Automatic bus bar assembly jig and battery module manufacturing method using same

Abstract

The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to the present invention comprises: a top frame including a plurality of insertion holes through which bus bars are inserted; and a sliding part which is arranged to slide on the lower side of the top frame so as to support or release the bus bar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bus bar automatic assembly jig, and more particularly, to a jig capable of automatically assembling a bus bar when manufacturing a battery module and a method of manufacturing a battery module using the jig. Background Art

[0002] Unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be charged / discharged, and are applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EV, electric vehicle) and hybrid vehicles (HEV, hybrid electric vehicle) driven by an electric drive source.

[0003] At present, widely used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, etc. The operating voltage of a unit secondary battery cell (i.e., a unit battery cell) is about 2.5V-4.2V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells can be connected in series to construct a battery pack. In addition, according to the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a plurality of battery cells can be connected in parallel to construct a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set differently according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a battery module including at least one battery cell (preferably a plurality of battery cells) is usually constructed first, and then a battery pack is constructed using at least one such battery module and adding other components. In this article, a battery module refers to a component in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which a plurality of battery modules are connected in series or in parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0005] The battery module is configured by electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells, and at this time, the plurality of battery cells are connected using a bus bar.

[0006] When manufacturing battery modules, the busbars are bonded to the cell frame made of plastic injection using an adhesive such as glue. This bonding process involves workers manually assembling each item one by one, so there is a high risk that the busbars may be contaminated by the adhesive, and other module components may also be contaminated.

[0007] In addition, quality problems may occur in which a bus bar that should be assembled in the correct position may not be assembled in the correct position depending on the worker's skill level. Such human errors may cause unexpected defects and safety issues due to inconsistent assembly quality during mass production, and may cause loss of battery module function due to poor electrical connections between battery cells. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a bus bar automatic assembly jig capable of blocking a source of adhesive contamination and ensuring that a bus bar is always assembled in a correct position, and a method of manufacturing a battery module using the bus bar automatic assembly jig.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] The busbar automatic assembly fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a top frame provided with a plurality of insertion holes into which the busbars are inserted; and a sliding unit for supporting and releasing the busbars, the sliding unit being slidably movable to the lower side of the top frame and being disposed on the top frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the insertion hole in the top frame extends in the first direction along the length direction of the bus bar.

[0013] Furthermore, the plurality of insertion holes in the top frame are disposed to be spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0014] Furthermore, in the insertion hole of the top frame, both side surfaces of the insertion hole extending in the first direction are formed to be inclined downward toward the bottom.

[0015] Furthermore, in the insertion hole of the top frame, both end portions connecting both side surfaces of the insertion hole are formed to be inclined downward toward the bottom.

[0016] Furthermore, an edge groove is provided at each edge of the insertion hole of the top frame.

[0017] In addition, the sliding unit includes: a first sliding tray, which is slidably disposed on one side of the top frame and supports and releases one end of the bus bar by sliding movement; and a second sliding tray, which is slidably disposed on the other side of the top frame and supports and releases the other end of the bus bar by sliding movement.

[0018] Furthermore, the first sliding tray includes an end support unit supporting one end of the bus bar, and the second sliding tray includes an end support unit supporting the other end of the bus bar.

[0019] Furthermore, the top frame includes a plurality of guide grooves extending in the first direction, and the first sliding tray and the second sliding tray each include a guide block inserted into the guide grooves to guide movement.

[0020] In addition, a bottom frame disposed on the lower side of the top frame is also included.

[0021] Furthermore, the bottom frame includes a through hole therein, and when the support of the sliding unit is released, the bus bar provided on the top frame falls down through the through hole.

[0022] In addition, the first sliding tray includes an outward protrusion unit located at the outer side of the lower portion of the first sliding tray, and the outward protrusion unit is configured to contact the first outer side surface of the bottom frame when the first sliding tray moves toward the top frame, and the second sliding tray includes an outward protrusion unit located at the outer side of the lower portion of the second sliding tray, and the outward protrusion unit is configured to contact the second outer side surface of the bottom frame when the second sliding tray moves toward the top frame.

[0023] In addition, the second sliding tray includes a convex unit at the bottom. When the second sliding tray moves in a direction away from the top frame, the convex unit contacts the bottom frame to restrict movement of the second sliding tray.

[0024] Furthermore, the first sliding tray and the second sliding tray each include a seating guide member which guides the bus bar to fall from the insertion hole when the support of the bus bar is released.

[0025] Furthermore, a driving unit for slidably moving the first and second sliding trays, respectively, is included.

[0026] In addition, a method for manufacturing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a unit top frame, wherein the unit top frame has a bus bar arranged on an upper portion thereof, and the method includes the following steps: setting the bus bar in an insertion hole of the top frame in a bus bar automatic assembly jig, wherein the bus bar automatic assembly jig includes: a top frame provided with a plurality of insertion holes and a sliding unit slidably movable to the lower side of the top frame for supporting and releasing the bus bar arranged on the top frame; setting the bus bar automatic assembly jig on an upper portion of the unit top frame; releasing the support of the bus bar by slidably moving the sliding unit in the bus bar automatic assembly jig; and releasing the support of the bus bar so that the bus bar falls from the top frame and is placed on the unit top frame.

[0027] Furthermore, when releasing the support of the bus bar, the support of one end of the bus bar is released by slidably moving the first slide tray, and then the support of the other end of the bus bar is released by slidably moving the second slide tray.

[0028] Technical Effects

[0029] Therefore, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when manufacturing a battery module, the source of adhesive contamination can be prevented, and the bus bar can always be assembled in a correct position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a battery module.

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A detailed view of a section of the top frame of the unit in Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a bus bar automatic assembly jig according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a bus bar automatic assembly jig according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 A diagram of the operation of the first sliding tray and the second sliding tray in the bus bar automatic assembly jig.

[0036] Figure 7 It is shown that the use Figure 4 A diagram of the process of assembling a bus bar to a unit top frame by the bus bar automatic assembly fixture.

[0037] Figure 8 is a detailed plan view of a bus bar automatic assembly jig according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A detailed view of a part.

[0039] Fig.10 and Fig.11 It is shown Figure 4 Partial detailed view of the sliding tray in the busbar automatic assembly fixture before and after sliding.

[0040] Fig.12 2 is a diagram illustrating operations of a first slide tray and a second slide tray in a bus bar automatic assembly jig according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The advantages, features and methods for realizing the advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent through the following description of the embodiments given in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but can be embodied in many different forms. On the contrary, the embodiments disclosed herein are provided to ensure that the present disclosure becomes thorough and perfect and to ensure that the scope of the present disclosure is fully conveyed to the technicians in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs. The present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process stages, well-known device structures and well-known technologies are not specifically described in order to avoid unclear interpretation of the present disclosure. Throughout the specification, the same figure numerals refer to the same elements.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, in order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions, the thickness can be exaggerated. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same parts. It should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on another element, or there can also be an intervening element. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as "directly on" another element, there is no intervening element. In addition, it should also be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region or substrate is referred to as being "below" another element, it can be directly under another element, or there can also be an intervening element. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as being "directly below" another element, there is no intervening element.

[0043] Before describing the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 3 The structure of the battery module 1 is described.

[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a battery module. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A detailed view of a section of the top frame of the unit in Figure 1.

[0045] The battery module 1 may include a plurality of battery cells 10 , a module case 20 , and a plurality of bus bars 30 , and may further include a sensing plate 40 connected to the bus bars 30 and used to sense a voltage of each battery cell.

[0046] The battery cell 10 may be a cylindrical battery cell 10 in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can. The cylindrical battery cell 10 may be configured to include a cylindrical battery can 11 mainly made of a lightweight conductive metal material such as aluminum, a jellyroll-type electrode assembly accommodated in the battery can 11, and a top cover coupled to the upper portion of the battery can 11. The top cover is connected to the positive electrode tab of the electrode assembly to serve as a positive terminal, and the battery can 11 is connected to the negative electrode tab of the electrode assembly to serve as a negative terminal.

[0047] The cylindrical battery cells 10 may be inserted and disposed in the module case 20 , and the cylindrical battery cells 10 are joined to the bus bars 30 in a predetermined pattern through wiring to be connected to each other in series and / or in parallel.

[0048] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily construed as being limited to the battery module 1 applying the cylindrical battery cell 10. For example, the battery module 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured using can-type battery cells having a rectangular parallelepiped shape or other shapes other than a cylindrical shape in the battery can 11.

[0049] The module case 20 is a structure for accommodating and fixing the battery cell 10 therein to protect the battery cell 10 from external impact or vibration, and may be configured to include a cell bottom frame 22 and a cell top frame 21 .

[0050] The unit bottom frame 22 may be configured to have a unit insertion hole having a rectangular box shape inside the outer edge, and the battery cells 10 are inserted into the unit insertion hole one by one. Figure 2 As shown, the battery cell 10 can be inserted and arranged in each cell insertion hole so that the top cover faces upward and the lower area (i.e., the bottom) of the battery can 11 faces downward. Here, the cell insertion hole is configured to penetrate the bottom surface of the cell bottom frame 22. Therefore, the bottom of the battery can 11 of the battery cell 10 can be exposed below the bottom surface of the cell bottom frame 22. Although not shown in the drawings, it can also be configured so that a thermally conductive pad with insulation is attached to the bottom surface of the cell bottom frame 22, and a cooling plate or a radiator (including a refrigerant) is attached to the other surface of the thermally conductive pad, thereby absorbing the heat of the cylindrical battery cell 10.

[0051] The unit bottom frame 22 may be securely coupled to the unit top frame 21 by long bolts (not shown) together with hook fastening.

[0052] The cell top frame 21 may cover an upper region of the battery cell 10 , and may be configured to be coupled to the cell bottom frame 22 .

[0053] For example, the unit top frame 21 may have a unit socket (not shown) that matches the unit insertion hole of the unit bottom frame 22 up and down. When the unit top frame 21 and the unit bottom frame 22 are coupled, the battery cell 10 can be introduced into the unit socket from the top cover so that the upper area of ​​the entire battery cell 10 can be covered by the unit top frame 21.

[0054] In addition, the cell top frame 21 may include an upper surface portion covering the top of the entire battery cell 10 and four side portions forming a wall around the outside of the entire battery cell 10 together with the cell bottom frame 22, wherein the upper surface portion of the cell top frame 21 is as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The unit top frame 21 is shown to have a plurality of holes 21a and seating grooves 21b. The side surface plate 23 may be coupled to a side surface portion of the unit top frame 21.

[0055] The hole 21 a has a configuration in which the cell top frame 21 is partially perforated so that the top cover of the battery cell 10 or the upper end of the battery can 11 is partially exposed to the outside.

[0056] like Figure 3As shown, when the battery cells 10 are inserted into the cell bottom frame 22, the cell bottom frame 22 may be configured such that the battery cells 10 form a plurality of rows in the X-axis or Y-axis direction of the module housing 20. When such battery cells 10 are covered by the cell top frame 21, the top cover or upper end of the battery can 11 of each battery cell 10 is partially exposed to the outside.

[0057] The hole 21a serves as a path for connecting the battery cell 10 located inside the module case 20 to the bus bar 30 located outside the module case 20 through the metal wiring 500. For example, the bus bar 30 may be connected to the upper end or the top cover of the battery can 11 exposed through the hole 21a through the metal wiring. For example, a wiring bonding method may be adopted in which one end of the metal wiring is ultrasonically welded to the upper end or the top cover of the battery can 11 and the other end of the metal wiring is ultrasonically welded to the bus bar 30.

[0058] The seating grooves 21b are where the bus bars 30 are to be seated and fixed, and may extend along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the module case 20 to be arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the module case 20. The bus bars 30, which are straight metal conductors having the same left-right width, may be arranged in each of the seating grooves 21b.

[0059] The bus bar 30 has substantially the same left-right width as the seating groove 21 b so that movement thereof in the width direction (X-axis direction) can be prevented.

[0060] In addition, the bus bar 30 may be provided in the form of a pin or a column formed to protrude from the surface (in the Z-axis direction) of the seating groove 21b, and a pin hole for inserting the pin of the seating groove 21b may be provided in the bus bar 30. Therefore, the pin of the seating groove 21b is inserted into the pin hole of the bus bar 30, thereby preventing it from moving.

[0061] The bus bar 30 is bonded to the seating groove 21b of the unit top frame 21 using an adhesive such as glue. This bonding process involves workers manually assembling each item one by one, so there is a high risk that the bus bar 30 may be contaminated by the adhesive, and components of other modules may also be contaminated.

[0062] In order to solve the problems associated therewith, an embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to providing a bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 capable of automatically assembling the bus bar 30 to the unit top frame 21 .

[0063] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a bus bar automatic assembly jig according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a bus bar automatic assembly jig according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4A diagram of the operation of the first sliding tray and the second sliding tray in the bus bar automatic assembly jig. Figure 7 It is shown that the use Figure 4 A diagram of the process of assembling a bus bar to a unit top frame by the bus bar automatic assembly fixture. Figure 8 is a detailed plan view of a bus bar automatic assembly jig according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A detailed view of a part. Fig.10 and Fig.11 It is shown Figure 4 Partial detailed view of the sliding tray in the busbar automatic assembly fixture before and after sliding.

[0064] The bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a top frame 100 and a sliding unit 200. In addition, the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 may further include a bottom frame 300.

[0065] The top frame 100 is disposed on an upper portion of the sliding unit 200 and the bottom frame 300 , and a plurality of insertion holes 110 are spaced apart and disposed at regular intervals.

[0066] The insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 may have the same size or be slightly larger than the bus bar 30 .

[0067] Just as the bus bar 30 may be inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 and the seating groove 21b in the unit top frame 21 in the battery module 10 may extend along the first direction (Y-axis direction) of the unit top frame 21 and may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the second direction (X-axis direction) of the unit top frame 21, the insertion holes 110 in the top frame 100 may extend along the first direction (Y-axis direction) of the top frame 100 and may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the second direction (X-axis direction) of the top frame 100. The second direction (X-axis direction) may be perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction).

[0068] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, two side surfaces 111 extending from the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the insertion hole 110 can be formed to be inclined downward toward the bottom, and two end surfaces 112 of the insertion hole 110 connecting the two ends of the two side surfaces 111 can be formed to be inclined downward toward the bottom.

[0069] In this way, both side surfaces 111 and both end surfaces 112 of the insertion hole 110 are formed to be inclined downward, allowing the bus bar 30 to be stably located at a correct position within the insertion hole 110 .

[0070] Therefore, in a plan view, an upper area of ​​the insertion hole 110 may be greater than a lower area thereof, and a lower area of ​​the insertion hole 110 may be equal to or greater than a lower area of ​​the bus bar 30 .

[0071] In addition, in the insertion hole 110, as Figures 9 to 11 As shown, edge grooves 113 concave inwardly are formed at four edge portions of the insertion hole 110 .

[0072] In this way, edge grooves 113 are formed at four edge portions of the insertion hole 110, so that when the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 falls to the upper portion of the unit top frame 21 for assembly with the battery module 1, the assembly process can be smoothly performed without getting stuck on the edge portions of the insertion hole 110.

[0073] In addition, if Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, in the top frame 100 , guide grooves 120 are respectively formed on both sides of an edge where the first sliding tray 210 is provided and on both sides of an edge where the second sliding tray 220 is provided.

[0074] Each of the guide grooves 120 extends from an edge end of the top frame 100 in a length direction (Y-axis direction) of the insertion hole 110 .

[0075] The guide block 217 of the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 is inserted into each of the guide grooves 120. In this way, the guide block 217 of the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 is inserted into each of the guide grooves 120 to guide the movement so that the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 can move stably without distortion during the sliding movement. As another example, the guide block may be provided on the top frame 100, and the guide groove may be provided on the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220.

[0076] The sliding unit 200 is provided at the lower side of the top frame 100 to support the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 , slidably moves to release the support of the bus bar 30 , and includes a first sliding tray 210 and a second sliding tray 220 .

[0077] The first and second sliding trays 210 and 220 are disposed at left and right sides of the top chassis 100 , and support the bus bars 30 inserted into the insertion holes 110 of the top chassis 100 .

[0078] The first sliding tray 210 is disposed at the lower left side of the top frame 100 in the drawing, and supports one end of the bus bars 30 each of which is inserted into the insertion holes 110 of the top frame 100 .

[0079] The first sliding tray 210 extends in the X direction along the lower left edge of the top frame 100 in the drawing, and includes an end support unit 211 located inside that supports one end of the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 .

[0080] In addition, the first sliding tray 210 is provided with convex units 213 protruding in the direction of the top frame 100 on both sides of the inner surface. The convex units 213 can be inserted into a groove (not shown) extending in the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the insertion hole 110 on the lower surface of the top frame 100. When the first sliding tray 210 moves forward in the direction of the top frame 100 and is in a state capable of supporting the bus bar 30, the convex units 213 can contact the end of the groove and serve as a stopper.

[0081] In addition, a convex unit 215 is provided on the lower outer side of the first sliding tray 210. The convex unit 215 extends along the X direction of the first sliding tray 210.

[0082] The first sliding tray 210 is provided to be slidably movable between the top frame 100 and the bottom frame 300. Figure 6 As shown, when the first sliding tray 210 moves forward in the direction of the top frame 100, the end support unit 211 of the first sliding tray 210 is disposed at the lower side of one end of the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100, so that the first sliding tray 210 is in a state capable of supporting one end of the bus bar 30. At this time, the convex unit 215 can move forward to one side surface of the bottom frame 300, and the convex unit 215 can serve as a stopper when the first sliding tray 210 moves forward.

[0083] The second sliding tray 220 is disposed at the lower right side of the top frame 100 in the drawing, and supports the other ends of the bus bars 30 each inserted into the insertion holes 110 of the top frame 100 .

[0084] The second sliding tray 220 extends in the X direction along the lower right edge of the top frame 100 in the drawing, and includes an end support unit 211 on the inner side that supports the other end of the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 .

[0085] In addition, the second sliding tray 220 is provided with convex units 223 protruding in the direction of the top frame 100 on both sides of the inner surface. The convex unit 223 can be inserted into a groove (not shown) extending in the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the insertion hole 110 on the lower surface of the top frame 100. When the second sliding tray 220 moves forward in the direction of the top frame 100 and is in a state capable of supporting the bus bar 30, the convex unit 223 can contact the end of the groove and serve as a stopper.

[0086] In addition, a protruding unit 225 is provided on the lower outer side of the second sliding tray 220. The protruding unit 225 extends along the X direction of the second sliding tray 220.

[0087] In addition, the lower convex unit 222 is provided at the lower outer side of the second sliding tray 220 inside the outer convex unit 225. The lower convex unit 222 may extend along the X direction of the second sliding tray 220.

[0088] The second sliding tray 220 is provided to be slidably movable between the top frame 100 and the bottom frame 300. Figure 6 As shown, the second sliding tray 220 moves forward in the direction of the top frame 100, and the end support unit 221 of the second sliding tray 220 is disposed at the lower side of the other end of the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100, so that the second sliding tray 220 is in a state capable of supporting the other end of the bus bar 30. At this time, the convex unit 225 can move forward to one side surface of the bottom frame 300, and the convex unit 225 can serve as a stopper when the second sliding tray 220 moves forward.

[0089] In this way, Figure 6 As shown, in the case where the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 support both ends of the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100, when the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 move backward in a direction away from the top frame 100 and both ends of the bus bar 30 are completely separated from the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220, the bus bar 30 falls due to its own weight. When the second sliding tray 220 moves backward away from the top frame 100, the protruding unit 222 can move upward to the step unit 310 of the bottom frame 300, and the protruding unit 222 can serve as a stopper when the second sliding tray 220 moves backward.

[0090] In the drawings, the protruding unit 222 is shown in the second sliding tray 220 , but the first sliding tray 210 may also be provided with the protruding unit 222 .

[0091] Thus, the bus bar 30 falls from the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 by its own weight and is seated in the seating groove 21b of the unit top frame 21 provided at the lower side of the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000. As a result, the bus bar 30 is assembled to the battery module 1.

[0092] When the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 move backward, the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 may move backward at the same time. After the first sliding tray 210 moves backward, the second sliding tray 220 may also move backward. At this time, one end of the bus bar 30 supported on the first sliding tray 210 is firstly placed in the placement groove 21b of the unit top frame 21 by the backward movement of the first sliding tray 210, and then the other end of the bus bar 30 supported on the second sliding tray 220 is placed in the placement groove 21b of the unit top frame 21 by the backward movement of the second sliding tray 220.

[0093] In this way, one end and the other end of the bus bar 30 are sequentially seated in the seating groove 21 b of the unit top frame 21 by sequentially moving the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 , so that the bus bar 30 can be more stably seated on the unit top frame 21 .

[0094] Guide blocks 217 each inserted into the guide groove 120 of the top frame 100 may be provided on the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 .

[0095] In addition, the first and second sliding trays 210 and 220 may be provided with seating guide members 216 so that the bus bar 30 may always be assembled in a correct position when falling due to its own weight.

[0096] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the installation guide member 216 is coupled to the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 so as to guide the bus bar 30 to be assembled in the correct position when dropped from the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 and installed on the unit top frame 21. The inner end of the installation guide member 216, which is disposed below each insertion hole 110 in the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 and protrudes from the insertion hole 110, may protrude more inward than the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220.

[0097] Therefore, when the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 move backward in a direction away from the top frame 100, the installation guide member 216 also moves together. When the bus bar 30 falls from the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100, the end of the bus bar 30 is installed on the unit top frame 21 along the inner end surface of the installation guide member 216, thereby allowing the bus bar 30 to be assembled in the correct position.

[0098] The bottom frame 300 may be disposed at lower sides of the top frame 100 and the first and second sliding trays 210 and 220 .

[0099] The bottom frame 300 supports the top frame 100 and the first and second sliding trays 210 and 220 at lower sides thereof and has an approximately square frame shape and has a square through hole 320 formed therein.

[0100] The through hole 320 may be the same as or larger than an area in which the insertion hole 110 into which the bus bar 30 is inserted is provided in the top frame 100 in a plane.

[0101] When the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 move backward in a state where the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 is supported by the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 and the support is released, the bus bar 30 is seated in the seating groove 21 b of the unit top frame 21 through the through hole 320 of the bottom frame 300.

[0102] In addition, a step unit 310 may be formed on the bottom frame 300 to restrict rearward movement of the protrusion units 222 of the first sliding tray 210 and / or the second sliding tray 220 .

[0103] The bottom frame 300 may be coupled to the top frame 100 by various coupling means such as bolts and pins.

[0104] Next, a method of manufacturing a battery module using the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0105] First, if Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of battery cells 10 are disposed within the cell bottom frame 22. The battery cells 10 are disposed on the cell bottom frame 22 by inserting the battery cells 10 one by one into cell insertion holes disposed within an outer edge of the cell bottom frame 22.

[0106] Then, the bus bar 30 is assembled on the upper portion of the unit top frame 21. The bus bar 30 is assembled using the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 described above.

[0107] The first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 move forward toward the top frame 100 in the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 , so that the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 can support both ends of the bus bar 30 .

[0108] In this way, the bus bar 30 is inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 in a state where the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 can support both ends of the bus bar 30 .

[0109] Next, the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 is set on the upper side of the unit top frame 21 of the battery module 1. At this time, the seating groove 21b of the unit top frame 21 is directly located below the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 or the bus bar 30 inserted into the hole 110. Therefore, the seating groove 21b of the unit top frame 21 overlaps the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 in a plane.

[0110] As described above, before the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 is set on the upper side of the unit top frame 21, the bus bar 30 may be set in the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100. For another example, after the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 is set on the upper side of the unit top frame 21, the bus bar 30 may be set in the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100.

[0111] In this way, with the unit top frame 21 of the battery module 1 set on the lower side of the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 in which the bus bar 30 is inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100, the worker holds the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 by hand and moves them backward in a direction away from the top frame 100.

[0112] The first and second sliding trays 210 and 220 move backward until both ends of the bus bar 30 are completely separated from the first and second sliding trays 210 and 220. As a result, the bus bar 30 falls through the through hole 320 of the bottom frame 300 due to its own weight and falls onto the unit top frame 21 below.

[0113] At this time, the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 may be sequentially moved backward. As a result, one end and the other end of the bus bar 30 may be sequentially seated in the seating groove 21 b of the unit top frame 21 .

[0114] The bus bar 30 falls from the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 by its own weight and is seated in the seating groove 21b of the unit top frame 21 provided at the lower side of the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000. As a result, the bus bar 30 is assembled to the battery module 1.

[0115] In this way, including the process of coupling the cell top frame 21 with the bus bar 30 assembled to the cell bottom frame 22 and connecting each of the battery cells 10 to the bus bar 30 using metal wiring, the battery module 1 is manufactured.

[0116] However, as another example, after the unit top frame 21 is coupled to the unit bottom frame 22 , the bus bar 30 may be assembled to the unit top frame 21 .

[0117] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, by assembling the bus bar 30 to the battery module 1 as described above, unexpected defects and safety issues caused by workers manually assembling the bus bar are solved, and the bus bar can be assembled at a correct position.

[0118] In addition, an adhesive such as glue is sprayed or applied to the seating groove 21b of the unit top frame 21, and then the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 is set on the upper portion of the unit top frame 21, so that the bus bar 30 is assembled to the unit top frame 21 by the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000. Therefore, there is no need to worry about workers or the bus bar being contaminated by the adhesive or other components of the module being contaminated by the adhesive.

[0119] Fig.12 A bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a driving unit 400 is provided to slidably move the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 .

[0120] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 are manually and slidably moved by a worker, but in this embodiment, the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 are slidably moved by the driving unit 400 .

[0121] In this embodiment, the driving unit 400 may include, for example, a cylinder. At this time, the piston rod is retracted and withdrawn from the cylinder, so that the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 connected to the piston rod can be slidably moved.

[0122] In addition, the driving unit 400 may include a linear motor or an actuator that slidably moves the first sliding tray 210 and the second sliding tray 220 .

[0123] Other configurations and benefits are the same as the previous embodiment.

[0124] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0125] Industrial Applicability

[0126] The present disclosure provides a busbar automatic assembly fixture, which can prevent the source of adhesive contamination when manufacturing a battery module and ensure that the busbar is always assembled in the correct position.

Claims

1. A busbar automatic assembly fixture, the busbar automatic assembly fixture comprising: a top frame having a plurality of insertion holes, each insertion hole being configured to receive a corresponding bus bar therein; as well as A sliding unit is configured to slidably move along a lower side of the top frame to support and release the bus bar.

2. The busbar automatic assembly jig according to claim 1, wherein: Each insertion hole in the top frame extends in a first direction along a length direction of the corresponding bus bar.

3. The busbar automatic assembly jig according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of insertion holes in the top frame are spaced apart from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The busbar automatic assembly jig according to claim 1, wherein: In each of the insertion holes of the top frame, opposing first and second side surfaces of the insertion hole extending in a first direction are inclined downward toward the lower side of the top frame.

5. The busbar automatic assembly jig according to claim 4, wherein: In each insertion hole of the top frame, opposing first and second end surfaces, each connecting the first side surface of the insertion hole and the second side surface of the insertion hole, are inclined downward toward the lower side of the top frame.

6. The busbar automatic assembly jig according to claim 1, wherein: Each insertion hole defines a corresponding edge, and an edge groove is provided at each edge of each insertion hole of the top frame.

7. The busbar automatic assembly jig according to claim 1, wherein: The sliding unit comprises: a first sliding tray slidably disposed on a first side of the top frame and configured to support and release a first end portion of each bus bar by a sliding motion; and The second sliding tray is slidably disposed on the second side of the top frame and is configured to support and release the second end of each bus bar through a sliding motion.

8. The busbar automatic assembly jig according to claim 7, wherein: The first sliding tray includes an end support unit supporting the first end of each bus bar, and The second sliding tray includes an end support unit supporting the second end portion of each bus bar.

9. The busbar automatic assembly jig according to claim 7, wherein: The top frame includes a plurality of guide grooves extending along a first direction, and The first sliding tray and the second sliding tray each include a guide block that is inserted into the guide groove and is configured to guide movement of the corresponding sliding tray. 10 . The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 1 , further comprising a bottom frame provided on the lower side of the top frame.

11. The busbar automatic assembly jig according to claim 10, wherein: The bottom frame includes a plurality of through holes defined therein, and The top frame is configured such that, when support of the sliding unit is released, each bus bar provided on the top frame drops down through a corresponding through hole among the through holes.

12. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 7, further comprising a bottom frame disposed on the lower side of the top frame, wherein: The first sliding tray includes an outer protrusion unit located at an outer side of a lower portion of the first sliding tray, the outer protrusion unit being configured to contact a first outer side surface of the bottom frame when the first sliding tray moves toward the top frame, and The second sliding tray includes a protruding unit located at an outer side of a lower portion of the second sliding tray, and the protruding unit is configured to contact a second outer side surface of the bottom frame when the second sliding tray moves toward the top frame.

13. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 7, further comprising a bottom frame disposed on the lower side of the top frame, wherein: The second sliding tray includes a downwardly projecting unit at the bottom of the second sliding tray, and The second sliding tray is configured such that when the second sliding tray moves in a direction away from the top frame, the convex unit contacts the bottom frame to restrict movement of the second sliding tray.

14. The busbar automatic assembly jig according to claim 7, wherein: The first sliding tray and the second sliding tray each include a seating guide member configured to guide the bus bar to fall through the insertion hole when support of the bus bar is released. 15 . The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 7 , further comprising a driving unit configured to slidably move the first sliding tray and the second sliding tray.

16. A method for manufacturing a battery module including a cell top frame having a plurality of bus bars disposed on an upper portion of the cell top frame, the method comprising the steps of: The busbars are arranged in corresponding insertion holes defined in a top frame in a busbar automatic assembly jig, the busbar automatic assembly jig comprising: the top frame having a plurality of the insertion holes; and a sliding unit configured to support and release the busbars, the sliding unit configured to slidably move along a lower side of the top frame; placing the busbar automatic assembly jig on the upper portion of the unit top frame; releasing the support of each bus bar by slidably moving the sliding unit of the bus bar automatic assembly jig; and The support of each bus bar is released so that the bus bar falls from the top frame and rests on the unit top frame.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The sliding unit comprises: a first sliding tray slidably disposed on a first side of the top frame and supporting and releasing a first end portion of each bus bar by a sliding motion; and A second sliding tray is slidably disposed on a second side of the top frame and supports and releases a second end portion of each bus bar through a sliding motion.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: During the release of the support of each bus bar, the support of the first end of each bus bar is released by slidably moving the first sliding tray, and then the support of the second end of each bus bar is released by slidably moving the second sliding tray.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The bus bar automatic assembly jig further includes a bottom frame disposed on the lower side of the top frame.

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