Patent Description:
In general, according to a shape of a battery case, battery cells are classified into cylindrical type battery cells in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a cylindrical metal can, prismatic battery cells in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a prismatic metal can, and pouch type battery cells in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch type case of an aluminum laminate sheet. Due to the recent trend toward miniaturization of mobile devices, the demand for prismatic battery cells and pouch type battery cells having thin thicknesses is increasing, and particularly, the pouch type battery cells, of which a shape is easily changeable and which are light-weight, have attracted attention.

An electrode assembly embedded in a battery case is a chargeable and dischargeable power generating device which has a stacked structure of positive electrode/negative electrode/separator. Electrode assemblies are classified into jelly-roll type electrode assemblies in which a separator is interposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, each of which is provided in the form of a long sheet coated with an active material, and then the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode are wound, and stacked type electrode assemblies in which a plurality of positive and negative electrodes, which are formed in a certain size, are sequentially stacked with separators interposed therebetween.

As an electrode assembly having a more advanced structure of a mixed form of the jelly-roll type electrode assembly and the stack type electrode assembly, a stack/folding type electrode assembly in which a full cell or a bicell which has a certain unit size is folded using a long continuous separator film has been developed, wherein the full cell has a positive electrode/separator/negative electrode structure, and the bicell has a positive electrode (negative electrode)/separator/negative electrode (positive electrode)/separator/positive electrode (negative electrode) structure.

In addition, in order to improve processability of a conventional stack type electrode assembly and satisfy the demand for various types of rechargeable batteries, a lamination/stack type electrode assembly having a structure formed by stacking unit cells in which electrodes and separators are stacked alternately and laminated has also been developed.

In order to assemble the above-described electrode assemblies, manufactured battery cells are individually taken out and moved from a loading box in which the battery cells are stacked, and to this end, the battery cells are sequentially taken out of the loading box through a taking-out apparatus and a transfer apparatus.

In general, the battery cell is taken out through an apparatus that applies an adsorption force to an upper surface of the battery cell so as not to damage the battery cell, and in this case, there has been a problem that there are taking-out defects such as two or more unit cells being taken out due to static electricity during a process of taking out the unit cell.

Conventionally, in order to solve such a problem of taking-out, battery cells adsorbed by an adsorption apparatus have been twisted and deformed, an impact has been applied to the surface of the battery cells, or a plurality of unit cells attached by static electricity have been separated through an air blowing process.

However, when battery cells are twisted in a one-dimensional direction to separate the battery cells, there is a problem that the attached battery cells are not properly separated. In order to separate battery cells through a twisting method, since the battery cells should be excessively twisted beyond a certain curvature, there has been a problem that the battery cells are damaged. When an impact is simply applied to a battery cell, there has been a problem that scratches occur on a surface of the battery cell. In addition, when strong air pressure is applied to stacked battery cells through an air blowing process, there is a problem that the battery cell that has fallen off may deviate from the original stack position without returning.

Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology capable of adsorbing and transporting battery cells in a unit of a sheet without damage.

An object of the present invention is to provide an adsorption apparatus capable of taking out battery cells loaded in a loading box in a unit of a sheet without damage.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be understood from the following descriptions and become apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, it is understood that the objects and advantages of the present invention may be implemented by components defined in the appended claims or their combinations.

According to the present invention, there is provided is an adsorption apparatus for adsorbing an upper surface of each battery cell loaded in a loading box and sequentially taking out and transporting the battery cells, the adsorption apparatus including a main body including a frame which moves linearly in a Z-axis direction and a main cam which linearly reciprocates in a Y-axis direction inside the frame, and an interlocking unit including a vertical movement unit which moves linearly in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the main cam and an adsorption unit provided at end portions of the vertical movement unit, wherein the vertical movement unit includes a first vertical movement member and a second vertical movement member which extend to one side of the frame in an X-axis direction and a third movement member and a fourth vertical movement member which extend to the other side of the frame in the X-axis direction, and the main cam vertically moves a pair of vertical movement members of the vertical movement unit, which are disposed in a diagonal direction with the frame interposed therebetween, in the same direction.

The main cam may vertically move a pair of vertical movement members of the vertical movement unit, which are disposed at the same side surface of the frame, in different directions.

The main cam may vertically move a pair of vertical movement members of the vertical movement unit, which are disposed opposite to each other with the frame interposed therebetween, in different directions.

The main cam may include a first flat cam configured to move the first vertical movement member and second vertical movement member in opposite directions, and a second flat cam configured to move the third vertical movement member and fourth vertical movement member in opposite directions, and the first flat cam and the second flat cam may have cam profiles that complement each other.

The vertical movement unit may be guided and moved by a vertical guide slit having a linear shape formed in the Z-axis direction of the frame.

The vertical movement unit may pass through the vertical guide slit to be coupled to the frame and moves in the Z-axis direction along the vertical guide slit.

The interlocking unit may further include a horizontal movement unit which surrounds the vertical movement unit to move in the Z-axis direction together with the vertical movement unit, and the horizontal movement unit may be guided by a horizontal guide slit having a curved shape formed in the Z-axis direction of the frame and may move linearly in the X-axis direction independently of the vertical movement unit.

The horizontal guide slit may include a pair of first horizontal guide slit and second horizontal guide slit formed to be symmetrical to each other in one surface of the frame perpendicular to a moving direction of the main cam, and a pair of third horizontal guide slit and fourth horizontal guide slit formed to be respectively symmetrical to the first horizontal guide slit and second horizontal guide slit in the other surface of the frame.

A pair of horizontal guide slits formed in the same surface of the frame may have a parabolic shape in which a separation distance at both ends is shorter than a separation distance at a center.

The adsorption unit may be fixed to the horizontal movement unit and separated from the vertical movement unit.

The adsorption unit may be provided at an extended end portion of the vertical movement unit and may extend downward from the horizontal movement unit.

The adsorption unit may move in the Z-axis direction according to the movement of the vertical movement unit and simultaneously move in the X-axis direction according to the movement of the horizontal movement unit.

The adsorption apparatus may further include an elastic member disposed between the vertical movement unit and the frame.

The interlocking unit may further include a press unit which is disposed below the main cam, passes through a lower portion of the frame, and linearly reciprocates in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with movement of the main cam.

The press unit may include a support part which vertically extends and is coupled to be slidable with respect to the frame, and a pressing part which extends from a lower end of the support part in a width direction of the battery cell and has a parabolic concave surface formed at a lower portion thereof.

According to the present invention, an omnidirectional curvature is generated in a plurality of battery cells, thereby effectively separating the battery cells attached by static electricity. Furthermore, the battery cells can be effectively prevented from being damaged in a process of separating the battery cells.

Prior to the description, it should be understood that terms used in the present specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to general and dictionary meanings, but interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define terms appropriately for the best explanation.

The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully describe the present disclosure to those skilled in the art, and the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer description. Thus, the size or ratio of a component does not entirely reflect its actual size or ratio.

The present invention relates to an adsorption apparatus for adsorbing an upper surface of each battery cell loaded in a loading box and sequentially taking out and transporting the battery cells. The adsorption apparatus of the present invention includes a main body and an interlocking unit.

<FIG> illustrate an adsorption apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> illustrate an adsorption apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an adsorption apparatus according to two embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, for ease of understanding, a position at which each component is disposed and a direction in which each component operates will be described with reference to XYZ coordinates illustrated in each drawing.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a set of a front view, a plan view, a side view, and a bottom view of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in the drawings, the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a main body and an interlocking unit.

The main body includes a frame <NUM> and a main cam <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> is connected to a driving unit (not shown) that generates horizontal movement and vertical movement. Specifically, in order to take out battery cells <NUM> arranged and loaded in a loading box <NUM>, the frame <NUM> moves horizontally toward the loading box <NUM> in an X-axis or Y-axis direction and moves (up or down) above the loading box <NUM> in a Z-axis direction with respect to the battery cell <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the frame <NUM> moves linearly above the loading box <NUM> in the Z-axis direction.

The main cam <NUM> is disposed to linearly reciprocate in a horizontal direction inside the frame <NUM>.

The main cam <NUM> is provided inside or outside the frame <NUM> and is connected to a driving unit (not shown), which generates horizontal movement, and linearly reciprocates in the Y-axis direction under the driving unit.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the main cam <NUM> may be disposed to pass through the frame <NUM>. In this case, the main cam <NUM> is mounted on the frame <NUM> to move. However, the movement of the main cam <NUM> is not limited thereto, and the main cam <NUM> may linearly reciprocate in the Y-axis direction along a separate guide rail (not shown) installed in the Y-axis direction inside the frame <NUM>.

The interlocking unit includes vertical movement units <NUM> and adsorption units <NUM>.

The vertical movement unit <NUM> is formed to extend from both sides of the frame <NUM> in the X-axis direction, and the adsorption unit <NUM> is provided at an end portion of each vertical movement unit <NUM>.

The adsorption unit <NUM> is connected to an adsorption source (not shown), which provides an adsorption force, and applies the adsorption force applied through the adsorption source to an upper surface of the battery cell <NUM> loaded in the loading box <NUM> to adsorb the battery cell <NUM>. In this case, it is preferable that the adsorption unit <NUM> be positioned to correspond to each corner of the battery cell <NUM>. In addition, it is preferable that the adsorption unit <NUM> adsorb each corner of the battery cell <NUM> such that the battery cell <NUM> does not sag in one direction.

The frame <NUM> moves down toward the battery cell <NUM> loaded in the loading box <NUM> and moves up after the adsorption unit <NUM> adsorbs the battery cell <NUM>.

The adsorption apparatus <NUM> of the present invention is characterized in that the battery cell <NUM> loaded in the loading box <NUM> is taken out without damage to a unit of one sheet through the interlocking unit that operates in conjunction with the movement of the main cam <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a configuration of each of the main cam <NUM> and the interlocking unit will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> from which the frame <NUM> is omitted according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the vertical movement unit <NUM> is disposed in contact with an upper surface of the main cam <NUM> inside the frame <NUM>.

The vertical movement unit <NUM> moves up or down in the Z-axis direction as the main cam <NUM> moves horizontally in the Y-axis direction.

The vertical movement units <NUM> include first vertical movement members 210a and second vertical movement members 210b disposed to extend to one side of the frame <NUM> in the X-axis direction (left direction in the drawing), and third vertical movement members 210c and fourth vertical movement members 210d disposed to extend to the other side of the frame <NUM> in the X-axis direction (the other direction in the drawing).

Each of the vertical movement members is disposed in contact with the main cam <NUM>.

Specifically, the first to fourth vertical movement members 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d move linearly in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the main cam <NUM>. Specifically, the first vertical movement members 210a and second vertical movement member 210b each pass through one side of the frame <NUM> to be in contact with the main cam <NUM>, and the third vertical movement members 210c and fourth vertical movement members 210d each pass through the other side of the frame <NUM> to be in contact with the main cam <NUM>.

The vertical movement member includes a vertical follower <NUM> having a curved surface, which is downwardly convex, at an end portion thereof. A lower surface of the vertical follower <NUM> is in contact with the main cam <NUM> and smoothly slides along the upper surface of the main cam <NUM>.

The vertical follower <NUM> may be divided into a first vertical follower 211a formed at an end portion of the first vertical movement member 210a, a second vertical follower 211b formed at an end portion of the second vertical movement member 210b, a third vertical follower 211c formed at an end portion of the third vertical movement member 210c, and a fourth vertical follower 211d formed at an end portion of the fourth vertical movement member 210d.

The frame <NUM> includes vertical guide slits <NUM> having a linear shape formed in both side surfaces thereof in the Z-axis direction as illustrated in <FIG>, and the vertical movement member passes through the vertical guide slit <NUM> to be in contact with the main cam <NUM> inside the frame <NUM>. In addition, the vertical movement member may be guided and moved in the Z-axis direction by the vertical guide slit <NUM>. That is, the vertical movement member is movable in an extending direction of the vertical guide slit <NUM>.

The vertical guide slit <NUM> guides the movement of the vertical movement member in the Z-axis direction but restricts the movement of the vertical movement member in the Y-axis direction.

The vertical guide slit <NUM> may be formed to correspond to each vertical movement member. For example, the vertical guide slits may include a first vertical guide slit 111a for guiding the movement of the first vertical movement member 210a, a second vertical guide slit 111b for guiding the movement of the second vertical movement member 210b, a third vertical guide slit 111c for guiding the movement of the third vertical movement member 210c, and a fourth vertical guide slit 111d for guiding the movement of the fourth vertical movement member 210d.

Since the vertical movement unit <NUM> should continuously interlock with the main cam <NUM> to operate, it is preferable that the vertical follower <NUM> of the vertical movement unit <NUM> maintain contact with the main cam <NUM>.

In order to maintain the contact with the main cam <NUM>, the adsorption apparatus <NUM> of the present invention may further include an elastic member <NUM> between the vertical follower <NUM> and the frame <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Even when the main cam <NUM> moves, the vertical follower <NUM> may remain in contact with a surface of the main cam <NUM> under an elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>.

The main cam <NUM> of the present invention reciprocates in the Y-axis direction due to the driving unit to allow each vertical movement member in contact with the main cam <NUM>, specifically the vertical follower <NUM>, to be at a specific level.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the main cam <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The main cam <NUM> is connected to the driving unit (not shown), which generates horizontal movement, and reciprocates inside the frame <NUM>.

Specifically, the main cam <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM> and a flat cam <NUM> protruding in a curved shape from the base plate <NUM>. In this case, a cam profile may be determined according to a shape of the flat cam <NUM>.

The main cam <NUM> may be formed in multiple stages, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

The flat cam <NUM> includes a first flat cam 122a and a second flat cam 122b which are formed to protrude upward from both end portions of the base plate <NUM>. The first flat cam 122a, the second flat cam 122b, and the base plate <NUM> allow the vertical movement members in contact therewith to be positioned at specific levels through the horizontal movement of the main cam <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first flat cam 122a is in contact with the first vertical movement members 210a and second vertical movement members 210b, and the second flat cam 122b is in contact with the third vertical movement members 210c and fourth vertical movement members 210d.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first flat cam 122a is formed such that a level thereof becomes higher toward both ends of the main cam <NUM>, and the second flat cam 122b is formed such that a level thereof becomes higher toward a center of the main cam <NUM>. That is, the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b have cam profiles that complement each other.

In the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the vertical movement members are positioned at specific levels by the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b having cam profile structures that complement each other.

Specifically, the first vertical movement members 210a and second vertical movement members 210b in contact with the first flat cam 122a move in opposite directions with respect to the Z-axis direction as the main cam <NUM> moves horizontally in the Y-axis direction, and the third vertical movement members 210c and fourth vertical movement members 210d in contact with the second flat cam 122b also move in opposite directions with respect to the Z-axis direction as the main cam <NUM> moves horizontally in the Y-axis direction. The specific operation of the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b and the first to fourth vertical movement members 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d in contact therewith will be described again below with reference to <FIG>.

The adsorption unit <NUM> of the present invention is provided at the end portion of the vertical movement unit <NUM> but is not coupled directly to the vertical movement unit <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the adsorption unit <NUM> is provided to pass through a reciprocating guide slit <NUM> that is open in the Z-axis direction at the end portion of the vertical movement member and is formed to extend in the X-axis direction. In this case, since the vertical movement member and the absorption unit <NUM> are not directly coupled, even when the vertical movement member substantially moves up or down in the Z-axis direction, the vertical movement member cannot move the absorption unit <NUM> in the X-axis direction or the Z-axis direction.

The interlocking unit of the present invention may further include horizontal movement units <NUM> capable of transmitting a driving force generated by the main cam <NUM> to the absorption unit <NUM> to move the absorption unit <NUM> in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

The horizontal movement unit <NUM> is coupled to the vertical movement unit <NUM> to move together with the vertical movement unit <NUM> in the Z-axis direction according to the movement of the vertical movement unit <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the horizontal movement unit <NUM> surrounds the vertical movement unit <NUM> and is disposed to be linearly movable in the X-axis direction with respect to the vertical movement unit <NUM>.

The horizontal movement unit <NUM> is formed to correspond to the vertical movement member. For example, the horizontal movement units <NUM> include a first horizontal movement member 220a coupled to the first vertical movement member 210a, a second horizontal movement member 220b coupled to the second vertical movement member 210b, a third horizontal movement member 220c coupled to the third vertical movement member 210c, and a fourth horizontal movement member 220d coupled to the fourth vertical movement member 210d.

The absorption unit <NUM> of the present invention is coupled to the horizontal movement unit <NUM> to move in the Z-axis direction according to the movement of the horizontal movement unit <NUM>. Specifically, the adsorption unit <NUM> passes through both of the horizontal movement unit <NUM> and the vertical movement unit <NUM> in the Z-axis direction, is fixed to the horizontal movement unit <NUM>, and is supported on the reciprocating guide slit <NUM> of the vertical movement unit <NUM>. In this case, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the adsorption unit <NUM> coupled to the horizontal movement unit <NUM> is formed to extend downward from the horizontal movement unit <NUM>.

The adsorption unit <NUM> may be divided to correspond to the horizontal movement unit <NUM> or the vertical movement unit <NUM>. For example, the adsorption units <NUM> include a first adsorption member 230a coupled to the first horizontal movement member 220a, a second adsorption member 230b coupled to the second horizontal movement member 220b, a third adsorption member 230c coupled to the third horizontal movement member 220c, and a fourth adsorption member 230d coupled to the fourth horizontal movement member 220d.

The horizontal movement unit <NUM> is guided by a horizontal guide slit <NUM> having a curved shape formed in the frame <NUM> in the Z-axis direction and is linearly moved in the X-axis direction independently of the vertical movement unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the absorption unit <NUM> coupled to the horizontal movement unit <NUM> moves in the X-axis direction.

The horizontal movement unit <NUM> coupled to the vertical movement unit <NUM> may include a horizontal guide portion <NUM> formed to extend toward the horizontal guide slit <NUM> and inserted into the horizontal guide slit <NUM>.

In the present invention, for convenience, the horizontal guide portion <NUM> included in the first horizontal movement member 220a is referred to as a first horizontal guide portion, the horizontal guide portion <NUM> included in the second horizontal movement member 220b is referred to as a second horizontal guide portion, the horizontal guide portion <NUM> included in the third horizontal movement member 220c is referred to as a third horizontal guide portion, and the horizontal guide portion <NUM> included in the fourth horizontal movement member 220d is referred to as a fourth horizontal guide portion.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a pair of horizontal guide slits <NUM> are formed in a front surface of the frame <NUM> (the rear surface is not shown).

The horizontal guide slits <NUM> are divided into a pair of first horizontal guide slit 112a and second horizontal guide slit 112b formed to be symmetrical to each other in one surface of the frame <NUM> perpendicular to a moving direction of the main cam <NUM>, and a pair of third horizontal guide slit 112c and fourth horizontal guide slit 112d formed to be respectively symmetrical to the first horizontal guide slits 112a and second horizontal guide slit 112b in the other surface of the frame <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a first horizontal guide portion 221a and a third horizontal guide portion 221c are inserted into the first horizontal guide slit 112b and second horizontal guide slit 112b, and on the other hand, a second horizontal guide portion 221b and a fourth horizontal guide portion 221d are inserted into the third horizontal guide slit 112c and fourth horizontal guide slit 112d.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the pair of horizontal guide slits <NUM> are formed to have a parabolic shape such that a separation distance at both ends is shorter than a separation distance at a center.

The horizontal movement unit <NUM> guided by the horizontal guide slit <NUM> having a parabolic shape and moved up or down in the Z-axis direction by the vertical movement unit <NUM> may be moved in the X-axis direction by the horizontal guide slit <NUM>. Therefore, the absorption unit <NUM> fixed to the horizontal movement unit <NUM> is also moved in the X-axis direction according to the movement of the horizontal movement unit <NUM>. In this case, a distance in the X-axis direction by which the horizontal movement unit <NUM> is guided and moved by the horizontal guide slit <NUM> may be the same as a movement distance in the X-axis direction by which the absorption unit <NUM> is fixed to the horizontal movement unit <NUM> and is moved in the X-axis direction. That is, a position of the absorption unit <NUM> moving in the X-axis direction is influenced by a position of the horizontal movement unit <NUM> guided by the horizontal guide slit <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the horizontal guide slit <NUM> and the reciprocating guide slit <NUM> of the vertical movement member. Referring to <FIG>, a movement distance of the horizontal guide portion moving in the X-axis direction in the horizontal guide slit <NUM> is the same as a movable distance of the adsorption unit <NUM> moving in the X-axis direction in the reciprocating guide slit <NUM> of the vertical movement member.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the horizontal guide portion of the horizontal movement unit <NUM> is positioned at an end portion of the horizontal guide slit <NUM>, the adsorption unit <NUM> is positioned at a left end portion of the reciprocating guide slit <NUM>.

On the other hand, when the horizontal guide portion of the horizontal movement unit <NUM> is positioned at a central portion of the horizontal guide slit <NUM>, the adsorption unit <NUM> is positioned at a right end portion of the reciprocating guide slit <NUM>.

<FIG> briefly illustrates a level change of the vertical follower <NUM> following a cam profile of the main cam <NUM> by driving of the main cam <NUM>, the vertical movement member including the vertical follower <NUM>, and the horizontal movement member coupled to the vertical movement member. However, the movement of the vertical follower <NUM> is intentionally illustrated in <FIG> to help understanding, and in the adsorption apparatus <NUM> of the present invention, actually, the movement of the vertical movement member in the Y-axis direction is restricted by the vertical guide slit <NUM> so that the vertical follower <NUM> remains fixed in place. That is, as the main cam <NUM> moves horizontally in the Y-axis direction, the vertical follower <NUM> moves vertically along the upper surface of the main cam <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the vertical follower <NUM> moves along the upper surface of the main cam <NUM> formed in multiple stages, and in this case, a movement distance thereof in the Z-axis direction is the same as a movement direction of the vertical movement member guided and moved in the Z-axis direction by the vertical guide slit <NUM> and a movement distance of the horizontal movement member guided and moved in the Z-axis direction by the horizontal guide slit <NUM>. In this case, when the vertical follower <NUM> is positioned at the top of the main cam <NUM>, the vertical movement member and the horizontal movement member are also positioned at the tops of the vertical guide slit <NUM> and the horizontal guide slit <NUM>, respectively.

In the adsorption apparatus <NUM> of the present invention, the vertical movement unit <NUM> and the horizontal movement unit <NUM> included in the interlocking unit move in conjunction with the movement of the main cam <NUM>. In conclusion, in the adsorption apparatus <NUM> of the present invention, four adsorption units <NUM> adsorbing the battery cell <NUM> are moved in the X-axis and Z-axis directions, thereby generating an omnidirectional curvature in the battery cell <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the operation of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a position of each component of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam <NUM> is in a ready state.

<FIG> illustrates the first vertical follower 211a and the second vertical follower 211b in contact with the first flat cam 122a, and the third vertical follower 211c and the fourth vertical follower 211d in contact with the second flat cam 122b.

<FIG> illustrates a position of the horizontal guide portion <NUM> in the horizontal guide slit <NUM> when the first vertical follower 211a, the second vertical follower 211b, the third vertical follower 211c, and the fourth vertical follower 211d are at positions of <FIG> on the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b.

<FIG> is a set of cross-sectional perspective views of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> when the first vertical follower 211a, the second vertical follower 211b, the third vertical follower 211c, and the fourth vertical follower 211d are at the positions of <FIG> on the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b.

Referring to <FIG>, when each vertical follower <NUM> is positioned at an intermediate height of each of the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b, all levels in the Z-axis direction are the same. Therefore, the vertical movement member including each vertical follower <NUM> and the horizontal movement member coupled to the vertical movement member are positioned at the same position with respect to the Z-axis direction. In addition, as illustrated, the horizontal guide portions <NUM> of the horizontal movement members are equally positioned at the central portion of the horizontal guide slit <NUM>.

When the vertical follower <NUM> and the horizontal guide portion <NUM> are at positions as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first adsorption member 230a, the second adsorption member 230b, the third adsorption member 230c, and the fourth adsorption member 230d coupled to the horizontal movement members are spaced apart from the frame <NUM> at equal intervals and are positioned at the same level in the Z-axis direction.

When the adsorption unit <NUM> is at a position illustrated in <FIG>, the frame <NUM> of the present invention moves down in the Z-axis direction to adsorb the upper surface of the battery cell <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a position of each component of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam <NUM> moves forward in the Y-axis direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the first vertical follower 211a and the fourth vertical follower 211d move to the lowest positions on the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b, respectively, and in this case, levels of the first vertical follower 211a and the fourth vertical follower 211d in the Z-axis direction are the same. In addition, the second vertical follower 211b and the third vertical follower 211c move to the highest positions on the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b, respectively, and in this case, levels of the second vertical follower 211b and the third vertical follower 211c in the Z-axis direction are the same.

Accordingly, a pair of vertical movement members disposed in a diagonal direction with the frame <NUM> interposed therebetween are positioned at the same level in the Z-axis direction.

The first horizontal guide portion and the fourth horizontal guide portion are positioned at lower end portions of the first horizontal guide slit 112a and the fourth horizontal guide slit 112d, respectively, and the second horizontal guide portion and the third horizontal guide portion are positioned at upper end portions of the second horizontal guide slit 112b and the third horizontal guide slit 112c, respectively.

As a result, the first adsorption member 230a and the fourth adsorption member 230d disposed in a diagonal direction with the frame <NUM> therebetween move down in the Z-axis direction, and the second adsorption member 230b and the third adsorption member 230c disposed in a diagonal direction with respect to the second adsorption member 230b move up in the Z-axis direction. In addition, when the adsorption members move up or down in the Z-axis direction, the adsorption members move in the X-axis direction toward the frame <NUM> at the same time.

That is, the first adsorption member 230a and the fourth adsorption member 230d disposed in a diagonal direction with the frame <NUM> interposed therebetween move down in the Z-axis direction and move toward the frame <NUM> in the X-axis direction at the same time. In addition, the second adsorption member 230b and the third adsorption member 230c also move up in the Z-axis direction and move toward the frame <NUM> in the X-axis direction at the same time.

<FIG> illustrates a position of each component of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam <NUM> moves backward in the Y-axis direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the first vertical follower 211a and the fourth vertical follower 211d move to the highest positions on the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b, respectively, and in this case, levels of the first vertical follower 211a and the fourth vertical follower 211d in the Z-axis direction are the same. In addition, the second vertical follower 211b and the third vertical follower 211c move to the lowest positions on the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b, respectively, and in this case, levels of the second vertical follower 211b and the third vertical follower 211c in the Z-axis direction are the same.

The first horizontal guide portion and the fourth horizontal guide portion are positioned at the upper end portions of the first horizontal guide slit 112a and the fourth horizontal guide slit 112d, respectively, and the second horizontal guide portion and the third horizontal guide portion are positioned at the lower end portions of the second horizontal guide slit 112b and the third horizontal guide slit 112c, respectively.

As a result, the first adsorption member 230a and the fourth adsorption member 230d disposed in a diagonal direction with the frame <NUM> therebetween move up in the Z-axis direction, and the second adsorption member 230b and the third adsorption member 230c disposed in a diagonal direction with respect to the second adsorption member 230b move down in the Z-axis direction.

That is, the first adsorption member 230a and the fourth adsorption member 230d disposed in a diagonal direction with the frame <NUM> interposed therebetween move up in the Z-axis direction and move toward the frame <NUM> in the X-axis direction at the same time. In addition, the second adsorption member 230b and the third adsorption member 230c also move down in the Z-axis direction and move toward the frame <NUM> in the X-axis direction at the same time.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the main cam <NUM> of the present invention vertically moves a pair of vertical movement members, which are disposed in a diagonal direction with the frame <NUM> interposed therebetween among the vertical movement units <NUM>, in the same direction, vertically moves a pair of vertical movement members, which are disposed on the same side surface of the frame <NUM>, in different directions, and vertically moves a pair of vertical movement members, which are disposed opposite to each other with the frame <NUM> therebetween, in different directions.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam <NUM> moves forward in a state in which the battery cell <NUM> is adsorbed. <FIG> is a perspective view of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the main cam <NUM> moves backward in a state in which the battery cell <NUM> is adsorbed.

When the adsorption units <NUM> are at positions illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the frame <NUM> of the present invention may generate an omnidirectional curvature in the battery cell <NUM> adsorbed by each adsorption member.

The main cam <NUM> included in the adsorption apparatus <NUM> of the present invention moves linearly forward or backward in the Y-axis direction in a state in which the battery cell <NUM> is adsorbed, and the adsorption members receiving a driving force from the main cam <NUM> twist each corner of the battery cell <NUM> in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction while repeatedly moving between the positions of <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the adsorption apparatus <NUM> of the present invention, the battery cell <NUM> is twisted through each adsorption member that moves in such a pattern such that excessive tension is not applied thereto. That is, since the adsorption apparatus <NUM> of the present invention twists the battery cell <NUM> while leaving a margin in the X-axis direction, the battery cell <NUM> does not receive excessive stress due to the adsorption member. In addition, due to the twisting, it is possible to effectively drop the battery cells <NUM> that are attached by static electricity.

An adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to a second embodiment of the present invention further includes a press unit <NUM> in the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment. Thus, when the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment is described, content overlapping that already described for the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

More specifically, the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes the press unit <NUM> that hits an upper portion of the battery cell <NUM> while an omnidirectional curvature is generated in the battery cell <NUM> by adsorption members.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> from which a frame <NUM> is omitted according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a main body and an interlocking unit.

The main body includes the frame <NUM> linearly moving in a Z-axis direction, and a main cam <NUM> linearly reciprocating in a Y-axis direction inside the frame <NUM>.

The interlocking unit includes vertical movement units <NUM> and adsorption units <NUM> and further includes the press unit <NUM> that is disposed below the main cam <NUM> and linearly reciprocates in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the movement of the main cam <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the press unit <NUM> is disposed to pass through a lower portion of the frame <NUM>.

The press unit <NUM> includes a support part <NUM> which extends vertically and is coupled to be slidable with respect to the frame <NUM> and a pressing part <NUM> which extends from a lower end of the support part <NUM> in a width direction of the battery cell <NUM>.

The press unit <NUM> of the present invention is restricted from moving in an X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and is movable only in the Z-axis direction while the support part <NUM> is supported by the frame <NUM>.

An upper portion of the support part <NUM> may extend in a moving direction of the main cam <NUM>, that is, in the Y-axis direction, and through the extended portion, the press unit <NUM> may be supported on the frame <NUM> without being separated from the frame <NUM>.

In order to prevent the battery cell <NUM> from being damaged by a hit of the press unit <NUM> when the battery cell <NUM> is twisted while an omnidirectional curvature is generated by the adsorption members, a concave surface having a parabolic shape may be formed at a lower portion of the pressing part <NUM>.

The press unit <NUM> of the present invention moves in the Z-axis direction to hit an upper surface of the battery cell <NUM> through the concave surface formed at the lower portion of the pressing part <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the press unit <NUM> includes a press follower <NUM> protruding in a curved shape from an upper portion.

The press follower <NUM> maintains contact with a lower surface of the main cam <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention may further include an elastic member <NUM> between the press unit <NUM> and the frame <NUM>.

Even when the main cam <NUM> moves, the press unit <NUM> may remain in contact with a surface of the main cam <NUM> under an elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>.

When the main cam <NUM> of the adsorption apparatus according to the second embodiment is at a regular position, the main cam <NUM> reciprocates forward or backward with respect to the regular position due to a driving unit (not shown) to allow a vertical movement member in contact with an upper portion thereof and the press follower <NUM> in contact with a lower portion thereof to be placed at specific levels.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the main cam <NUM> according to the second embodiment, wherein <FIG> is a perspective view of the main cam <NUM>, and <FIG> is a front view, a side view, a plan view, and a bottom view of the main cam <NUM>.

The main cam <NUM> of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment is connected to the driving unit (not shown), which generates horizontal movement, and reciprocates inside the frame <NUM>.

The main cam <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM> and a first flat cam 122a and a second flat cam 122b which protrude in a curved shape from an upper portion of the base plate <NUM>. In addition, the main cam <NUM> includes a third flat cam 122c protruding downward from the base plate <NUM>.

The third flat cam 122c protruding downward from the base plate <NUM> may be formed in multiple stages, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>, the third flat cam 122c is formed in a curved shape and includes a concave groove at a central portion.

The press follower <NUM> linearly reciprocates in the Z-axis direction while moving along a bottom of the groove and both inclined surfaces of the groove.

The first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b allow the vertical movement members in contact therewith to be positioned at specific levels, and the third flat cam 122c allows the press unit <NUM> in contact therewith to be positioned at a specific level.

The adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention allows the vertical movement members to be positioned at specific levels through the first flat cam 122a and the second flat cam 122b and allows an omnidirectional curvature to be generated in the battery cell <NUM> adsorbed by the adsorption unit <NUM>. In addition, at the same time, the press unit <NUM> is allowed to linearly reciprocate in the Z-axis direction to hit the upper surface of the battery cell <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate configurations of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> which vary according to the movement of the main cam <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, content overlapping that already described for the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the main cam <NUM> is in a ready state in a state in which the battery cell <NUM> is adsorbed.

The press follower <NUM> of the press unit <NUM> is positioned in a form in which the press follower <NUM> is inserted into the groove of the third flat cam 122c, and the pressing part <NUM> of the press unit <NUM> is positioned at the same position as a lower end portion of the adsorption member. That is, the press unit <NUM> is in a state before an omnidirectional curvature is generated in the battery cell <NUM>, that is, in a state in which the battery cell <NUM> is not hit.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the main cam <NUM> moves forward in a state in which the battery cell <NUM> is adsorbed.

As the main cam <NUM> moves forward in the Y-axis direction, the press follower <NUM> moves up along the inclined surface of the third flat cam 122c, and the press unit <NUM> moves down in the Z-axis direction to hit the upper surface of the battery cell <NUM> in which an omnidirectional curvature is generated.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the main cam <NUM> moves backward in a state in which the battery cell <NUM> is adsorbed.

As the main cam <NUM> moves backward in the Y-axis direction, the press follower <NUM> moves up along the inclined surface of the third flat cam 122c, and the press unit <NUM> moves down in the Z-axis direction to hit the upper surface of the battery cell <NUM> in which an omnidirectional curvature is generated.

In comparison with the movement of the adsorption unit <NUM>, the press unit moves downward simultaneously when at least one of the adsorption members provided at both sides of the frame <NUM> moves downward. That is, whenever the battery cell <NUM> adsorbed by the adsorption member is twisted, the press unit <NUM> may move downward to shake off the upper surface of the battery cell <NUM>.

Due to the configuration of the press unit <NUM>, the adsorption apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment can more easily achieve the purpose of individually transporting the battery cells <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An adsorption apparatus (<NUM>) for adsorbing an upper surface of each battery cell (<NUM>) loaded in a loading box (<NUM>) and sequentially taking out and transporting the battery cells (<NUM>), the adsorption apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a main body including a frame (<NUM>) which moves linearly in a Z-axis direction and a main cam (<NUM>) which linearly reciprocates in a Y-axis direction inside the frame (<NUM>); and
an interlocking unit including a vertical movement unit (<NUM>) which moves linearly in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the main cam (<NUM>) and an adsorption unit (<NUM>) provided at end portions of the vertical movement unit (<NUM>),
wherein the vertical movement unit (<NUM>) includes a first vertical movement member (210a) and a second vertical movement member (210b) which extend to one side of the frame (<NUM>) in an X-axis direction and a third movement member (210c) and a fourth vertical movement member (210d) which extend to the other side of the frame (<NUM>) in the X-axis direction, and
the main cam (<NUM>) vertically moves a pair of vertical movement members of the vertical movement unit (<NUM>), which are disposed in a diagonal direction with the frame (<NUM>) interposed therebetween, in the same direction.