and the second gripping surface 2222a of the second holder 2222 are maintained at a position where they come into contact with each other, and the pressing cap 2244 and the lifting shaft 2243 are self-returning after being lowered. can be made

Meanwhile, the two secondary battery pick-up holders 220b may be slidably movable along the longitudinal direction of the mounting bar 220a on the mounting bar 220a.

To this end, the mounting bar 220a includes a holder insertion hole 2213, a pair of first guide holes 2214 and a pair of second guide holes 2215, and the holder movable part support part 224 A plurality of rolling rollers 2246 may be further included.

The holder insertion hole 2213 may be formed in a rectangular shape along the longitudinal direction of the mounting bar 220a by passing through upper and lower surfaces of the mounting bar 220a. In this case, the length of the holder insertion hole 2213 may be greater than or equal to the length of the secondary battery cell 20 .

The pair of first guide holes 2214 may be formed on one side of the side of the mounting bar 220a, for example, on the left side of the mounting bar 220a so as to be symmetrical about the holder insertion hole 2213. there is.

The pair of second guide holes 2215 are symmetrical in the longitudinal direction of the pair of first guide holes 2214 and the mounting bar 220a in the mounting bar 220a. It may be formed on the other side of the side, for example, on the right side of the mounting bar 220a.

The plurality of rolling rollers 2246 may be rotatably coupled to the left and right thick surfaces of each of the holder supports 2241. At this time, the position of each rolling roller 2246 may be combined to be disposed higher than the movable block 2231, for example, at a height higher than the lower end of the shaft guide block 2242.

Through this structure, two secondary battery pick-up holders 220b are inserted into the holder insertion hole 2213, and the plurality of rolling rollers 2246 are connected to the pair of first guide holes 2214 and the pair of rolling rollers 2246. It can be inserted into and supported in the second guide hole 2215 of the, and a plurality of rolling rollers 2246 rotate on the pair of first guide holes 2214 and the pair of second guide holes 2215 to By rolling, each of the secondary battery pickup holders 220b may move along the first guide hole 2214 and the second guide hole 2215 .

According to the structure in which the two secondary battery pickup holders 220b can slide on the mounting bar 220a, the distance between the two secondary battery pickup holders 220b can be adjusted according to the size of the secondary battery cell 20 to be picked up. can

The cell pick-up gripper 220 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100 including a plurality of compression plates 111 arranged to sandwich cell insertion spaces 112 in a formation system. It may be installed in a secondary battery pickup and transfer unit 200 for transferring and inserting the secondary battery cells 20 into the cell insertion space 112 .

Hereinafter, a secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

6 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is for explaining a plurality of mounting bars of the secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 8 is a front view of FIG. 6 , and FIGS. 9 to 11 are perspective views for explaining the pick-up part support part, the holder movable control part, and the pick-up holder horizontal moving device shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 .

6 to 11, the secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of mounting bars seating blocks 210, a plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220, a pick-up unit support part ( 230), a holder operation control unit 240, and a pickup holder horizontal movement device 250.

A plurality of mounting bar seating blocks 210 are arranged along the arrangement direction of the plurality of compression plates 111 of the secondary battery charging/discharging unit 100, and are located above the cell insertion space 112 in the cell insertion space. Arranged on both sides of the longitudinal direction of (112).

For example, the plurality of mounting bar seating blocks 210 may have mounting grooves 211 on their upper surfaces. The installation groove 211 may have a U-shape or a V-shape. For example, the installation groove 211 may have a V shape.

The number of cell pick-up grippers 220 corresponding to the number of the cell insertion spaces 112 may be provided. Each cell pickup gripper 220 may include a holding bar 220a and a secondary battery pickup holder 220b.

The mounting bar 220a has a block insertion groove 2211 concavely formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper end of the mounting bar mounting block 210 and a block insertion groove ( 2211) may be provided with a support shaft 2212 disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mounting bar 220a. The support shaft 2212 may be supported by the support shaft 2212 of the mounting bar seating block 210 when the mounting bar 220a is seated on the mounting bar seating block 210 .

Since each cell pick-up gripper 220 has been described in detail above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The pick-up part support part 230 supports both ends of the holding bars 220a of each of the plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220, and may be provided to move up and down.

For example, the pick-up part support 230 may be composed of a frame having a length capable of supporting a plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220, and the frame of the pick-up part support 230 may have a 'c'-shaped cross-sectional shape. In addition, a plurality of gripper mounting grooves 231 may be provided on the lower part of the 'C'-shaped inner surface of the frame along the longitudinal direction of the frame, arranged more than the number of cell pick-up grippers 220 .

For example, the gripper installation groove 231 may be formed in a trapezoidal shape. In this case, lower ends of both sides of the cell pick-up gripper 220 in the longitudinal direction of the mounting bar 220a may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the gripper mounting groove 231 .

The pick-up unit support 230 may be provided to be able to move up and down. For example, the upper frame, the lower frame, and the vertical frame may be installed to be connected through the first connection structure 40 on both sides of the elevating frame 30 installed inside the main body portion 60 configured in a square arrangement. And, by elevating the elevating frame 30 through a driving means for elevating the elevating frame 30, for example, a ball screw (not shown), the pair of pick-up support parts 230 may be configured to be moved up and down. there is.

In addition, the pick-up unit support 230 may be installed to be horizontally movable. For example, a first cylinder device 50 mounted on a bottom surface of the elevating frame 30 and connected to a first connection structure 40 connecting the pick-up part support 230 to the elevating frame 30 It may be configured to be horizontally movable through. According to the horizontal movement, the pair of pick-up part supports 230 may come into close contact with both ends of the mounting bar 220a of the plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220 or may be spaced apart from each other.

The holder movable control part 240 is disposed above the holder movable part support part 224 to manipulate the lifting and lowering of the holder movable part 223 .

For example, the holder movable control part 240 is disposed above the holder movable part support 224, presses the holder movable part support 224 in a vertical direction, and then removes the holder movable part support 224 from the holder movable part support 224 so that the holder movable part support 224 returns by itself. It can be driven remotely.

For example, the holder movable control part 240 may include a pressing member 241 disposed above the holder movable part support part 224 and a lift driving device 242 for lifting the pressing member 241 .

The pressing member 241 may be disposed above the pressing cap 2244 of the holder movable part support part 224, and may be lowered and raised by the lifting and lowering driving device 242. For example, the pressing member 241 may be provided in a plate or block shape, and may have a length capable of pressing the entirety of the plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220 arranged in one direction.

The lift drive device 242 is located above the pressing member 241 and may be configured as, for example, a cylinder device.

The pair of pickup holder horizontal movement device 250 may horizontally move the two secondary battery pickup holders 220b mounted on the mounting bar 220a. For example, each pickup holder horizontal movement device 250 may include a pair of holder contact members 251 and a horizontal movement driving device 252 .

Each of the pair of holder contact members 251 may be provided in the form of a beam having a U-shaped cross-section, and the longitudinal direction of the beam is disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220. and connected to upper ends of the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 of the holder unit 222 of each secondary battery pickup holder 220b.

The horizontal movement driving device 252 is connected to the second connection structure 2521 connected to the pair of holder contact members 251 and the second connection structure 2521, so that the second connection structure 2521 and the A horizontal moving means 2522 for horizontally moving the pair of holder contact members 251 may be included.

The shape of the second connection structure 2521 is not particularly limited. For example, the vertical connection members 2521a connected to the pair of holder contact members 251 and the upper ends of the vertical connection members 2521a. It may include a horizontal plate (2521b) connected to. In addition, two or more second connection structures 2521 may be provided and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the pair of holder contact members 251 .

There is no particular limitation on the shape of the horizontal moving unit 2522. For example, the two or more second connection structures 2521 are connected to each horizontal plate 2521b and the arrangement of the plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220 A horizontal frame (2522a) disposed parallel to the direction, an LM guide (2522B) connected to the horizontal plate (2521b) and guiding the horizontal movement of the pair of holder contact members (251), the horizontal frame (2522a) It may include a ball screw 2522c connected to horizontally move the horizontal frame. The LM guide 2522B and the ball screw 2522c may be installed on the elevating frame 30.

Hereinafter, a formation system using a secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

12 is a view showing the configuration of a formation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged perspective view for explaining the configuration of a secondary battery charging and discharging unit of the formation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, 14a and 14b are perspective views showing the entire appearance of the secondary battery charging/discharging unit shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged perspective view for explaining the link assembly shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 16 is shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the gripper unit shown in FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the electrode contact module shown in FIG. 16. 19 is a combined perspective view of FIG. 17 , FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the dummy cell unit shown in FIG. 12 , and FIG. 21 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing how the dummy cell unit shown in FIG. 20 is installed.

12 to 21, the formation system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100, a secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit 200, and a secondary battery cell presence detection sensor 300. can include

The secondary battery charging/discharging unit 100 may include a plurality of compression plates 111 , a plurality of gripper units 120 , and a plurality of dummy cell units 130 .

The plurality of compression plates 111 pressurize the secondary battery cells 20 to prevent swelling that may occur during charging and discharging of the secondary battery cells 20 . The swelling refers to a phenomenon in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate swell due to expansion or gas generation during the charging and discharging process of the secondary battery cell 20 .

Each compression plate 111 faces each other and is spaced apart from each other to provide a cell insertion space 112 into which the secondary battery cell 20 is inserted within the distance, and the cell insertion space 112 is narrowed or Each compression plate 111 is configured to move in a direction facing each other. The secondary battery cell 20 inserted into the cell insertion space 112 may be pressurized or released through an operation of narrowing or widening the gap between the compression plates 111 .

For example, for the movement of the plurality of compression plates 111, the plurality of shafts movably along the plurality of shafts 11 and 12 extending in the arrangement direction of the plurality of compression plates 111 on the left and right sides A first pressure plate 14 coupled to (11, 12) and a second pressure plate 15 positioned in front of the first pressure plate 14, a first fixing positioned behind the first pressure plate 14 A plate 13, a second fixing plate 16 located on the opposite side of the first pressure plate 14, gears 17 connected to one end of the plurality of shafts 11 and 12, and the gear 17 ), and a plurality of compression plates 111 are located between the second pressure plate 15 and the second fixing plate 16, and the first pressure As the plate 14 and the second pressure plate 15 move forward and backward along the plurality of shafts 11 and 12, the distance between the plurality of compression plates 111 may be narrowed or widened.

Here, the plurality of shafts 11 and 12 are coupled to the first fixing plate 13 and the second fixing plate 16 and have a plurality of threads formed along a portion of the length in the direction of the first pressing plate 13. A plurality of second shafts 12 coupled to the first shaft 11, the first fixing plate 13, and the second fixing plate 16 and guiding the movement of the second pressing plate 14 are included. can do.

In this case, the plurality of compression plates 111 may be provided with shaft coupling parts 113 for being coupled to the plurality of second shafts 12 on both sides, and the shaft coupling parts 113 have the plurality of A plurality of shaft holes 114 coupled to the second shaft 12 may be provided.

On the other hand, each compression plate 111 may be further moved through a plurality of link assemblies 140 are guided and a distance between each other is maintained.

The plurality of link assemblies 140 may be connected between the respective compression plates 111 in parallel with the moving direction of the plurality of compression plates 111 . For example, each link assembly 140 may include a first link connection shaft 141, a second link connection shaft 142, and a guide link 143.

The first link shaft 141 is at the ends of both left and right sides of the shaft coupling part 113 of one of the two compression plates 111 facing each other in the arrangement of the plurality of compression plates 111. can be combined At this time, the first link connecting shaft 141 may be provided in plurality at each end by being located at the upper and lower ends of the left and right sides of the shaft coupling part 113, respectively.

The second linking shaft 142 faces the first linking shaft 141 of the two compression plates 111 facing each other in the arrangement of the plurality of compression plates 111 and the compression plate 111 coupled thereto. It is coupled to the ends of the left and right sides of the shaft coupling part 113 of the compression plate 111, and is coupled to be positioned on the first link shaft 141 and the copper line, and may be adjacent to the first link shaft 141. there is. At this time, the second link connecting shaft 142 may be provided in plurality at the upper and lower ends of each of the left and right sides of the shaft coupling part 113 and at each end.

The guide link 143 may have a length greater than or equal to the thickness of the secondary battery cell 20, and include a first shaft coupling hole 1431 formed on one side in the longitudinal direction and the other side in the longitudinal direction, that is, the first shaft coupling hole ( 1431), a certain length along the length of the guide link 143, that is, a length shorter than the total length of the guide link 143 and longer than the moving distance at which the compression plates 111 can compress the secondary battery cell 20 It may include a second shaft coupling hole 1432 extending to . These guide links 143 may be connected between the two compression plates 111 facing each other, that is, between the ends of the left and right sides of the shaft coupling portion 113 of each of the two compression plates 111 . At this time, the first shaft coupling hole 1431 of the guide link 143 is coupled to either one of the first link connecting shaft 141 and the second link connecting shaft 142, and the second shaft coupling hole 1432 is It may be coupled to the other one of the first link shaft 141 and the second link shaft 142.

The guide link 143 has a first link connecting shaft 141 or a second link connecting shaft 142 coupled to the second shaft coupling hole 1432 when the spacing of the compression plates 111 is narrowed or widened. Through the process of moving along the two shaft coupling holes 1432, the movement of the compression plates 111 is guided, and the spacing between the compression plates 111 can be maintained.

The plurality of gripper units 120 contact electrode leads 21 of the pouch-type secondary battery cell 20 inserted into the cell insertion space 112 to apply current to the secondary battery cell 20 or detect voltage. play a role

The plurality of gripper units 120 are mounted on each compression plate 111 and move together with each compression plate 111, and the electrode leads of the secondary battery cells 20 inserted into the cell insertion space 112 ( 21) is provided to contact. To this end, the gripper units 120 are mounted on the compression plate 111 so as to be disposed on both ends of the compression plate 111, and at this time, the position of each gripper unit 120 is the electrode lead of the secondary battery cell 20 ( 21) It is determined according to the position and can face the electrode lead 21 of the secondary battery cell 20 inserted into the cell insertion space 112, and when moving so that the gap between each compression plate 111 is narrowed together It can move and come into contact with the electrode lead 21 .

For example, each gripper unit 120 may include a sliding block 121 , a first contact plate 122 , a second contact plate 123 , and an electrode contact module 124 .

The sliding block 121 may be supported on the upper end of the compression plate 111 so as to slide along the length of the upper end of the compression plate 111 . For example, the upper end of the compression plate 111 may be configured in the form of an LM guide rail, and the lower end of the sliding block 121 may be configured in the form of a slidable LM block seated on the LM guide rail. Accordingly, the sliding block 121 may slide left and right along the upper end of the compression plate 111 .

In addition, the sliding block 121 includes a first inclined surface 1211 and a second inclined surface 1212, the first inclined surface 1211 and the second inclined surface 1212 are side surfaces facing the compression plate 111 and slide. It may be formed inclined upward from a point close to the bottom of the block 121 . The first inclined surface 1211 and the second inclined surface 1212 allow the secondary battery cell 20 to easily enter the cell insertion space 112 .

The first contact plate 122 may have a certain length, and first sliding grooves 1221 may be formed on left and right sides parallel to the length direction. The first contact plate 122 has an upper end coupled to either side of both sides of the sliding block 121, that is, both side surfaces where the first inclined surface 1211 and the second inclined surface 1212 are located, so that the sliding block 121 ), and may extend vertically downward from, and may have first sliding grooves 1221 formed at both ends parallel to the longitudinal direction. For example, the first contact plate 122 may be disposed below the first inclined surface 1211 .

The second contact plate 123 has a certain length, and second sliding grooves (not shown) may be formed on left and right sides parallel to the length direction. The second contact plate 123 has an upper end coupled to the other side of both sides of the sliding block 121, that is, both sides where the first inclined surface 1211 and the second inclined surface 1212 are located, and the sliding block 121 ) to face the first contact plate 122, and second sliding grooves may be formed at both ends parallel to the longitudinal direction. For example, the second contact plate 123 may be disposed below the second inclined surface 1212 .

The first contact plate 122 and the second contact plate 123 are spaced apart from each other so that an empty space exists between them, and a portion of the compression plate 111 is inserted into the empty space to form the first contact plate 122. And the second contact plate 123 may be supported on the front and rear surfaces of the compression plate 111, respectively.

When the secondary battery cell 20 is inserted into the cell insertion space 112, the electrode contact module 124 contacts the electrode lead 21 of the secondary battery cell 20 to apply current to the secondary battery cell 20 and It is configured to detect the voltage of the secondary battery cell 20 .

For example, the electrode contact module 124 includes a support plate 1241, a spacer 1243, a copper plate mounting plate 1244, a voltage copper plate 1245, a current copper plate 1246, a cable connection block 1247, and a tab plate. (1248).

The support plate 1241 may have a length equal to or less than the length of the first contact plate 122, and a plurality of pressure springs 1242 disposed within a range of a partial length of the support plate 1241 may be provided on one side of the support plate 1241. , Pillar-shaped bolt fastening parts 1241a having a length shorter than the height of the pressure springs 1242 may be provided on the upper and lower portions of one surface on which the plurality of pressure springs 1242 are disposed. Both ends of the support plate 1241 parallel to the longitudinal direction may be inserted along the first sliding groove 1221 of the first contact plate 122 and coupled to the front surface of the first contact plate 122 . At this time, the plurality of pressure springs 1242 may protrude toward the opposite direction of the first contact plate 122 .

The spacer 1243 may have a length corresponding to the length of the support plate 1241 and may be supported by the plurality of pressure springs 1242 .

The copper plate mounting plate 1244 includes a copper plate accommodating portion 1244a in the form of a square groove or hole accommodating the voltage copper plate 1245 and the current copper plate 1246, and has a length corresponding to the length of the spacer 1243. can have any length.

The voltage copper plate 1245 has a width smaller than the width of the copper plate accommodating part 1244a and a length corresponding to the length of the copper plate accommodating part 1244a, and can be accommodated in the copper plate accommodating part 1244a, and the cell It may come into contact with the electrode lead 21 of the secondary battery cell 20 inserted into the insertion space 112 . A cable for sensing a voltage may be connected to the voltage copper plate 1245 .

The current copper plate 1246 has a width smaller than that of the copper plate accommodating part 1244a and a length corresponding to the length of the copper plate accommodating part 1244a, and is accommodated in the copper plate accommodating part 1244a to form the voltage copper plate 1245. ), and may come into contact with the electrode lead 21 of the secondary battery cell 20 inserted into the cell insertion space 112 .

The cable connection block 1247 is coupled to the lower portion of the current copper plate 1246, and cables (not shown) for applying current may be connected.

The tab plate 1248 may have a length equal to or less than the length of the second contact plate 123, and both ends parallel to the longitudinal direction are slidably coupled to the second sliding groove and coupled to the second contact plate 123. And, the electrode lead 21 of the secondary battery cell 20 inserted into the cell insertion space 112 can be pressed.

Meanwhile, each of the gripper units 120 may further include an opening/closing cover 1249.

The opening/closing cover 1249 may be coupled to the sliding block 121 to be disposed above the electrode contact module 124 . At this time, the opening/closing cover 1249 is rotatably coupled to the sliding block 121, and in a state of being coupled to the sliding block 121, the lower end may be supported on the upper end of the copper plate mounting plate 1244.

The opening/closing cover 1249 rotates upward from the upper part of the gripper unit 120 to open the upper part of the electrode contact module 124, and according to this opening, the upper part of the gripper unit 120 rotates the electrode contact module 124 ) can be separated.

The plurality of dummy cell units 130 may include a connection bracket 131 , a cell moving unit 132 , and a dummy cell 133 .

The connection bracket 131 is connected to the lower end of the compression plate 111. For example, the connection bracket 131 may include a horizontal plate 1311 fixed to the lower end of the compression plate 111 and a vertical plate 1312 vertically bent from the horizontal plate 1311 .

The cell moving unit 132 is provided to move the dummy cell 133 . For example, the cell moving means 132 may be configured as a rotary cylinder. The rotary cylinder is mounted on the vertical plate 1312 of the connecting bracket 131, and at this time, the rotation shaft 1321 may protrude in the opposite direction of the vertical plate 1312.

The dummy cell 133 may have a thickness equal to or greater than that of the secondary battery cell 20 , and may be coupled to the rotary shaft 1321 of the rotary cylinder and disposed below the cell insertion space 112 . The dummy cell 133 may be inserted into the cell insertion space 112 when the insertion of the secondary battery cell 20 is omitted when the plurality of secondary battery cells 20 are inserted into the cell insertion space 112. . The movement of the dummy cell 133 may be inserted into the cell insertion space 112 by rotation of the rotating shaft 1321 of the rotary cylinder.

The secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit 200 may include a plurality of mounting bar seating blocks 210 , a plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220 , and a pair of pick-up part supporters 230 .

Since the plurality of mounting bars 210, the plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220, and the pair of pick-up part supporters 230 have been described in detail above, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. An example of the installation structure of the plurality of unmounted mounting bar seating blocks 210 will be described.

For example, the plurality of mounting bar seating blocks 210 are arranged in plurality along the arrangement direction of the plurality of compression plates 111, and at the top of the cell insertion space 112 in the longitudinal direction of the cell insertion space 112. Shaft connection jigs 310 installed on the left and right sides of the upper surfaces of the first fixing plate 13 and the second fixing plate 16 of the secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100, respectively, to be disposed on both sides, A plurality of block connection shafts 320 connected to the shaft connection jigs 310 facing each other in the arrangement direction of the compression plate 111 of the shaft coupling portion 113 disposed on both sides of each compression plate 111 Position alignment blocks 330 may be installed on the upper surface of and align each of the mounting bar seating blocks 210 to both sides of each cell insertion space 112 .

The shaft connection jig 310 may be in the form of a square block protruding upward from the upper surfaces of the first fixing plate 13 and the second fixing plate 16, and the block connecting shaft 320 is in the center of the square block. ) may be formed, and may include a shaft guide rod 312 penetrating the square hole 311 from the upper surface of the square block.

Both ends of each of the plurality of block connection shafts 320 are inserted into the square holes 311 of each shaft connection jig 310, and at this time, the shaft guide rod 312 penetrates the block connection shaft 320 Both ends of the block connection shaft 320 are coupled to respective shaft guide rods 312 and may be moved up and down along the height direction of the shaft guide rod 312 .

The mounting bar mounting blocks 210 may be coupled to each of the plurality of block connecting shafts 320 and arranged along the arrangement direction of the compression plate 111 .

The alignment block 330 may be provided in the form of a square block protruding from the upper surface of the shaft coupling part 113, and one surface of the square block may be disposed to protrude into the cell insertion space 112. A block alignment shaft 340 can be movably coupled to one surface protruding into the cell insertion space 112, and the upper end of the block alignment shaft 340 is coupled to the block connection shaft 320. 210), the mounting bar seating block 210 may be aligned on both sides of each cell insertion space 112.

Meanwhile, the height of each mounting bar seating block 210 may be adjustable according to the installation structure of the mounting bar seating block 210 . That is, both ends of each block connection shaft 320 are coupled to the shaft guide rod 312 to be able to move up and down, and since each mounting bar mounting block 210 is coupled to the shaft guide rod 312, each When the block connection shaft 320 is raised and lowered, it can be moved in the height direction within the square hole 311 of the shaft connection jig 310 along the shaft guide rod 312, and at this time, each mounting bar mounting block 210 ) is lifted along the block connection shaft 320, at this time, each mounting bar mounting block 210 is lifted together with the block alignment shaft 340, and the block alignment shaft 340 is coupled to the position alignment block 330 Therefore, it can be raised and lowered without changing the position.

When the secondary battery cell presence detection sensor 300 is installed in the secondary battery cell pickup unit 200, it can detect whether or not the secondary battery cell 20 is picked up in each of the secondary battery pickup units 210, , If the pick-up of the secondary battery cell 20 is omitted, an error signal may be output.

For example, the secondary battery cell presence detection sensor 300 is installed close to the cell insertion space 112 of the secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100 to detect the presence or absence of the secondary battery cell 20 in the cell insertion space 112. The detection signal output from the secondary battery cell presence detection sensor 300 may be input to the cell moving means 132 of the dummy cell unit 130. For example, the secondary battery cell presence detection sensor 300 may be mounted on the dummy cell 133 .

22 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit shown in FIG. 12 is moved over the secondary battery charging and discharging unit after picking up the secondary battery cells, and FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit shown in FIG. 22 A perspective view showing a state in which the cell pickup gripper descends and inserts a secondary battery cell into the cell insertion space, FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which the secondary battery cell is inserted into the cell insertion space, and FIG. 25 is a secondary battery shown in FIG. 13 FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a state in which compression plates of a battery charge/discharge unit pressurize secondary battery cells, FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a state in which a dummy cell of a dummy cell unit is inserted into a cell insertion space, and FIG. 27 is a secondary battery charge/discharge unit It is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which the dummy cell and the secondary battery cell of are pressed.

Hereinafter, a process for activating a secondary battery cell in the formation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 27 .

First, the positions of the gripper units 120 are set at the upper end of the compression plate 111 according to the length of the secondary battery cell 20 to be subjected to the activation process. At this time, the distance between the two gripper units 120 disposed symmetrically with each other at the upper end of one compression plate 111 is the electrode lead 21 on both sides of the secondary battery cell 20 to be inserted into the cell insertion space 112 It is set at a distance that can be in contact with.

In addition, the distance between the two secondary battery pick-up holders 220b mounted on the holding bar 220a of each cell pick-up gripper 220 is less than or equal to the width of the secondary battery cell 20 to be inserted into the cell insertion space 112. set at intervals of At this time, the distance between the two secondary battery pickup holders 220b may be set through the pair of pickup holder horizontal movement devices 250.

That is, when the horizontal movement means 2522 of the horizontal movement driving device 252, for example, the ball screw 2522c is driven, the first holder 2221 and the second holder of each secondary battery pick-up holder 220b A pair of holder contact members 251 connected to 2222 and a second connection structure 1521 connected to each holder contact member 251 move horizontally along the LM guide 2522B, so that two secondary battery pick-up holders The interval between (220b) may be adjusted.

Subsequently, the secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit 200 picks up the secondary battery cells 20 from the top of the loading unit 400 where the plurality of secondary battery cells 20 are stacked.

In this process, first, the lifting driving device 242 of the holder movable control unit 240 is driven to lower the pressing member 241, and the lowered pressing member 241 is the pressing cap 2244 of the holder movable part support 224 ) is pressed, and when the pressing cap 2244 is pressed, the pressing cap 2244 and the elevating shaft 2243 descend to press down the movable block 2231 of the holder movable part 223 connected to the elevating shaft 2243, At this time, the return spring 2245 is contracted between the upper surface of the pressing cap 2244 and the shaft guide block 2242, and the first connecting link 2232 and the second connecting link 2233 together with the movable block 2231 that is lowered While descending, the first link connection part 2221c of the first holder 2221 and the second link connection part 2222c of the second holder 2222 are pushed so that the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 are first The first gripping surface 2221a of the first holder 2221 and the second gripping surface 2222a of the second holder 2222 are spaced apart from each other by rotating them away from each other around the hinge shaft 2223, so that the secondary battery cell ( 20) to be picked up.

In this state, the pick-up part supporter 230 descends to lower the plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220 supported by the pick-up part supporter 230 . At this time, the plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220 descend to a position where each of the secondary battery pick-up holders 220b can pick up the secondary battery cells 20 . That is, each secondary battery pick-up holder 220b descends to a position where the pouch exterior 22 of the secondary battery cell 20 can be gripped.

In this lowered state, the pressing member 241 of the holder movable control part 240 is raised to separate the pressing member 241 from the pressing cap 2244 of the holder movable part support part 224, and the return spring contracted accordingly. As 2245 is returned, the lifting shaft 2243 rises, the movable block 2231 rises along the lifting shaft 2243, and the movable block 2231 rises to form the first connection link 2232 and the second connection The link 2233 rises while being pulled, and as a result, the first link connection part 2221c of the first holder 2221 and the second link connection part 2222c of the second holder 2222 are pulled, and the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 is rotated so that the first gripping surface 2221a of the first holder 2221 and the second gripping surface 2222a of the second holder 2222 are connected to the secondary battery cell ( 20) grips the upper part of the pouch exterior material 22.

In this way, after each secondary battery pickup holder 220b picks up the secondary battery cell 20, the pickup unit support 230 and each secondary battery pickup holder 220b rise, and then the secondary battery pickup and transfer unit 200 ) moves to the top of the secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100.

The secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit 200 that has moved to the top of the secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100 transfers each picked-up secondary battery cell 20 to each cell of the secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100 as shown in FIG. 22 . It is arranged above the insertion space 112.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 23 , the pick-up part support part 230 is lowered to lower each cell pick-up gripper 220 . The mounting bar 220a of each cell pickup gripper 220 that is lowered is seated on two mounting bar seating blocks 210 disposed on both sides of each cell insertion space 112 . At this time, the upper end of the mounting bar seating block 210 is inserted into the block insertion grooves 2211 on both sides of the mounting bar 220a, and the supporting shaft 2212 of the mounting bar 220a is the mounting bar seating block 210 It is inserted into and supported on the installation groove 211 on the upper surface of the. At this time, each holder movable part support part 224 pulls the lifting shaft 2243 upward by the return spring 2245, and this lifting shaft 2243 pulls the movable block 2231 upward to the first holder ( 2221) and the second holder 2222 are in close proximity, that is, the first gripping surface 2221a of the first holder 2221 of each secondary battery pickup holder 220b and the second gripping surface of the second holder 2222 A state where 2222a is holding the secondary battery cell 20 may be maintained.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 24 , the electrode lead 21 of the secondary battery cell 20 inserted into the cell insertion space 112 is among the two compression plates 111 adjacent to each other with the cell insertion space 112 interposed therebetween. It is located between the gripper units 120 mounted on one compression plate 111 and the gripper units 120 mounted on the other compression plate 111 .

In this way, when each cell pick-up gripper 220 is seated on the mounting bar mounting blocks 210, the pick-up part support 230 is spaced apart from both ends of the holding bar 220a of each cell pick-up gripper 220 and then rises. can do.

Next, the secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100 is inserted into the cell insertion space 112 by each cell pick-up gripper 220 seated on each mounting bar seating block 210 and is maintained. A charging and discharging process of the secondary battery cell 20 is performed by compressing the secondary battery cell 20 .

For compression of each secondary battery cell 20, first, the driving motor 17 is operated to advance the first pressure plate 13 and the second pressure plate 14 along the plurality of shafts 11 and 12, As a result, as shown in FIG. 25 , the compression plates 111 are moved to narrow the gap between the compression plates 111 , so that the plurality of compression plates 111 press the secondary battery cell 20 .

Accordingly, the body of each secondary battery cell 20 is compressed by the two compression plates 111, and the electrode lead 21 contacts the gripper unit 120 mounted on each of the two compression plates 111. do.

At this time, one surface of the electrode lead 21 is in contact with the voltage copper plate 1245 and the current copper plate 1246 of any one gripper unit 120 of the two gripper units 120 facing each other, and the electrode lead 21 The other surface of is pressed between the two gripper units 120 facing each other in contact with the tab plate 1248 of the other gripper unit 120 . In this state, the voltage copper plate 1245 and the current copper plate 1246 in contact with the electrode lead 21 pass through the pressure spring 1242 provided on the support plate 1241 of the electrode contact module 124 to the electrode lead ( 21), and accordingly, the state in which the voltage copper plate 1245 and the current copper plate 1246 are in contact with the electrode lead 21 can be stably maintained.

In the process of compressing the secondary battery cells 20, the secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit 200 should transport the secondary battery cells 20 according to the number of cell insertion spaces 112 between the plurality of compression plates 111. During the work process in the loading unit 400 where the secondary battery cells 20 are prepared prior to the pick-up error of the cell pick-up and transfer unit 200 or the pick-up of the secondary battery cells 20 through the cell pick-up and transfer unit 200 An error of missing loading of the secondary battery cells 20 may occur, and this error leads to missing insertion of the secondary battery cells 20 to be inserted into the cell insertion spaces 112 between the respective compression plates 111 .

Omission of insertion of the secondary battery cell 20 in the cell insertion space 112 between the respective compression plates 111 due to this error can be detected through the cell presence detection sensor 300 .

That is, when the secondary battery cell 20 transported through the secondary battery cell pick-up and transfer unit 200 is inserted into the cell insertion space 112 between the respective compression plates 111, the cell presence detection sensor 300 One or a plurality of cell presence detection sensors 300 that determine whether or not there is a secondary battery cell 20 in each cell insertion space 112 and detect omission of the secondary battery cell 20 output an error signal, The cell unit 130 inserts the dummy cell 133 into the cell insertion space 112 corresponding to the position of the cell presence detection sensor 300 that outputs the error signal. At this time, in the dummy cell unit 130, the rotary cylinder is driven to rotate the rotating shaft 1321 to rotate the dummy cell 133 in the direction of the cell insertion space 112 to insert the dummy cell 133 as shown in FIG. 26. It can be inserted into space 112 . This process is performed when the secondary battery cell 20 is inserted into the cell insertion space 112 before each compression plate 111 presses the secondary battery cell 20 .

In this way, after the dummy cell 133 is inserted into the cell insertion space 112 where the insertion of the secondary battery cell 20 is omitted, it is moved to narrow the gap between the respective compression plates 111, and as shown in FIG. The compression plate 111 presses the secondary battery cell 20, and at this time, the dummy cell 133 is also compressed.

In this process, since the dummy cell 133 is located in the cell insertion space 112 where the insertion of the secondary battery cell 20 is omitted, the insertion of the secondary battery cell 20 is difficult in the process of pressurizing the secondary battery cell 20. Even in the case of missing, a gap between the two compression plates 111 with the dummy cells 133 interposed therebetween can be maintained by the dummy cells 133 .

In the formation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the secondary battery cells 20 inserted into each cell insertion space 112 of the secondary battery charge and discharge unit 100 Since the inserted state of the secondary battery cells 20 is maintained by the plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220, each of the secondary battery cells 20 inserted into the cell insertion space 112 is placed between the compression plates 111. The bags previously used for holding can be omitted.

In addition, since the secondary battery cells 20 for which the charge/discharge test has been completed can be maintained while being gripped by the plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220, the process of holding the secondary battery cells 20 again is omitted and the secondary battery cells 20 for which the charge/discharge test has been completed are omitted. Transfer of the battery cells 20 may be facilitated.

In addition, as the insertion of the secondary battery cell 20 is omitted in the process of pressurizing the secondary battery cell 20, collision between the compression plates 111 can be prevented, and thus collision between the compression plates 111 can be prevented. There is an advantage in that the compression plates 111 and parts related to the movement of the compression plates 111 can be prevented from being damaged, and the secondary battery cell 20 can always be stably operated during a charge/discharge test process.

In addition, each gripper unit 120 opens the top of the electrode contact module 124 when the opening/closing cover 1249 disposed above the electrode contact module 124 is rotated upward, so that the top of the gripper unit 120 Withdrawal and insertion of the electrode contact module 124 are easy, and thus maintenance of the gripper unit 120 is facilitated.

The description of the presented embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to use or practice the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments presented herein, but is to be construed in the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features presented herein.

Claims (16)

A cell pick-up gripper for picking up and transporting secondary battery cells 20 to a secondary battery charging/discharging unit that charges and discharges secondary battery cells 20 in a formation system that performs a secondary battery activation process,
Mounting bar (220a); and
It is characterized in that it includes a secondary battery pickup holder (220b) mounted on the holder bar (220a) to pick up the secondary battery cell (20),
The mounting bar 220a,
Block insertion grooves 2211 formed in a concave shape at both ends of the mounting bar 220a; and
Characterized in that it has a support shaft 2212 disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mounting bar 220a in the block insertion groove 2211,
Cell pick-up gripper. According to claim 1,
Two secondary battery pick-up holders 220b are mounted on the mounting bar 220a,
Each secondary battery pickup holder 220b,
a holder unit 222 including a first holder 2221 and a second holder 2222 whose ends are in contact with or spaced apart from each other by rotating about the first hinge shaft 2223 coupled to the upper end; and
It is hinged to the upper ends of the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222, and the upper ends of the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 are pulled up or pushed down to the first holder 2221 and a holder movable part 223 for rotating the second holder 2222,
Cell pick-up gripper. According to claim 2,
Each of the secondary battery pick-up holders 220b,
The upper part of the holder movable part 223 is connected to the holder movable part 223 to maintain the holder movable part 223 at a position where the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 come into contact with each other, and moves up and down. Characterized in that it further comprises a holder movable part support 224, which is possible and configured to be self-returnable after lowering.
Cell pick-up gripper. According to claim 2,
Characterized in that each of the secondary battery pick-up holders 220b is slidably provided along the longitudinal direction of the mounting bar 220a.
Cell pick-up gripper. In the formation system, the secondary battery cells 20 are transferred to the cell insertion space 112 of the secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100 including a plurality of compression plates 111 arranged to sandwich the cell insertion space 112 therebetween. and a device for insertion,
A plurality of mounting bar seating blocks 210 arranged along the arrangement direction of the plurality of compression plates 111 and disposed on both sides of the cell insertion space 112 in the longitudinal direction at the top of the cell insertion space 112 );
a plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220 including a holding bar 220a and secondary battery pick-up holders 220b mounted on the holding bar 220a to pick up the secondary battery cells 20; and
It includes a pair of pick-up part support parts 230 provided to support both ends of the holding bar 220a of each of the plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220 and to be able to move up and down,
The plurality of cell pick-up grippers 220 and the pick-up part support part 230 are configured to reciprocate between the loading part 400 on which the secondary battery cells 20 are placed and the secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100,
The secondary battery cells 20 are picked up by the secondary battery pick-up holders 220b of each cell pick-up gripper 220 in the loading part 400 where the secondary battery cells 20 are placed, and the secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100 ) to move to the top of the secondary battery cell 20 and pick up each of the secondary battery cells 20 by placing the holding bar 220a of each cell pick-up gripper 220 on the holding bar seating block 210. Inserted into the cell insertion space 112,
Secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit of the formation system. According to claim 5,
Two secondary battery pick-up holders 220b are mounted on the mounting bar 220a,
Each secondary battery pickup holder 220b,
a holder unit 222 including a first holder 2221 and a second holder 2222 whose ends are in contact with or spaced apart from each other by rotating about the first hinge shaft 2223 coupled to the upper end; and
It is hinged to the upper ends of the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222, and the upper ends of the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 are pulled up or pushed down to the first holder 2221 and a holder movable part 223 for rotating the second holder 2222,
The secondary battery cell pick-up and transfer unit 200 is disposed above the holder movable part 223 and includes a holder movable control unit 240 for manipulating the lifting and lowering operations of the holder movable unit 223. Characterized in that ,
Secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit of the formation system. According to claim 6,
Each of the secondary battery pick-up holders 220b,
The upper part of the holder movable part 223 is connected to the holder movable part 223 to maintain the holder movable part 223 at a position where the first holder 2221 and the second holder 2222 come into contact with each other, and moves up and down. Further comprising a holder movable part support 224, which is possible and configured to be self-returnable after lowering,
The holder movable control part 240 is disposed above the holder movable part support part 224 and presses the holder movable part support part 224 in a vertical direction so that the holder movable part support part 224 returns to itself. ) characterized in that it is driven away from,
Secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit of the formation system. According to claim 7,
Each of the secondary battery pick-up holders 220b is a secondary battery in a state in which the holding bar 220a is seated on the two holding bar seating blocks 210 disposed on both sides of the cell insertion space 112 in the longitudinal direction. Characterized in maintaining the pick-up state of the cell 20,
Secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit of the formation system. According to claim 6,
Characterized in that the two secondary battery pick-up holders 220b on the mounting bar 220a are slidably provided along the longitudinal direction of the mounting bar 220a.
Secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit of the formation system. According to claim 5,
Characterized in that the plurality of mounting bar seating blocks 210 are configured to have a variable height,
Secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit of the formation system. The secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit 200 of claim 5; and
A plurality of compression plates 111 disposed facing each other with the cell insertion space 112 interposed therebetween and movably installed so as to narrow the distance from each other, mounted on each compression plate 111, each compression plate 111 ) Including a secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100 including a plurality of gripper units 120 movably installed together with
formation system. According to claim 11,
The secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100,
A dummy cell unit 130 including dummy cells 133 having a thickness equal to or greater than that of the secondary battery cells 20 and movably installed in and out of the cell insertion space 112;
The system,
It is installed in the secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100 or the secondary battery pick-up and transfer unit 200, and whether or not the secondary battery cell 20 is picked up by each cell pick-up gripper 210 or the secondary battery cell ( 20) is inserted into the cell insertion space 112, the presence or absence of the secondary battery cell 20 in each cell insertion space 112 is detected, and when the pickup of the secondary battery cell 20 is omitted or the cell Further comprising a plurality of secondary battery cell presence detection sensors 300 outputting an error signal when the insertion of the secondary battery cell 20 is omitted in the insertion space 112,
Characterized in that the dummy cell unit 130 is configured to insert the dummy cell 133 into a position of the cell insertion space 112 corresponding to the position of the cell presence detection sensor 300 at which the error signal is output.
formation system. According to claim 12,
The secondary battery charge/discharge unit 100,
Connected between the gripper units 120 so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the moving direction of the plurality of compression plates 111 to guide the movement of the plurality of compression plates 111 and the plurality of gripper units 120 And characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of link assemblies 140 for maintaining the interval,
formation system. According to claim 13,
Each of the link assemblies 140,
A first link shaft 141 coupled to the ends of both left and right sides of any one of the two pressing plates 111 facing each other;
The second linking shaft 142 coupled to the ends of the left and right sides of the other of the two pressing plates 111 facing each other and located on the first linking shaft 141 and the copper wire ); and
The compression plate ( 111) characterized in that it includes a guide link 143 including a second shaft coupling hole 1432 extending to a length longer than the moving distance capable of compressing the secondary battery cell 20,
formation system. According to claim 11,
Each of the gripper units 120,
a sliding block 121 supported on an upper end of the compression plate 111 to slide along the length of the upper end of the compression plate 111; and
A voltage copper plate 1245 and a current copper plate 1246 disposed on one side of the sliding block 121 and contacting the electrode lead 21 of the secondary battery cell 20 inserted into the cell insertion space 112 Characterized in that it comprises an electrode contact module 124 to
formation system. According to claim 15,
Each of the gripper units 120 is rotatably coupled to the sliding block 121 so as to be disposed above the electrode contact module 124, and rotates upward to open the upper direction of the electrode contact module 124. Characterized in that it further comprises an opening and closing cover (1249),
formation system.