Transfer jig for loading battery pack onto battery rack and battery pack loading method using the transfer jig

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer jig for loading a battery pack into a battery rack and a battery pack loading method using the transfer jig, and in particular, to a transfer jig (200) for loading a plurality of battery packs (300) onto a battery rack (100), the battery rack comprising: a plurality of vertical frames (110), the plurality of vertical frames (110) being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance; and a plurality of L-shaped horizontal frames (120), the plurality of L-shaped horizontal frames being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the height direction of the vertical frames (110) to form a receiving space, the battery packs (300) being received in the receiving space. The transfer jig (200) is characterized in that it comprises: a pair of side frames (210), the pair of side frames (210) being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance; a plurality of front frames (220), the plurality of front frames (220) being positioned perpendicular to the side frames (210); and a plurality of guide rollers (230).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0036003, filed on Mar. 25, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a transfer jig configured to load a battery pack into a battery rack and a battery pack loading method using the transfer jig, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a transfer jig configured to load a battery pack and a battery pack loading method using the transfer jig: the transfer jig is configured to load a battery pack, wherein the transfer jig is provided with a plurality of rollers, thereby minimizing friction when the battery pack is loaded into the battery rack, thereby improving operability. Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries are highly suitable for products and have electrical properties such as high energy density. Secondary batteries have been widely used in electric vehicles (EV) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and portable devices driven by electric drive sources. In addition to the main advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels, such secondary batteries do not produce byproducts due to the use of energy. Therefore, secondary batteries have attracted attention as a new energy source that can improve environmental friendliness and energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently, widely used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of a unit secondary battery cell, i.e., a unit battery cell, is about 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, in the case where an output voltage higher than the above operating voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery pack.

[0005] In addition, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel to each other according to a required charge and discharge capacity of the battery pack to constitute a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack may be variously set according to a required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

[0006] Meanwhile, in the case where a plurality of battery cells are connected in series / parallel to each other to constitute a battery pack, a battery module including at least one battery cell may be first manufactured, and a battery pack may be manufactured using at least one battery module and other components, which is a general method. Here, according to various required voltage and capacity conditions, a battery pack including at least one battery module may be configured for home use, or a battery rack including at least one battery pack may be combined to constitute an energy storage system for industrial use.

[0007] Conventionally, when loading a battery pack into a battery rack, a worker pushes the battery pack with force to receive the battery pack in the battery rack. The battery packs may have different weights. As an example, in the case where the weight of one battery pack is 80 kg, the worker may easily feel fatigued because the worker needs to make great efforts to insert the battery pack. In addition, friction may occur between the receiving space support of the battery rack and the battery pack, whereby the battery pack may become defective.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional method of inserting a battery pack. Figure 1 The battery pack 10 is inserted into a battery rack 20 configured to receive the battery pack 10 in a wrapped state. A plurality of rollers 21 are formed at the battery rack 20, thereby enabling the battery pack to be inserted into the battery rack without friction. In addition, a first protrusion 11 is formed on the battery pack 10, and a second protrusion 22 is formed on the battery rack 20, the second protrusion being configured to engage with the first protrusion 11 so as to fix the first protrusion. The battery pack is inserted into the battery rack and fixed to constitute a power storage system.

[0009] However, in the above-described conventional configuration, due to the formation of the roller 21 , the volume of the product increases, and the roller 21 must be formed in each space receiving the battery pack 10 , thereby increasing the manufacturing cost.

[0010] (Prior art literature)

[0011] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2016-0094235 Summary of the invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transfer jig and a battery pack loading method using the transfer jig, wherein when the battery pack is inserted into a battery rack, the transfer jig is capable of reducing the friction between the battery pack and the battery rack, thereby enabling the battery pack to be loaded with less force.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a transfer jig and a battery pack loading method using the transfer jig, which can reduce worker fatigue and shorten working hours, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a transfer jig (200), which is configured to load a plurality of battery packs (300) into a battery rack, the battery rack comprising a plurality of vertical frames (110) and a plurality of L-shaped horizontal frames (120), the plurality of vertical frames (110) being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the plurality of L-shaped horizontal frames (120) being positioned to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the height direction of each of the vertical frames (110), thereby forming a receiving space, the receiving space being configured to allow each battery pack (300) to be received therein, wherein the transfer jig (200) comprises: a pair of side frames (210), the pair of side frames (210) being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance; a plurality of front frames (220), the plurality of front frames (220) being positioned to be perpendicular to the side frames (210); and a plurality of guide rollers (230).

[0017] In addition, in the transfer jig according to the present invention, the side frame (210) may include a first side frame (211) and a second side frame (212), and the front frame (220) may include a first front frame (221), a second front frame (222) and a third front frame (223) positioned sequentially from the front surface of the transfer jig.

[0018] In addition, in the transfer jig according to the present invention, the guide roller (230) may include a plurality of first guide rollers (231) and a plurality of second guide rollers (232), wherein the plurality of first guide rollers (231) are vertically located at the inner upper portion of each of the side frames (210), and the plurality of second guide rollers (232) are vertically located at the outer lower portion of each of the side frames (210).

[0019] In addition, in the transfer jig according to the present invention, the guide roller (230) may further include a plurality of third guide rollers (233), and the plurality of third guide rollers (233) are located below the front frame (220) in a state parallel to the ground.

[0020] In addition, in the transfer jig according to the present invention, the first front frame (221) may be provided with at least one cutout portion (221').

[0021] In addition, in the transfer jig according to the present invention, each of the horizontal frames (120) may include a vertical support portion (121) and a horizontal support portion (122), the vertical support portion (121) being fixed to the vertical frame (110), the horizontal support portion (122) being configured to allow the battery pack (300) to be placed thereon, and each of the first guide rollers (231) may be located on the inner side of the horizontal support portion (122) while protruding a predetermined height beyond the horizontal support portion (122), so that the battery pack (300) does not contact the horizontal support portion (122).

[0022] In addition, in the transfer jig according to the present invention, the third guide roller (233) may be configured to move along the inner end of the horizontal support portion (122).

[0023] In addition, in the transfer jig according to the present invention, the first front frame (221) may be provided with an extension portion (221") at each lower corner thereof, and the extension portion (221") extends downward by a predetermined length than the horizontal support portion (122).

[0024] In addition, a loading method using the transfer jig according to the present invention includes: a first step of inserting the transfer jig (200) into the receiving space (S) along the horizontal frame (120); a second step of inserting the battery pack (300) along the upper surface of the transfer jig (200); and a third step of removing the transfer jig (200) from the battery rack (100).

[0025] In addition, in the loading method using the transfer jig according to the present invention, in the first step, the transfer jig may be inserted along the horizontal frame (120) located below the receiving space where the battery pack (300) is to be placed.

[0026] In addition, in the loading method using the transfer jig according to the present invention, the battery packs (300) can be sequentially loaded from the upper portion of the battery rack (100).

[0027] Beneficial Effects

[0028] A transfer jig configured to load a battery pack into a battery rack according to the present invention includes a first guide roller on which the battery pack is seated, thereby enabling the battery pack to be moved and loaded without a separate transfer device.

[0029] Furthermore, the transfer jig according to the present invention includes a second guide roller, whereby the transfer jig can be very easily installed in or removed from the battery rack.

[0030] Furthermore, the transfer jig according to the present invention includes the third guide roller, whereby the transfer jig can be prevented from rocking leftward and rightward during its forward and backward sliding, whereby the safety and accuracy of work can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a loading condition of battery packs in a conventional battery rack.

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a transfer jig is coupled to a battery rack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 2 is a perspective view showing the movement of a transfer jig according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 is a stereoscopic diagram of a transfer jig according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a first guide roller of a transfer jig according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first guide roller being configured to be in close contact with a lower surface of a battery pack.

[0036] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a second guide roller of a transfer jig according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second guide roller being configured to be in close contact with a horizontal frame of a battery rack.

[0037] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a third guide roller of a transfer jig according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third guide roller being configured to be in close contact with a horizontal frame of a battery rack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In the present application, it should be understood that the terms "including", "having", "comprising", etc. specify the presence of the described features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or their combinations, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or their combinations.

[0039] In addition, in all drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to parts that perform similar functions or operations. In the specification, where a part is referred to as being "connected" to another part, not only the part may be directly connected to the other part, but the part may be indirectly connected to the other part via another part. In addition, "comprising a certain element" does not mean excluding other elements, but means that such elements may be further included unless otherwise specified.

[0040] Hereinafter, a transfer jig configured to load a battery pack into a battery rack and a loading method using the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a transfer jig is coupled to a battery rack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] refer to Figure 2 , the battery rack 100 according to the present invention includes a vertical frame 110 and a horizontal frame 120 .

[0043] A plurality of vertical frames 110, for example, four vertical frames, may be provided to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so as to support the corners of the battery pack having an approximately hexahedral shape. However, the number of the vertical frames may be changed as required. For example, six vertical frames may be provided.

[0044] The horizontal frame 120 is located inside the vertical frame 110 so as to receive a plurality of battery packs in a multi-stage manner. Specifically, the horizontal frame 120 includes a vertical support portion 121 fixed to the inner surface of the vertical frame 110 and a horizontal support portion 122 vertically extending from the lower edge of the vertical support portion 121, so that the horizontal frame has an approximately L-shaped shape.

[0045] Multiple horizontal frames 120 constructed in the manner described above are arranged to be spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other in the height direction of the vertical frame 110, so that the lower edge of the battery pack 300 is supported in a receiving space S, which is formed by a pair of horizontal support portions 122 facing each other and is configured to receive the battery pack 300 therein.

[0046] Here, the battery pack 300 includes a plurality of unit modules, and each unit module includes one or more battery cells connected in series or in parallel to each other. The battery cells, unit modules, and battery pack are of a general configuration, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, a controller configured to control and manage the battery packs received in the battery rack 100 may be further received in the receiving space at the uppermost, middle or lower portion of the battery rack.

[0048] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the movement of a transfer jig according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a stereoscopic diagram of a transfer jig according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] The transfer jig 200 according to the present invention is detachably installed in a sliding manner in the receiving space of the battery rack 100. When the battery pack 300 is loaded, the transfer jig 200 is first installed in the receiving space, and then the battery pack 300 is moved to the upper surface of the transfer jig 200. Therefore, the transfer jig 200 is configured to have a structure that can easily move the battery pack 300 while being able to slide.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the transfer jig 200 according to the present invention includes a side frame 210 , a front frame 220 , and a plurality of guide rollers 230 .

[0051] First, the side frame 210 includes a pair of side frames, that is, a first side frame 211 and a second side frame 212, which are located in the vertical direction with a predetermined distance between them. The first side frame 211 supports one side in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 300, and the second side frame 212 supports the other side in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 300.

[0052] The front frame 220 positioned perpendicular to the side frame 210 is used to connect the first side frame 211 and the second side frame 212 to each other. Figure 4 When viewed from the left side in the figure, the front frame may include a first front frame 221, a second front frame 222 and a third front frame 223.

[0053] The first front frame 221 may be located at front edges of a pair of side frames 210 , the third front frame 223 may be located at rear edges of the side frames 210 , and the second front frame 222 may be located at the middle of the side frames 210 .

[0054] Here, it is preferred that at least one cutout portion 221' is formed in the first front frame 221. The reason for this is that when the transfer jig 200 is installed in or separated from the receiving space of the battery rack 100, the cutout portion can be used as a handle for a worker to grasp, and the cutout portion can be used as a perspective window through which the worker can check whether the battery pack 300 placed in the transfer jig 200 is properly moved in a predetermined direction, thereby ensuring ease and safety of work.

[0055] Extensions 221" are formed at opposite sides of the lower edge of the first front frame 221, and each of the extensions 221" extends downward by a predetermined length. When the transfer jig is installed in the receiving space of the battery rack 100, the extensions are configured to prevent over-insertion of the transfer jig 200. That is, the extensions are configured to prevent the transfer jig 200 sliding forward and backward along the horizontal frame 120 from falling at the rear of the battery rack 100. The lower end of the extension 221" is caught by the horizontal support portion 122, thereby preventing the transfer jig from moving further backward.

[0056] Preferably, at least one cutout portion 221' is also formed in each of the second front frame 222 located at the middle of the pair of side frames 210 and the third front frame 223 located at the rear edge of the side frame 210, but the present invention is not limited thereto. However, if possible, it is desirable to provide the cutout portion because the cutout portion is conducive to reducing the weight of the transfer jig, reducing material costs, and checking whether the battery pack 300 has been loaded.

[0057] Although three front frames are shown in the figure, this is only a schematic representation, and it is obvious that the number of the front frames can be changed.

[0058] Next, the guide roller 230 will be described. The guide roller 230 includes a first guide roller 231 , a second guide roller 232 , and a third guide roller 233 .

[0059] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a first guide roller of a transfer jig according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first guide roller being configured to be in close contact with the lower surface of the battery pack. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Three first guide rollers 231 are provided at an inner upper portion of each of the first and second side frames 211 and 212 .

[0060] The first guide rollers 231 are used to easily move the battery pack 300 placed in the upper portion of the transfer jig 200. That is, the battery pack 300 is placed on six first guide rollers 231. Therefore, a worker can move the battery pack 300 alone without a separate transfer device, and the worker does not need to make much effort to move the battery pack, thereby being able to help reduce worker fatigue and shorten work time.

[0061] Here, the mounted battery pack 300 must be supported only by the first guide rollers 231 to prevent friction with the battery rack 100. Therefore, the uppermost end of each of the first guide rollers 231 must protrude so as to be slightly higher than the horizontal support portion 122 of the battery rack 100.

[0062] Although six first guide rollers 231 are shown in the figure, this is only a schematic diagram, and it is obvious that the number of the first guide rollers can be changed.

[0063] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a second guide roller of a transfer jig according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second guide roller is configured to be in close contact with a horizontal frame of the battery rack. Figure 4 and Figure 6 Three second guide rollers 232 are provided at the outer lower portion of each of the first side frame 211 and the second side frame 212 .

[0064] The second guide roller 232 is used to easily move the transfer jig 200. In order to accommodate a plurality of the battery packs 300 in the battery rack 100, it is necessary to repeatedly attach or detach the transfer jig 200 to or from the battery rack to some extent. Therefore, it is preferable that a worker performs attachment and detachment alone without separate attachment and detachment equipment.

[0065] To this end, the second guide roller 232 is disposed at the outer sides of the first and second side frames 211 and 212 so as to be slidably in close contact with the horizontal support portion 122 .

[0066] Here, the lowermost end of each of the second guide rollers 232 protrudes downward slightly beyond the lower edge of the side frame 210 so as to minimize friction with the battery rack 100 .

[0067] Although six second guide rollers 232 are shown in the figure, this is only a schematic diagram, and it is obvious that the number of the second guide rollers can be changed.

[0068] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a third guide roller of a transfer jig according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the third guide roller is configured to be in close contact with a horizontal frame of the battery rack.

[0069] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , a plurality of third guide rollers 233 physically connected to the front frame 220 are located below the front frame 220 in a state parallel to the ground. When the transfer jig 200 moves forward and backward along the horizontal frame 120, the third guide rollers 233 move in a state of close contact with the inner end of the horizontal support portion 122. Therefore, the transfer jig 200 can be prevented from shaking left and right during its sliding, thereby improving the safety and accuracy of work.

[0070] Although two third guide rollers 233 are shown as being provided at each of the second front frame 222 and the third front frame 223 in the drawings, it is apparent that the third guide rollers may also be provided at the first front frame 221 .

[0071] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 A method of loading a plurality of battery packs 300 into the battery rack 100 using the transfer jig 200 is described.

[0072] The battery pack loading method according to the present invention includes: a first step of inserting the transfer jig 200 into the receiving space S along the horizontal frame 120; a second step of moving the battery pack 300 along the upper surface of the transfer jig 200; and a third step of removing the transfer jig 200 from the battery rack 100.

[0073] As a step of inserting the transfer jig 200 below the receiving space to accommodate the battery pack 300, in the first step, the second guide rollers 232 of the transfer jig 200 are placed on a pair of horizontal support parts 122, and then the transfer jig is pushed into the receiving space.

[0074] In the second step, a portion of the battery pack 300 is placed on the upper portion of the transfer jig 200 moved into the receiving space, namely, the first guide roller 231, and then the battery pack 300 is pushed into the receiving space until the battery pack reaches a predetermined position.

[0075] In the third step, the transfer jig 200 is removed from the receiving space S so that another battery pack 300 is installed below the battery pack 300 received in the second step.

[0076] Subsequently, the first to third steps are repeatedly performed so that a desired number of battery packs 300 are received in the battery rack 100 .

[0077] Although the specific details of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the detailed description thereof only discloses the preferred embodiments of the present invention and therefore does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the category and technical ideas of the present invention, and it is obvious that such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0078] (Explanation of Reference Numerals)

[0079] 100:Battery rack

[0080] 110: Vertical frame

[0081] 120: horizontal frame

[0082] 121: vertical support part 122: horizontal support part

[0083] 200: Transfer fixture

[0084] 210: Side frame

[0085] 211: first side frame 212: second side frame

[0086] 220:Front frame

[0087] 221: First front frame

[0088] 221': cutout portion 221": extension portion

[0089] 222: second front frame 223: third front frame

[0090] 230: Guide roller

[0091] 231: first guide roller 232: second guide roller

[0092] 233: The third guide roller

[0093] 300:Battery pack

[0094] S: Receiving space

Claims

1. A transfer jig configured to load a plurality of battery packs into a battery rack, the battery rack comprising a plurality of vertical frames and a plurality of L-shaped horizontal frames, the plurality of vertical frames being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the plurality of L-shaped horizontal frames being positioned to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in a height direction of each of the vertical frames, thereby forming a receiving space, the receiving space being configured to allow each of the battery packs to be received therein, in, The transfer jig comprises: a pair of side frames, the pair of side frames being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance; a plurality of front frames positioned perpendicular to the side frames; and a plurality of guide rollers, the guide rollers including a plurality of first guide rollers and a plurality of second guide rollers, the plurality of first guide rollers being vertically located at an inner upper portion of each of the side frames, and the plurality of second guide rollers being vertically located at an outer lower portion of each of the side frames, wherein each of the horizontal frames comprises a vertical support portion and a horizontal support portion, the vertical support portion being fixed to the vertical frame, the horizontal support portion being configured to allow the battery pack to be placed thereon, and Each of the first guide rollers is located inside the horizontal support portion and protrudes from the horizontal support portion by a predetermined height, so that the battery pack does not contact the horizontal support portion.

2. The transfer jig according to claim 1, wherein: The side frame includes a first side frame and a second side frame, and the front frame includes a first front frame, a second front frame, and a third front frame sequentially positioned from a front surface of the transfer jig.

3. The transfer jig according to claim 1, wherein: The guide roller further includes a plurality of third guide rollers, and the plurality of third guide rollers are located below the front frame in a state parallel to the ground.

4. The transfer jig according to claim 2, wherein: The first front frame is provided with at least one cutout portion.

5. The transfer jig according to claim 3, wherein: The third guide roller is configured to move along an inner end of the horizontal support portion.

6. The transfer jig according to claim 2, wherein: Extending portions are provided at opposite sides of a lower edge of the first front frame, and the extending portions extend downwardly by a predetermined length from the horizontal supporting portion.

7. A method for loading a plurality of battery packs into a battery rack using the transfer jig (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprising: The first step: inserting the transfer jig along the horizontal frame into the receiving space below the receiving space where the battery pack is to be inserted; Step 2: inserting the battery pack along the upper surface of the transfer jig; as well as The third step is to remove the transfer jig from the battery rack.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: In the first step, the transfer jig is inserted along a horizontal frame located below a receiving space where the battery pack is to be placed.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The battery packs are sequentially loaded from an upper portion of the battery rack.

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