Welding device and method

Abstract

A welding device is provided. The welding device according to one aspect of the present invention may comprise: a welding unit capable of soldering a first portion of a first wire electrically connected to a first battery piece and a second portion of a second wire located on one surface of a second battery piece to the one surface of the second battery piece; the moving unit can move the welding unit to one surface of the second battery piece; and a controller for controlling the welding unit and the moving unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a welding apparatus and method, and more specifically, to a welding apparatus and method for welding a wire attached to one battery cell to an adjacent battery cell, thereby electrically connecting two adjacent battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] A solar panel is a flat-panel device that integrates components for converting solar energy into electrical energy. These solar panels are typically manufactured in a modular fashion and installed in designated locations to generate electricity using sunlight hitting the ground.

[0003] Typically, solar panels are manufactured by combining at least one cell assembly with each other. Here, the cell assembly consists of multiple unit cells (hereinafter referred to as cells) arranged in a predetermined manner and multiple wires for electrically connecting adjacent cells. Typically, cells are provided in the form of flat panel components.

[0004] At this point, a welding process is primarily used to bond the solar cells and wires of the solar cell assembly together. Therefore, a welded portion can be formed on one surface of the solar cell, surrounding a portion of the wire. Depending on the needs, multiple welded portions can be provided along the wire on one surface of the solar cell.

[0005] On the other hand, defects are sometimes found in the cells that make up the solar cell module after manufacturing. Such solar cell modules are preferably repaired. To repair a solar cell module, the defective cells are usually replaced with other good cells.

[0006] The repair process for the battery cell assembly described above can be roughly divided into four steps. First, the wires used to electrically connect the defective battery cell to adjacent battery cells are detached from the defective battery cell. Then, the detached wires are cut, thereby separating the defective battery cell from the battery cell assembly. Second, the defective battery cell is removed, and a good battery cell is supplied to the original location of the defective battery cell. Finally, the replaced battery cell is electrically connected to the adjacent battery cells using wires. At this point, a re-soldering process is typically performed to bond the wires to the battery cell, forming a new weld around the wires on one surface of the battery cell.

[0007] However, in the past, to perform the soldering process of attaching wires to solar cells, workers used pre-heated tools such as soldering irons to directly solder the wires to one surface of the solar cell. This existing soldering process is labor-intensive and increases the manufacturing cost of solar cells.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a welding apparatus and method that can minimize the labor required for the maintenance of solar cell modules and reduce the manufacturing cost of solar panels by automatically performing the welding process of bonding wires to solar cells. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a welding apparatus and method that can automatically weld wires to a battery cell.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a welding apparatus and method that can quickly weld multiple wires disposed on one surface of a battery cell.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a welding apparatus and method that can accurately weld wires to battery cells with uniform quality.

[0012] The problems of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a welding apparatus is provided, comprising: a welding unit capable of welding a first portion of a first wire electrically connected to a first battery cell and a second portion of a second wire located on a surface of a second battery cell to the surface of the second battery cell; a moving unit capable of moving the welding unit to the surface of the second battery cell; and a controller for controlling the welding unit and the moving unit.

[0014] According to one aspect of the welding apparatus and method of the present invention, a welding unit that can weld wires to a battery cell can be moved by a moving unit and used to weld wires located on a surface of the battery cell. Therefore, the wires can be automatically welded to the battery cell without additional manual labor.

[0015] According to one aspect of the welding apparatus and method of the present invention, the welding unit includes a plurality of welding action parts, which are spaced apart along the arrangement direction of a plurality of wires disposed on a surface of the panel, and each welding a plurality of wires, thereby enabling rapid welding of a plurality of wires disposed on a surface of the battery cell in one go.

[0016] According to one aspect of the welding apparatus and method of the present invention, the welding unit and the moving unit for moving the welding unit are controlled in a planned and uniform manner by a controller, and the wires are welded to the battery cell, thus welding the wires to the battery cell accurately and stably with uniform quality.

[0017] According to one aspect of the welding apparatus and method of the present invention, the welding unit is provided with a pressure frame that can move in a direction perpendicular to the battery cell. This pressure frame can tightly fit the first and second wires on the battery cell towards the battery cell side, thereby enabling the wires to be welded to the battery cell with higher quality.

[0018] According to one aspect of the welding apparatus and method of the present invention, a buffer member is provided for buffering the impact generated when the pressure frame presses the wires toward the cell side, thereby preventing damage to the cell due to the action of the pressure frame.

[0019] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can clearly understand the effects not mentioned from this specification and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, showing a wire alignment-welding system positioned next to a workbench where a battery cell assembly is placed, viewed from different angles.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 It is magnification Figure 1 The diagram of A.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a side view of a cell assembly that can be used as part of a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the alignment unit of a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from different angles.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The exploded 3D view of the aligned unit shown.

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along II. At this point, for the purpose of illustrating the invention, cross-sections of the first portion of the first conductor and the second portion of the second conductor are also shown.

[0027] Figure 10 It is used for explanation Figure 9 The diagram shows the process of aligning the first and second wires when a pair of clamps are in operation.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a modified example of a pair of clamps in a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the welding unit of a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from different angles.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a rear view of the welding unit of a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a wire alignment-welding method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The flowchart for step S200 is further subdivided.

[0033] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the process of aligning a wire alignment-welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, where an alignment unit is disposed on a surface of a battery cell.

[0034] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating the process of aligning a first wire and a second wire through an alignment unit of a wire alignment-welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 20 yes Figure 15 The flowchart for step S300 is further subdivided.

[0036] Figure 21 and Figure 22 This diagram illustrates the process of aligning and welding a wire alignment and welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which welding units are arranged on a surface of a battery cell so that either of two unit groups can be welded.

[0037] Figure 23 and Figure 24 It is used for explanation Figure 22 The diagram shows the process of the first and second wires being tightly bonded to the battery cell when the pressure frame of the welding unit is activated.

[0038] Figure 25 It is used to illustrate the passage Figure 22The diagram shows the process of welding the first and second wires to the battery cell in the welding unit.

[0039] Figure 26 It is used for explanation Figure 22 The diagram shows a welding unit arranged on one surface of a solar cell to enable welding of another of two cell groups.

[0040] Figure 27 It is used for explanation Figure 17 The alignment units shown are Figure 22 The diagram shows a welding unit arranged on one surface of another battery cell to facilitate the welding of other wires. Detailed Implementation

[0041] According to one aspect of the present invention, a welding apparatus is provided, comprising: a welding unit capable of welding a first portion of a first wire electrically connected to a first battery cell and a second portion of a second wire located on a surface of a second battery cell to the surface of the second battery cell; a moving unit capable of moving the welding unit to the surface of the second battery cell; and a controller for controlling the welding unit and the moving unit.

[0042] At this time, the welding unit may include: a support frame configured to be movable by the moving unit; and a welding action part, which is coupled to one side of the support frame and is capable of forming a weld portion surrounding at least a portion of the first part and at least a portion of the second part on a surface of the second battery cell.

[0043] At this time, the welding unit may include a pressure frame that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the second battery cell and is attached to the support frame, the pressure frame being able to press the first part and the second part toward the side of the second battery cell to make them fit tightly together.

[0044] At this time, one side of the pressurizing frame may be provided with a pressurizing surface that is opposite to one surface of the second battery cell. The pressurizing surface may be parallel to the second battery cell and extend in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0045] At this time, the welding unit may include a buffer member disposed between the support frame and the pressure frame to buffer the impact caused by the movement of the pressure frame.

[0046] At this time, the pressurizing frame can extend in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and multiple buffer members can be provided and spaced apart along the extension direction of the pressurizing frame.

[0047] At this time, there may be multiple first wires, which are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first and second battery cells. There may be multiple second wires corresponding to the number of first wires. There may be multiple welding action parts to weld the first wires to the second battery cells respectively. The welding action parts are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the multiple first wires. The number of the multiple welding action parts may be less than the number of the multiple first wires.

[0048] At this time, the number of the plurality of first wires can be an integer multiple of the number of the plurality of welding action parts.

[0049] At this time, the moving unit can be configured to move the welding unit along a first direction in which the first battery cell and the second battery cell are arranged, a second direction perpendicular to the second battery cell, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0050] At this time, the welding action unit can be either a laser welding machine or a high-frequency welding machine.

[0051] According to another aspect of the present invention, a welding method is provided, comprising: arranging a first battery cell and a second battery cell, respectively electrically connected to a first wire and a second wire, side-by-side; controlling a moving unit to configure a welding unit on a surface of the second battery cell, thereby enabling the welding unit to weld a first portion of the first wire extending to a surface of the second battery cell and a second portion of the second wire located on the surface of the second battery cell to the second battery cell; controlling the welding unit to form a weld portion surrounding at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion on a surface of the second battery cell; and controlling the moving unit to space the welding unit away from the second battery cell.

[0052] At this time, prior to the step of forming the welded portion, the process may further include: controlling the pressure frame of the welding unit, which is capable of moving in a direction perpendicular to the second battery cell, to tightly bond the first portion and the second portion toward the second battery cell side.

[0053] At this time, multiple first wires may be provided and arranged at intervals along a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first and second battery cells. Multiple second wires are provided corresponding to multiple first wires. In the step of configuring the welding unit, the n welding action parts included in the welding unit are configured to be opposite to the n first parts that are adjacent to each other. In the step of forming the welding part, n welding parts are formed to weld the n adjacent first parts to the second battery cell respectively.

[0054] At this time, the number of the multiple first wires can be n*m. Before the step of configuring the welding unit, the method further includes: setting m unit groups, wherein each of the m unit groups is composed of n adjacent first parts from the multiple first parts. For each of the m unit groups, the steps of configuring the welding unit and forming the welding part are performed, so that the first parts of the n*m ​​first wires are all welded to the second battery cell.

[0055] The words and terms used in this specification and claims should not be limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in accordance with the meaning and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the invention, based on the principle that the inventors best describe their invention and that terms and concepts can be defined.

[0056] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, values, steps, actions, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be construed as excluding the existence or additional possibilities of one or more other features, values, steps, actions, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0057] The location of a component "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" another component, unless otherwise stated, includes not only the component being in direct contact with the other component and being positioned "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below," but also the case where another component is positioned between them. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, "connection" between a component and another component includes not only direct connection but also indirect connection.

[0058] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, showing a wire alignment-welding system positioned next to a workbench where a battery cell assembly is placed, viewed from different angles. Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 It is magnification Figure 1 The diagram of A. Figure 5This is a side view of a cell assembly that can be used as part of a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wire alignment-welding system is a system that electrically or physically connects any one cell of a cell assembly to an adjacent cell by aligning and soldering wires on the cell.

[0060] Before describing a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figures 1 to 5 A brief description will be given of a battery cell assembly and its constituent elements that can be used as the work object of a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] In this disclosure, a cell P refers to a flat, planar component that performs a predetermined electrical function. As an example, a cell P may refer to a photovoltaic cell that uses the light energy of sunlight incident on a surface to generate electrical energy, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] In this disclosure, a wire W refers to a conductive component that extends elongated in one direction. As an example, a wire W may be a metal wire with a predetermined conductivity, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] At this point, the wire W can electrically connect two adjacent solar cells P. Therefore, one side and the other side of the wire W can be electrically connected to two adjacent solar cells P respectively.

[0064] Here, the wire W can be electrically bonded to the solar cell P via a soldering portion S disposed on one surface of the solar cell P. The soldering portion S is a block formed by the solidification of molten metal and can cover at least a portion of the wire W. As an example, the soldering portion S can be made of lead (Pb) or silver (Ag), but is not limited to these.

[0065] In this disclosure, a cell assembly 3 refers to an assembly consisting of a plurality of cells P arranged in a predetermined manner and a plurality of wires W electrically connecting the plurality of cells P to each other.

[0066] At this point, there are no particular restrictions on the configuration and connection method of the multiple solar cells P in the solar cell assembly 3. For example, as... Figures 1 to 5 As shown, multiple solar cells P can be arranged side by side along the X-axis and connected in series by wires W, but are not limited to this. Multiple solar cells P can be arranged in a grid or connected in parallel by wires W.

[0067] At this point, there can be more than one wire connecting two adjacent battery cells. For example, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, there can be 12 wires W connecting adjacent solar cells P. Furthermore, the 12 wires W connecting adjacent solar cells P can be spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis.

[0068] On the other hand, during the manufacturing process of the cell module 3, a process is required to electrically or physically connect any one cell P to other cells P. As an example of the process described above, this could be the repair process of the cell module 3.

[0069] When a defective cell is detected in cell P of cell assembly 3, it is necessary to repair cell assembly 3. Typically, to repair cell assembly 3, the defective cell is first removed and a good replacement cell is placed in its place.

[0070] when Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the three solar cells P shown are referred to as the first solar cell P1, the second solar cell P2, and the third solar cell P3 along the negative X-axis, the second solar cell P can be a replaced, good-quality solar cell. This replaced solar cell may still be in a state of electrical and physical separation from the other solar cells.

[0071] Reference Figure 4 The amplification part and Figure 5 The first wire W1 connected to the first battery cell P1 and the second wire W2 connected to the second battery cell P2 are separated from each other, and the first wire W1 connected to the second battery cell P2 and the second wire W2 connected to the third battery cell P3 are separated from each other. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the first battery cell P1 to the third battery cell P3 are not physically or electrically connected to each other.

[0072] Secondly, when a defective cell is removed from the cell assembly 3 and a good replacement cell is placed in its place, the replacement cell can be physically and electrically connected to the other adjacent cells P.

[0073] Therefore, the cell assembly 3 can be repaired, and the wire alignment-welding system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can perform a process of physically and electrically connecting the second cell P2, which is a replacement cell, with the adjacent first cell P1 and third cell P3.

[0074] Of course, the above-described repair process for the battery cell assembly 3 is merely an example of a process applicable to the wire alignment-welding system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the processes applicable to the wire alignment-welding system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are not limited to the above content.

[0075] Hereinafter, each structure of the wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wire alignment-welding system 1 may include a wire alignment device 100, a welding device 200, and a controller 300.

[0076] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the wire alignment device 100 is a device for aligning adjacent and side-by-side the first portion WP1 of the first wire W1 and the second portion WP2 of the second wire W2, which are misaligned with each other. The first portion WP1 and the second portion WP2 will be described in detail later.

[0077] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the welding apparatus 200 is used to weld the first portion WP1 of the first conductor W1 and the second portion WP2 of the second conductor W2 to the solar cell P. Therefore, the first solar cell P1, connected to the first conductor W1, can achieve both electrical and physical connection with the second solar cell P2.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the controller 300 is a structure used to control the wire alignment device 100 and the welding device 200. This controller 300 can be implemented using hardware processing circuitry, or it can be implemented using a processor, central processing unit (CPU), controller, arithmetic logic unit, operational logic circuit, digital signal processing device, microcomputer, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), system-on-a-chip (SoC), programmable logic unit, microprocessor, or any device capable of performing the functions described later.

[0079] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the wire alignment-welding system 1 automatically aligns and welds the wires on the battery cell P, thereby achieving electrical and physical connections between adjacent battery cells without the need for additional manual labor.

[0080] Furthermore, in the wire alignment-welding system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the wire alignment device 100 and the welding device 200 are controlled in a planned and stable manner by the controller 300, so that the wire alignment and welding process can be performed with high quality, uniformity and accuracy.

[0081] (1) Wire alignment device

[0082] Hereinafter, a wire alignment device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the alignment unit of a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from different angles. Figure 8yes Figure 7 The exploded 3D view of the aligned unit shown. Figure 9 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of II. At this time, for the purpose of illustrating the invention, cross-sections of the first portion of the first conductor and the second portion of the second conductor are also shown. Figure 10 It is used for explanation Figure 9 The diagram shows the process of aligning the first and second wires when a pair of clamps are in operation. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a modified example of a pair of clamps in a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wire alignment device 100 may include an alignment unit moving unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as the moving unit 110). In this embodiment, the moving unit 110 may be configured to move the alignment unit 130 (described later) along the X-axis direction of the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells P and in a direction perpendicular to the battery cells P (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, the moving unit 110 can align all the multiple wires W located on the battery cell P by moving the separating unit 50 only along the two directions mentioned above, without moving it along the three spatial coordinate axes (XYZ axes). Since this effect is also related to the structure of the alignment unit 130 according to this embodiment, it will be described in detail below in conjunction with the alignment unit 130.

[0085] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to this embodiment, the moving unit 110 of the wire alignment device 100 may include a first base frame 111, a first motor 112, a first guide frame 113 and a first cable drag chain 114 to move the alignment unit 130 along the X-axis direction.

[0086] First, the first base frame 111 can be configured in a predetermined space where the wire alignment device 100 is installed, and is configured to support the first motor 112 (described later) to the first cable drag chain 114 and the alignment unit 130. Furthermore, the first motor 112 can be provided on the side of the first base frame 111. The first motor 112 can generate a driving force that moves the alignment unit 130 along the X-axis direction. As an example, this first motor 112 can be an electric motor.

[0087] A first guide frame 113 may be placed on the upper side of the first base frame 111. The first guide frame 113 may extend along the X-axis. Furthermore, a first cable drag chain 114 may be provided on the side of the first guide frame 113.

[0088] A portion of this first cable drag chain 114 can be bent or unfolded along the X-axis by means of power generated by the first motor 112. Therefore, the second base frame 115, which is coupled to one side of the first cable drag chain 114, and the alignment unit 130 supported thereon, can move along the X-axis.

[0089] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to this embodiment, the moving unit 110 of the wire alignment device 100 may include a second base frame 115, a second motor 116, a second guide frame 117 and a second cable drag chain 118 to move the alignment unit 130 along the Z-axis direction.

[0090] First, as described above, the second base frame 115 can be coupled to one side of the first cable drag chain 114 and configured to move therein along the X-axis. Furthermore, the second base frame 115 can be configured to support the second motor 116 (described later), the second guide frame 117, and the alignment unit 130. In this case, the second base frame 115 can be slidably coupled to the first guide frame 113 to be smoothly guided along the X-axis.

[0091] According to this embodiment, a second motor 116 may be integrated into one side of the second base frame 115. The second motor 116 can generate a driving force to move the alignment unit 130 along the Z-axis. As an example, the second motor 116 may be an electric motor.

[0092] Furthermore, the second base frame 115 may be combined with a second guide frame 117 extending along the Z-axis direction, and a second cable drag chain 118 may be provided on the side of the second guide frame 117.

[0093] According to this embodiment, a portion of the second cable drag chain 118 can be extended or bent along the Z-axis direction by means of the driving force of the second motor 116. Through this action, the alignment unit 130 supported on one side of the second cable drag chain 118 can move along the Z-axis direction.

[0094] As described above, the moving unit 110 of the wire alignment device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can move the alignment unit 130 along two different directions (X-axis direction and Z-axis direction). However, the structure of the moving unit 110 is not limited to the structure of the cable drag chain and motor described above. As long as the alignment unit 130 can be moved, the structure of the moving unit 110 is not particularly limited.

[0095] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wire alignment device 100 may further include a connecting frame 120 for alignment units (hereinafter referred to as the connecting frame 120). The connecting frame 120 can connect the alignment unit 130 to the moving unit 110 so that the alignment unit 130 can be moved by the moving unit 110.

[0096] As shown in the figure, the connecting frame 120 can be composed of multiple separately provided frames. Therefore, the relative position between the moving unit 110 and the alignment unit 130 can be adjusted, and a stable support structure for the alignment unit 130 can be achieved. Furthermore, the connecting frame 120 can be slidably engaged with the second guide frame 117 of the moving unit 110. Therefore, the alignment unit 130 can be stably guided to move in the Z-axis direction.

[0097] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the connection frame 120 is provided separately, but depending on the situation, the connection frame 120 may not be provided separately. For example, when the alignment unit 130 is configured to be directly coupled to the moving unit 110, the connection frame 120 does not need to be provided separately.

[0098] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wire alignment device 100 may include an alignment unit 130. The alignment unit 130 may be configured to align wires wound or tilted on the battery cell side by side.

[0099] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 To elaborate further, a portion of a first wire W1, which is coupled to the lower surface of the first battery cell P1, may extend from the upper surface of the second battery cell P2. This portion is referred to as the first portion WP1. Furthermore, a portion of the second wire W2, coupled to the second battery cell P2, may extend towards the first battery cell P1 with a free end on the upper surface of the second battery cell P2. This portion is referred to as the second portion WP2.

[0100] Since the first part WP1 and the second part WP2 are welded to the upper surface of the second cell P2, the first cell P1 and the second cell P2 can be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0101] However, as shown in the figure, when the first part WP1 and the second part WP2 are welded together without being side-by-side, the physical and electrical bonding between the first battery cell P1 and the second battery cell P2 may not be sufficient. To prevent this, the alignment unit 130 of the wire alignment device 100 according to this embodiment can align the first part WP1 and the second part WP2.

[0102] Refer again Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the alignment unit 130 of the wire alignment device 100 may include an alignment unit support frame 140 (hereinafter referred to as support frame 140). The support frame 140 may be provided in the form of a frame extending in the vertical direction.

[0103] At this time, the upper part of the support frame 140 can be fixedly connected to the connecting frame 120, and the lower part of the support frame 140 can face the battery cell assembly 3. The lower part of the support frame 140 can be provided with a clamp 180, which will be described later. The distance between the clamp 180 and the battery cell can be adjusted by adjusting the vertical length (Z-axis length) of the support frame 140.

[0104] Reference Figures 6 to 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the alignment unit 130 of the wire alignment device 100 may include an actuator 150. In this embodiment, the actuator 150 is a structure that provides driving force for the operation of the clamp 180, which will be described later.

[0105] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 150 may be disposed at the lower front of the support frame 140. Furthermore, the actuator 150 is a linear actuator to enable linear movement of the gripper 180, which will be described later. However, the placement of the actuator 150 is not particularly limited, and the type of actuator 150 may be appropriately selected according to the mode of operation of the gripper 180.

[0106] The alignment unit 130 of the wire alignment device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first alignment frame 160 and a second alignment frame 170. In this embodiment, the first alignment frame 160 and the second alignment frame 170 provide a mounting base for the clamp 180 described later, and also serve as a structure for transmitting the driving force of the actuator 150 to the clamp 180.

[0107] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first alignment frame 160 and the second alignment frame 170 can be movably coupled to the actuator 150 along the Y-axis direction, respectively. That is, the first alignment frame 160 and the second alignment frame 170 can be moved relative to each other along the Y-axis direction by the actuator 150, moving away from or closer to each other.

[0108] In this embodiment, the first alignment frame 160 may include a first connecting portion 161 and a first extension portion 162. Firstly, the first connecting portion 161 may refer to the portion of the first alignment frame 160 that connects with the actuator 150. According to this embodiment, the first connecting portion 161 may connect with the right side portion of the actuator 150.

[0109] At this time, as shown in the figure, the first connecting part 161 can be composed of multiple components. That is, the first connecting part 161 may include: a first component, which is directly connected to the actuator 150; and a second component, which is connected to the first component and connected to the first extension 162 described later.

[0110] As described above, when the first coupling 161 is composed of multiple components, it has the advantage that each component of the first coupling 161 can be made of a different material from each other. For example, the first component, which is directly coupled to the actuator 150, can be made of a material with high rigidity, such as a metal, so that it can fully receive the driving force and achieve a stable coupling structure. Conversely, to achieve the intended purpose, the second component can be made of a material different from the first component, such as rubber or plastic. Of course, the first coupling 161 can also be provided by a single component.

[0111] On the other hand, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 A first extension 162 may be provided on one side of the first connecting portion 161. The first extension 162 can serve as a base for the first clamp 181, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the first extension 162 can extend from the first connecting portion 161 along the positive direction of the X-axis. However, the direction in which the first extension 162 extends is not particularly limited as long as it is away from the support frame 140.

[0112] In this embodiment, the first clamp 181, described later, can be disposed at the end of the first extension 162 in the extension direction. As described above, if the first clamp 181 is disposed at the end of the first extension 162, the first extension 162 will bend when the alignment unit 130 moves toward the battery cell side, causing the first clamp 181 or a part of the first extension 162 to contact the upper surface of the battery cell.

[0113] The bending action of the first extension 162 can mitigate the impact that may occur when the separation unit 130 collides with the battery cell, thus preventing damage to the battery cell caused by the operation of the alignment unit 130. To ensure that the buffering effect generated by the bending is achieved more smoothly, the first extension 162 can be made of a highly flexible material such as rubber or plastic.

[0114] On the other hand, refer to again Figure 8 In this embodiment, the first extension 162 may be provided as a plate-like member parallel to the upper surface of the battery cell. In this case, the first extension 162 may have a rectangular shape extending in the negative direction of the Y-axis.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the Y-axis length of the first extension 162 can correspond to the Y-axis width of the battery cell. Therefore, the first extension 162 can provide a base for aligning multiple first clamps 181 with multiple wires respectively.

[0116] Refer again Figures 6 to 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second alignment frame 170 of the wire alignment device 100 may include a second connecting portion 171 and a second extension portion 172. In this case, the second connecting portion 171 and the second extension portion 172 may be formed symmetrically with the first connecting portion 161 and the first extension portion 162 described above.

[0117] More specifically, the second coupling portion 171 has a shape generally similar to the first coupling portion 161, and can be coupled to the left side portion of the actuator 150. Furthermore, the second extension portion 172 has a shape generally similar to the first extension portion 162, and can have a rectangular plate shape extending in the positive direction of the Y-axis.

[0118] At this time, the second extension 172 can be arranged parallel to the lower side of the first extension 162. As described above, the first extension 162 of the first alignment frame 160 and the second extension 172 of the second alignment frame 170 can be provided in the form of flat plates arranged overlapping each other, so that the alignment unit 130 can be provided in a simpler and more compact structure.

[0119] On the other hand, refer to Figures 8 to 10 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the alignment unit 130 of the wire alignment device 100 may include a pair of clamps 180, the pair of clamps 180 being composed of a first clamp 181 and a second clamp 182.

[0120] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, a pair of clamps 180 can be configured to align the first portion WP1 of a pair of first conductors W1 and the second portion WP2 of a pair of second conductors W2 that are adjacent to each other, side by side.

[0121] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the first clamp 181 may be provided as a sheet-like member protruding a predetermined thickness from the lower surface of the first extension 162. Here, the lower surface of the first extension 162 refers to the surface opposite to the upper surface of the battery cell.

[0122] Therefore, as Figure 9As shown, a first clamp 181 protruding towards the battery cell P can be configured on the side of the wires W1 and W2 placed on the battery cell P. Furthermore, when the first alignment frame 160 is moved along the Y-axis by the actuator 150, the first clamp 181 provided on the first alignment frame 160 can move along the Y-axis, thereby aligning the wires W1 and W2 placed on the side.

[0123] In this embodiment, the first clamp 181 can be disposed on the side opposite to the support frame 140 of the first extension 162. More specifically, the first clamp 181 can be disposed on the edge of the first extension 162 located at the positive end side of the X-axis and extending along the Y-axis. This structure is designed to maximize the bending effect of the first extension 162.

[0124] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, multiple first clamps 181 can be provided to align multiple wires at once. In this embodiment, 12 first clamps 181 can be provided.

[0125] This is because, such as Figure 4 As shown, 12 pairs of first portions WP1 and second portions WP2 are aligned and arranged on the upper surface of the second battery cell P2. The number of such first clamps 181 can be appropriately adjusted according to the number of wires, the shape of the first extension 162, etc.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple first grippers 181 are all connected (or combined) to a first alignment frame 160. Therefore, operation of all first grippers 181 can be achieved by driving only one actuator 150 of the first alignment frame 160. With this mechanism, the alignment unit 130 according to this embodiment can be arranged more simply and compactly.

[0127] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the first clamp 181 is provided integrally with the first extension 162, but depending on the requirements, the first clamp 181 may also be provided as a separate component with the first extension 162 and then combined with it.

[0128] Refer again Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the second clamp 182 may be disposed on the second extension 172 of the second alignment frame 170. Furthermore, the second clamp 182 may be provided in multiple ways corresponding to the multiple first clamps 181.

[0129] In this embodiment, the second gripper 182 can protrude from around the second extension 172 in the positive direction of the X-axis. Furthermore, a plurality of second grippers 182 can be respectively disposed at each interval between a plurality of first grippers 181. Therefore, adjacent first grippers 181 and second grippers 182 can constitute a pair of grippers 180.

[0130] Therefore, when the first alignment frame 160 and the second alignment frame 170 are moved closer to each other by the actuator 150 along the Y-axis direction, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first clamp 181 and the second clamp 182 can also be brought close to each other and align the wires W1 and W2 located between them.

[0131] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the second gripper 182 can be provided as a sheet-like member having a predetermined thickness in the vertical direction. That is, the second gripper 182 can have a shape generally similar to that of the first gripper 181. Of course, the first gripper 181 and the second gripper 182 can also be provided with different shapes from each other in order to perform their respective inherent additional functions.

[0132] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple second grippers 182 are all connected (or coupled) to the same second alignment frame 170. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation of all second grippers 182 can be achieved by driving only one actuator 150 of the second alignment frame 170. With this structure, the alignment unit 130 according to this embodiment can be arranged more simply and compactly.

[0133] On the other hand, as described above, the structure of the alignment unit 130 according to this embodiment can help simplify the structure of the moving unit 110. This is because the alignment unit 130 according to this embodiment can simultaneously align multiple wires W disposed on one surface of the battery cell P, so the alignment unit 130 does not need to move along the Y-axis direction, which is the arrangement direction of the multiple wires W.

[0134] The process of aligning wires using the clamp 180 of the wire alignment device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described below. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 9 The controller 300 can control the moving unit 110 to position the alignment unit 130 on the upper side of the battery cell P. Therefore, a pair of first portions WP1 and a pair of second portions WP2 can be respectively configured between a pair of first clamps 181 and second clamps 182.

[0135] Refer again Figure 3 and Figure 10The controller 300 can control the alignment unit 130 to bring a pair of grippers 181, 182 closer together. Therefore, the first gripper 181 and the second gripper 182 can be close to each other, and the first part WP1 and the second part WP2 are adjacent to each other and aligned side by side.

[0136] At this time, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The thickness t of the first clamp 181 protruding from the lower surface of the first extension 162 (i.e., the thickness of the first clamp 181 in the direction perpendicular to the battery cell P) can be less than the diameter d1 of the wires W1 and W2. Alternatively, the thickness t of the second clamp 182 in the direction perpendicular to the battery cell P can be less than the diameter d1 of the wires W1 and W2.

[0137] This structure ensures that when the alignment unit 130 moves toward the cell P to align the wires W1 and W2, the first portion WP1 and the second portion WP2 of the wires W1 and W2 can contact the upper surface of the cell P before the clamps 181 and 182.

[0138] Therefore, the force applied to the battery cell P by the alignment unit 130 can be used as a force to push the wires W1 and W2 toward the battery cell P. The first part WP1 and the second part WP2 of the wires W1 and W2 can be aligned along the Y-axis direction and closely adhere to the upper surface of the battery cell P.

[0139] The following is for reference Figure 11 A modified example of a clamp that can similarly achieve the above-mentioned close fit effect will be described. (Refer to...) Figure 11 In this modified example, the first clamp 181' may have a first alignment surface 181a provided on its side in a direction parallel to the battery cell P. Furthermore, the second clamp 182' may have a second alignment surface 182a provided on its side in a direction parallel to the battery cell P, opposite to the first alignment surface 181a.

[0140] At this time, the first alignment surface 181a can be tilted further towards the P side of the battery cell (the negative direction of the Z-axis) and further away from the second clamp 182 (the positive direction of the Y-axis). Furthermore, the second alignment surface 182a can be tilted further towards the P side of the battery cell (the negative direction of the Z-axis) and further away from the first clamp 181 (the negative direction of the Y-axis).

[0141] As described above, when the first alignment surface 181a of the first clamp 181' and the second alignment surface 182a of the second clamp 182' are inclined, the first portion and the second portion located between the first alignment surface 181a and the second alignment surface 182a can be subjected to a force in an inclined direction relative to the battery cell P. Therefore, the first portion and the second portion can be aligned adjacent to each other and side by side by the clamps 181' and 182', while being in close contact with the upper surface of the battery cell P.

[0142] In this modified example, the first alignment surface 181a and the second alignment surface 182a can extend along the X-axis direction, which is the extension direction of the conductor. Therefore, the first clamp 181' and the second clamp 182' can press and align the sides of the first part and the second part as a whole.

[0143] On the other hand, the wire alignment device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may also be provided as a structure including a controller 300 for controlling the moving unit 110 and the alignment unit 130.

[0144] (2) Welding equipment

[0145] Hereinafter, a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the welding unit of a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from different angles. Figure 14 This is a rear view of the welding unit of a wire alignment-welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the welding apparatus 200 may include a welding unit moving unit 210 (hereinafter referred to as moving unit 210). In this embodiment, the moving unit 210 may be configured to move the welding unit 240 (described later) along the X-axis direction in which a plurality of battery cells P are arranged, the Y-axis direction in which a plurality of wires W arranged on the battery cells P are arranged, and the direction perpendicular to the battery cells P (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0147] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to this embodiment, the moving unit 210 of the welding device 200 may include a first base frame 211, a first motor 212, a first guide frame 213 and a first cable drag chain 214 to move the welding unit 240 along the X-axis direction.

[0148] First, the first base frame 211 can be configured in a predetermined space where the welding apparatus 200 is installed to support the first motor 212 (described later), the first cable chain 214, and the welding unit 240. Furthermore, the first motor 212 can be mounted on the side of the first base frame 211. The first motor 212 can generate a driving force that moves the welding unit 240 along the X-axis. For example, this first motor 212 can be an electric motor.

[0149] A first guide frame 213 can be placed on the upper side of the first base frame 211. The first guide frame 213 can extend along the X-axis. Furthermore, a first cable drag chain 214 can be provided on the side of the first guide frame 213.

[0150] A portion of this first cable drag chain 214 can be bent or extended along the X-axis by means of power generated by the first motor 212. Therefore, the second base frame 215, which is coupled to one side of the first cable drag chain 214, and the welding unit 240 supported thereon can move along the X-axis.

[0151] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to this embodiment, the moving unit 210 of the welding apparatus 200 may include a second base frame 215, a second motor 216, a second guide frame 217, and a second cable drag chain 218 to move the welding unit 240 along the Z-axis direction.

[0152] First, as described above, the second base frame 215 can be coupled to one side of the first cable drag chain 214 so that it can move along the X-axis. Furthermore, the second base frame 215 can be configured to support the second motor 216 (described later) to the second cable drag chain 218 and the welding unit 240. In this case, the second base frame 215 can be slidably coupled to the first guide frame 213 so that it can be smoothly guided along the X-axis.

[0153] According to this embodiment, a second motor 216 may be attached to one side of the second base frame 215. The second motor 216 can generate a driving force to move the welding unit 240 along the Z-axis. As an example, the second motor 216 may be an electric motor.

[0154] Furthermore, the second base frame 215 may be combined with a second guide frame 217 extending along the Z-axis direction, and a second cable drag chain 218 may be provided on the side of the second guide frame 217.

[0155] According to this embodiment, a portion of the second cable drag chain 218 can be extended or bent along the Z-axis direction by means of the driving force of the second motor 216, but through this action, the welding unit 240 supported on one side of the second cable drag chain 218 can move along the Z-axis direction.

[0156] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to this embodiment, the moving unit 210 of the welding apparatus 200 may include a third base frame 219, a third motor 220, a third guide frame 221, and a third cable drag chain 222 to move the welding unit 240 along the Y-axis direction.

[0157] First, the third base frame 219 can be coupled to one side of the second cable drag chain 218 and configured to move along the Z-axis. Furthermore, the third base frame 219 can be configured to support the third motor 220, the third cable drag chain 222, and the welding unit 240 (described later). At this time, the third base frame 219 can be slidably coupled to the second guide frame 217 to be smoothly guided along the Z-axis.

[0158] According to this embodiment, a third motor 220 may be integrated into one side of the third base frame 219. The third motor 220 can generate a driving force to move the welding unit 240 along the Y-axis. As an example, the third motor 220 may be an electric motor.

[0159] Furthermore, the third base frame 219 may be combined with a third guide frame 221 extending along the Y-axis direction, and a third cable drag chain 222 may be provided on the side of the third guide frame 221.

[0160] According to this embodiment, a portion of the third cable drag chain 222 can be extended or bent along the Y-axis direction by means of the driving force of the third motor 220. Through this action, the welding unit 240 supported on one side of the third cable drag chain 222 can move along the Y-axis direction.

[0161] As described above, the moving unit 210 of the welding apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention can move the welding unit 240 along three axes (XYZ axes). However, the structure of the moving unit 210 is not limited to the structure using the cable drag chain and motor described above; as long as the welding unit 240 can be moved, the structure of the moving unit 210 is not particularly limited.

[0162] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the welding apparatus 200 may further include a welding unit connecting frame 230 (hereinafter referred to as connecting frame 230). The connecting frame 230 can connect the welding unit 240 to the moving unit 210, thereby allowing the welding unit 240 to move via the moving unit 210.

[0163] As shown in the figure, the connecting frame 230 can be composed of multiple separately provided frames. Therefore, the relative position between the moving unit 210 and the welding unit 240 can be adjusted, and a stable support structure for the welding unit 240 can be achieved. Furthermore, the connecting frame 230 can be slidably engaged with the third guide frame 221. Therefore, the welding unit 240 can be stably guided to move in the Z-axis direction.

[0164] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the connecting frame 230 is provided separately, but depending on the situation, the connecting frame 230 may not be provided separately. For example, when the welding unit 240 is directly coupled to the moving unit 210, it is not necessary to provide the connecting frame 230 separately.

[0165] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 12 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the welding apparatus 200 may include a welding unit 240. The welding unit 240 may be configured to weld wires on the battery cell to the battery cell.

[0166] In this embodiment, the welding unit 240 may include a welding unit support frame 250 (hereinafter referred to as the support frame 250). The support frame 250 may be provided in the form of a frame extending in the vertical direction.

[0167] At this time, the upper part of the support frame 250 can be fixedly connected to the connecting frame 230, and the lower part of the support frame 250 can face the battery cell assembly 3. The lower part of the support frame 250 can be provided with the welding equipment 260 (described later), and the distance between the welding equipment 260 and the battery cell can be adjusted by adjusting the vertical length (Z-axis length) of the support frame 250.

[0168] Reference Figure 12 middle Figure 14 The lower part of the support frame 250 may be provided with a flat plate-shaped fixed frame 251 protruding along the X-axis direction. The fixed frame 251 is a structure for supporting the welding equipment 260 and the movable frame 270, which will be described later.

[0169] Furthermore, the welding unit 240 of the welding apparatus according to this embodiment may include a welding device 260. As described above, the welding device 260 may be mounted on the fixed frame 251.

[0170] In this embodiment, the welding device 260 may include: a device body 261; and a welding action unit 262, which performs the action of welding wires to the battery cell. The device body 261 may be provided as a box-shaped device and may assist the action of the welding action unit 262. For example, a PCB or power supply device for controlling the welding action unit 262 may be built into the device body 261.

[0171] In this embodiment, the welding action unit 262 can be provided on the lower side of the main body 261 of the equipment. Furthermore, the end of the welding action unit 262 can face the battery cell side. This welding action unit 262 can be constructed using a high-frequency welding machine, a laser welding machine, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0172] In this embodiment, multiple welding action units 262 can be provided to weld multiple wires to the battery cell. Furthermore, the multiple welding action units 262 can be spaced apart along the arrangement direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the multiple wires disposed on one surface of the battery cell. Therefore, the multiple welding action units 262 can quickly weld multiple wires located on one surface of the battery cell in a single operation.

[0173] On the other hand, in conjunction with reference Figure 4 The number of welding action parts 262 can be less than the number of a pair of adjacent first wires W1 and second wires W2 located on one surface of the second battery cell P2. This is because, due to the weight of the welding equipment 260 and the limitations of the shape or structure of the welding unit 240, it is not possible to provide a sufficient number of welding action parts 262 on the welding unit 240.

[0174] At this time, the number of first wires W1 (or the number of a pair of adjacent first wires W1 and second wires W2) can be an integer multiple of the number of welding action units 262. For example, as Figure 4 and Figure 13 In the embodiment shown, the number of first wires W1 (or the number of a pair of first wires W1 and second wires W2 adjacent to each other) can be 12, and the number of welding action parts 262 can be 6.

[0175] As described above, when the quantities of the two constituent elements are set in an integer ratio, the number of times the welding unit 240 performs movement and welding corresponds to the integer ratio, so that all wires are welded in the process without any unused and wasted welding action parts 262, thereby achieving optimization of the structure and operation of the welding unit 240.

[0176] On the other hand, refer to again Figures 12 to 14 In this embodiment, a movable frame 270 may be provided on the lower side of the fixed frame 251. The movable frame 270 may be configured to move relative to the fixed frame 251 in a direction perpendicular to the battery cell (i.e., vertical direction). In this case, a separate actuator (not shown) for actuating the movable frame 270 may be provided in the support frame 250.

[0177] In this embodiment, the welding action unit 262 of the welding equipment 260 can be configured to penetrate the moving frame 270 in the vertical direction, and the lower part of the welding action unit 262 can be exposed to the lower side of the moving frame 270. Therefore, the welding action unit 262 can perform the welding action to the battery cell without interference from the moving frame 270.

[0178] At this point, a pressure frame 271 can be attached to the lower surface of the movable frame 270. The pressure frame 271 is a structure that improves welding quality by tightly attaching the wires on the battery cell to the battery cell.

[0179] This pressure frame 271 can be configured to move together with the movable frame 270. Therefore, when the movable frame 270 moves in the vertical direction, the pressure frame 271 also moves along with it, thereby tightly fitting the wires to the battery cell.

[0180] At this time, the pressure frame 271 according to this embodiment can extend along the arrangement direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the plurality of welding action parts 262. Furthermore, the side portion of the pressure frame 271 can be bent towards the lower portion of the welding action part 262. At this time, the end of the bent portion can be arranged as adjacent to the welding action part 262 as possible.

[0181] Therefore, multiple wires to be welded via the welding action unit 262 can be tightly bonded to the battery cell. Furthermore, specific portions of the wires welded via the welding action unit 262 can be brought as close as possible to and tightly bonded to the battery cell.

[0182] On the other hand, according to this embodiment, a guide rod 272 for guiding the vertical movement of the movable frame 270 can be provided between the fixed frame 251 and the movable frame 270. The guide rod 272 can be rod-shaped extending in the vertical direction, with one end connected to the fixed frame 251 and the other end connected to the movable frame 270. In this case, multiple guide rods 272 are provided to correct the levelness of the movable frame 270, and they can be spaced apart along the Y-axis direction.

[0183] Furthermore, each of the multiple guide rods 272 may be equipped with a buffer member 273. The buffer member 273 is a structure used to buffer the impact generated when the pressure frame 271 applies pressure to the wires, and therefore may have a predetermined elasticity. In this embodiment, the buffer member 273 is provided in the form of a helical spring provided on the guide rod 272, but is not limited to this. Therefore, the impact that may occur on the upper surface of the battery cell due to the movement of the pressure frame 271 can be minimized.

[0184] On the other hand, the welding apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be provided as a structure including a controller 300 for controlling the moving unit 210 and the welding unit 240.

[0185] (3) Wire alignment and soldering methods

[0186] The following describes a wire alignment and soldering method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a wire alignment-welding method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The flowchart for step S200 is further subdivided. Figure 17 and Figure 18This is a diagram illustrating the process of aligning a wire alignment-welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, where an alignment unit is disposed on a surface of a battery cell. Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating the process of aligning a first wire and a second wire through an alignment unit of a wire alignment-welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 yes Figure 15 The flowchart for step S300 is further subdivided. Figure 21 and Figure 22 This diagram illustrates the process of aligning and welding a wire alignment and welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which welding units are arranged on a surface of a battery cell so that either of two unit groups can be welded. Figure 23 and Figure 24 It is used for explanation Figure 22 The diagram shows the process of the first and second wires being tightly bonded to the battery cell when the pressure frame of the welding unit is activated. Figure 25 It is used to illustrate the passage Figure 22 The diagram shows the process of welding the first and second wires, which are in close contact with the battery cell, to the battery cell. Figure 26 It is used for explanation Figure 22 The diagram shows a welding unit arranged on one surface of a solar cell to enable welding of another of two cell groups. Figure 27 It is used for explanation Figure 17 The alignment units shown are Figure 22 The diagram shows a welding unit positioned on one surface of another battery cell to facilitate the welding of other wires.

[0187] The wire alignment and soldering method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by the wire alignment-soldering system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention described above. Hereinafter, for ease of understanding, the wire alignment-soldering method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be implemented by... Figure 4 The process of connecting the second battery cell P2 to the first battery cell P1 and the third battery cell P3 is shown, and each step of this method is explained in detail.

[0188] Reference Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 15 In a wire alignment-welding method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first battery cell P1 to the third battery cell P3 are arranged side by side on the worktable 2 along the X-axis direction (step S100), and the first part WP1 of the first wire W1 connected to the first battery cell P1 and the second part WP2 of the second wire W2 connected to the second battery cell P2 are aligned (step S200).

[0189] Reference Figure 3 , Figures 16 to 18In step S200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 300 controls the alignment unit moving unit 110 to arrange the alignment unit 130 on the upper side of the second battery cell P2 (step S210).

[0190] At this point, in step S210, a pair of adjacent first portions WP1 and second portions WP2 can be positioned between a pair of grippers 180. If there are multiple pairs of first portions WP1 and second portions WP2, and also multiple pairs of grippers 180, such as... Figure 18 As shown, a pair of first parts WP1 and second parts WP2 are respectively positioned between a pair of grippers 180.

[0191] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 16 and Figure 19 In step S200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 300 controls the alignment unit 130 to align the first part WP1 and the second part WP2 so that they are adjacent to each other and side by side (step S220).

[0192] In step S220 according to this embodiment, the first clamp 181 and the second clamp 182 move closer to each other and apply pressure to the sides of the first portion WP1 and the second portion WP2 located therebetween. Therefore, the first portion WP1 and the second portion WP2 located on the upper surface of the second battery cell P2 can be adjacent to each other and aligned side by side.

[0193] At this time, when the alignment unit 130 has multiple pairs of clamps 180, the multiple pairs of first parts WP1 and second parts WP2 are aligned at once and uniformly, so that multiple wires W1 and W2 can be aligned quickly at once.

[0194] Reference Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 15 In a wire alignment-welding method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first wire W1 and the second wire W2 are aligned (step S200), and the first part WP1 of the aligned first wire W1 and the second part WP2 of the second wire W2 are welded to the upper surface of the second battery cell P2 (step S300).

[0195] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 20In step S300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, firstly, the m×n (m and n are natural numbers) first conductors W1 located on the upper surface of the second battery cell P2 are set (or classified) into m unit groups, each consisting of n first conductors W1 adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction (step S310). At this time, n may be the number of welding action parts 262 of the welding unit 240.

[0196] In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion WP1 of the 12 first wires W1 is located on the upper surface of the second battery cell P2, and the welding action part 262 of the welding device 240 is 6. Therefore, the 12 first wires W1 can be configured as two unit groups of 6.

[0197] The following is based on Figure 22 Based on this, the element group located in the positive direction relative to the Y-axis is called the first element group, and the element group located on the opposite side is called the second element group.

[0198] Secondly, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figures 20 to 22 In step S300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 300 controls the welding unit to use the moving unit 210 to arrange the welding unit 240 on the upper side of the second battery cell P2 (S320).

[0199] At this time, in step S320 according to this embodiment, as Figure 22 As shown, welding unit 240 can be initially positioned on top of the first unit group in the two unit groups. However, the order of the two unit groups is not particularly restricted.

[0200] At this time, in step S320 according to this embodiment, the first part WP1 of the first wire W1 belonging to the first unit group is respectively arranged opposite to the plurality of welding action parts 262 in the vertical direction.

[0201] On the other hand, such as Figure 23 As shown, even if the first part WP1 and the second part WP2 are adjacent and aligned side-by-side in the Y-axis direction through the alignment unit 130, they may still be slightly separated by a predetermined distance d2 in the Z-axis direction. This may reduce the welding quality of the welding equipment 260.

[0202] To prevent this, in step S300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as follows: Figure 24 As shown, by moving the pressure frame 271 in the negative Z-axis direction, the first portion WP1 of the first conductor W1 and the second portion WP2 of the second conductor W2 are tightly bonded to the upper surface of the second battery cell P2 (step S330). Therefore, higher quality welding can be achieved.

[0203] Secondly, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 20 and Figure 25 In step S300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first part WP1 and the second part WP2 are tightly attached to the upper surface of the second battery cell P2 (step S330), and the controller 300 controls the welding unit 240 to cause the welding action part 262 to form a welding part S1 around the first part WP1 and the second part WP2 on the upper surface of the second battery cell P2 (step S340).

[0204] At this time, in step S340, a welding action unit 262 can act on a pair of adjacent first parts WP1 and a pair of second parts WP2 respectively, so that each pair of first parts WP1 and second parts WP2 can form a welding part S1.

[0205] Through the above process, the welding of the first conductor W1 belonging to the first unit group can be completed.

[0206] Reference Figure 20 and Figure 26 Next, in step S300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the first wires W1 of all unit groups located on the upper surface of the second battery cell P2 have been welded (step S350).

[0207] If the first wires W1 of all cell groups have not yet been soldered to the second cell P2, then steps S320 to S340 are performed on the cell groups that have not been soldered. In this embodiment, since the second cell group has not yet been soldered, steps S320 to S340 are performed on the second cell group.

[0208] If the first wires W1 of all cell groups have been soldered to the second cell P2, the controller 300 controls the soldering unit to use the moving unit 210 to separate the soldering unit 240 from the second cell P2 (step S360).

[0209] As described above, in step S300 according to this embodiment, multiple first wires W1 can be quickly and automatically soldered to the second cell P2 in one go, thus minimizing the manual labor required for the maintenance process of the cell assembly and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0210] Furthermore, in step S300 according to this embodiment, the welding unit 240 is controlled by the controller 300 in a planned and stable manner, and welding is performed, thus enabling uniform and stable high-quality welding.

[0211] Through the above process, the first battery cell P1 and the second battery cell P2 can be physically and electrically connected.

[0212] Furthermore, by repeatedly performing steps S200 to S300 on the first wire W1 connected to the second battery cell P2 and the second wire W2 connected to the third battery cell P3, the physical and electrical connection between the second battery cell P2 and the third battery cell P3 can be achieved.

[0213] Therefore, the second cell P2, which is a replacement cell, can be fully electrically and physically connected to the other cells P in the cell assembly 3.

[0214] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth in this specification, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention can easily propose other embodiments within the same spirit by adding, changing, deleting, or adding constituent elements, etc., and such embodiments will also be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A welding device, characterized in that, includes: a welding unit capable of welding a first portion of a first lead wire electrically connected to a first cell sheet and a second portion of a second lead wire located on a surface of a second cell sheet to the surface of the second cell sheet; a moving unit capable of moving the welding unit to the surface of the second cell sheet; and a controller for controlling the welding unit and the moving unit.

2. The welding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the welding unit includes: a support frame provided to be movable by the moving unit; and a welding action portion combined with one side of the support frame and capable of forming a welding portion around at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion on the surface of the second cell sheet.

3. The welding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the welding unit includes: a pressure frame combined with the support frame in a manner capable of moving in a direction perpendicular to the second cell sheet, the pressure frame being capable of pressing the first portion and the second portion toward the second cell sheet side to make them closely adhere.

4. The welding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein one side of the pressure frame is provided with pressure surfaces opposite to each other from the surface of the second cell sheet, the pressure surfaces are parallel to the second cell sheet, and the pressure surfaces extend in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the first cell sheet and the second cell sheet.

5. The welding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the welding unit includes: a buffer member provided between the support frame and the pressure frame to buffer an impact generated due to movement of the pressure frame.

6. The welding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pressure frame extends in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the first cell sheet and the second cell sheet, the buffer member is provided in plural and arranged apart in an extending direction of the pressure frame.

7. The welding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first lead wire is provided in plural and arranged apart in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the first cell sheet and the second cell sheet, the second lead wire is provided in plural corresponding to the number of the first lead wire, the welding action portion is provided in plural to be capable of welding the plural first lead wires to the second cell sheet respectively, and the welding action portion is arranged apart in an arrangement direction of the plural first lead wires, the number of the plural welding action portions is smaller than the number of the plural first lead wires.

8. The welding apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the number of the plural first lead wires is an integer multiple of the number of the plural welding action portions.

9. The welding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the moving unit is provided to move the welding unit in a first direction in which the first cell sheet and the second cell sheet are arranged, a second direction perpendicular to the second cell sheet, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

10. The welding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein ​ The welding action section is any one of a laser welding machine and a high-frequency welding machine.

11. A method of welding, characterized by Comprise: a step of arranging first and second cell pieces, which are electrically connected to first and second wires, respectively, side by side with each other; a step of controlling a moving unit to dispose a welding unit on a surface of the second cell piece, the welding unit being capable of welding a first portion of the first wire extending onto the surface of the second cell piece and a second portion of the second wire located on the surface of the second cell piece to the second cell piece; a step of controlling the welding unit to form a welding portion around at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion on the surface of the second cell piece; and a step of controlling the moving unit to separate the welding unit from the second cell piece.

12. The welding method according to claim 11, wherein, before the step of forming the welding portion, further comprising: a step of controlling a pressurizing frame of the welding unit capable of moving in a direction perpendicular to the second cell piece so that the first portion and the second portion are tightly fitted to the second cell piece side.

13. The welding method according to claim 11, wherein, the first wire is provided in plural and is disposed apart in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first and second cell pieces, the second wire is provided in plural corresponding to the plural first wires, in the step of disposing the welding unit, n welding action sections included in the welding unit are disposed to face n first portions adjacent to each other, respectively, in the step of forming the welding portion, n welding portions are formed to weld the n first portions adjacent to each other to the second cell piece, respectively.

14. The welding method according to claim 13, wherein, the number of the plural first wires is n x m, before the step of disposing the welding unit, further comprising: a step of providing m unit groups each consisting of n first portions adjacent to each other among the plural first portions, the step of disposing the welding unit and the step of forming the welding portion are performed for each of the m unit groups so that first portions of n x m first wires are all welded to the second cell piece.

Images