Secondary battery module and apparatus for manufacturing the same

Abstract

This disclosure provides a secondary battery module and an apparatus for manufacturing the secondary battery module. The secondary battery module has a cell connection unit that maintains the connection between the busbars and the circuit board and the battery cells. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the secondary battery module is simple and avoids problems such as electrical short circuits caused by welding failures of the busbars. The secondary battery module includes a module body and a cell connection unit. The module body includes a cell housing that opens upward and provides a receiving space and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the cell housing. The cell connection unit includes a cell base attached to the upper part of the cell housing, a plurality of busbars assembled to the cell base and connected to the battery cells, and a circuit board connected to the busbars.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a secondary battery module and an apparatus for manufacturing the secondary battery module, and more specifically, to a secondary battery module having a structure in which busbars and circuit boards (e.g., flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs)) can be quickly and accurately connected to battery cells, and an apparatus for manufacturing the secondary battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are rechargeable and dischargeable. Typically, a secondary battery includes an electrode assembly consisting of positive and negative electrode plates and a separator, a housing containing the electrode assembly, electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly, and an exhaust port for venting (degassing) gases generated inside the housing. Recently, high-capacity secondary batteries are being used as power sources for electric motors and for storing electricity in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and similar applications.

[0003] In addition to individual battery cells, secondary battery modules also include busbars and circuit boards (e.g., flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs)). The busbars and circuit boards are components that connect to the battery cells. However, previously, connecting the busbars and circuit boards to the battery cells was very cumbersome. This was because the separately supplied busbars needed to be placed one by one onto the terminals of the battery cells and soldered one by one.

[0004] Furthermore, when the type of secondary battery module changes, there is an inconvenience that the wiring equipment related to welding must be reset. For example, protective clamps must be reset according to their type. Such work significantly reduces efficiency.

[0005] The information disclosed herein in this Background section is intended to enhance understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide a secondary battery module that has a simple manufacturing process and a structure that prevents problems such as electrical short circuits caused by welding failures of the busbar.

[0007] This disclosure also aims to provide an apparatus for manufacturing secondary battery modules that allows for rapid connection of busbars and printed circuit boards to battery cells without causing soldering failures, and provides a short changeover time for production line equipment settings even when the type of secondary battery module changes.

[0008] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a secondary battery module is provided, the secondary battery module comprising: a module body including an upwardly open single-cell housing providing accommodating space and a plurality of battery cells disposed in the single-cell housing; and a single-cell connection unit including a cell base attached to the upper part of the single-cell housing, a plurality of busbars assembled to the cell base and connected to the battery cells, and a circuit board connected to the busbars.

[0009] According to an aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery module is provided. The apparatus includes: a carrier supporting a module body and having a marking unit mounted on one side of the carrier and providing information about the module body, wherein the module body includes an upwardly open single-cell housing providing accommodating space and a plurality of battery cells disposed within the single-cell housing; an identification unit configured to identify the marking unit; a control unit connected to the identification unit to receive data identified by the identification unit; a single-cell connection unit conveying device for mounting single-cell connection units onto the module body, the single-cell connection unit including a cell base connectable to an upper portion of the single-cell housing, a busbar mounted on the cell base and corresponding to a battery cell, and a circuit board connected to the busbar; a protective clamp conveying device configured to mount a protective clamp onto the single-cell connection unit; and a welding device configured to weld the busbar to the battery cell through the path of the protective clamp while mounting the protective clamp.

[0010] The aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described herein, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of this disclosure other aspects and features not specifically mentioned herein. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description thereof, further describe aspects and features of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a prismatic secondary battery embedded in a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view of line AA; Figure 3 This is a plan view of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 It is partially shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the basic structure of the single-unit connection shown in the figure; Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a secondary battery pack in which a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is embedded; Figure 6This shows the application to vehicles. Figure 5 A view of the secondary battery pack; Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A partial plan view of the single-unit connection shown; Figure 8 It is used to describe including Figure 7 A partial perspective view of the structure of the unit base in the single-unit connecting unit shown in the diagram; Figure 9 It is used to describe fixing the busbar to Figure 8 A view of the method of the unit base; Figures 10 to 16 This shows what can be applied to Figure 7 A view of several implementation examples of the busbar of the single-unit connection; Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a view showing the cell connection unit connected to the prismatic secondary battery embedded in the cell housing; Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating the construction of an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 20 It shows the use Figure 19 A view of the individual connecting units being transported by the delivery robot; Figure 21 It shows the use Figure 19 A view of the protective clamp conveying device mounted on the upper part of the individual connecting unit; and Figure 22 This is a view showing the individual connecting units being welded to the busbar of the secondary battery using a welding device. Detailed Implementation

[0012] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims are not to be interpreted narrowly according to their general or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted based on the principle that the inventor may be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe his / her disclosure, and are therefore to have meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0013] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all aspects, features, and embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify one or more embodiments or features described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0014] It will be understood that if an element or layer is described as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, then it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is described as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, if a first element is described as being "bonded" or "connected" to a second element, then the first element can be directly bonded to or directly connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly bonded to or indirectly connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0015] In the figures, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements within that list, if following a list of elements. When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one of the group selected from A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B, and C,” the phrase may refer to any suitable combination or subset of A, B, and C, and all suitable combinations or subsets such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term “use” and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to account for inherent biases in measurements or calculations that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0016] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed herein may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0017] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) shown in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” or “above” said other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0018] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that if the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0019] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (and includes both the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0), i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification and the claims to expressly describe any subranges contained within the range expressly described herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that any modification to expressly describe any such subrange will comply with the requirements of the patent rules.

[0020] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases where the deviation is considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, if a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of the mean.

[0021] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0022] Arranging any element "above (or below)" or "on (below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and that the other element can be placed between the element and the arbitrary element located above (or below) the element.

[0023] Additionally, it will be understood that if a component is referred to as “linked,” “combined,” or “connected” to another component, then these components can be directly “combined,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or another component can be “placed” between these components.

[0024] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, if "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise stated, when "C to D" is stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a prismatic secondary battery embedded in a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] The housing 15a forms the overall appearance of the prismatic battery and can be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Additionally, the housing 15a provides space for housing the electrode assembly therein.

[0028] The cover assembly 15b may include a cover plate 15c that covers the opening of the housing 15a. In some examples, the housing 15a and the cover plate 15c may be made of a conductive material. Here, the negative electrode terminal 15d and the positive electrode terminal 15e may be mounted to be electrically connected to the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab therein, respectively, and exposed to the outside of the cover plate 15c.

[0029] An electrolyte injection port 15f can be formed in a cover plate 15c, a vent 15g can be opened, and a vent 15h can be connected to the vent 15g. The vent 15h is opened due to gas generated inside the battery and performs a degassing function.

[0030] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0031] The electrode assembly 15r can be formed by winding or stacking a first electrode plate, a diaphragm, and a second electrode plate into a plate or film shape. When the electrode assembly 15r is a wound stack, the winding axis can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing. In some other embodiments, the electrode assembly 15r is a stack type rather than a wound type. The shape of the electrode assembly 15r is not limited in this disclosure.

[0032] Alternatively, electrode assembly 15r can be a Z-stacked electrode assembly in which positive and negative electrode plates are inserted into both sides of a diaphragm that will later be bent into a Z-stack. Additionally, one or more electrode assemblies 15r can be stacked such that the long sides of the electrode assemblies are adjacent to each other and housed in a housing, and the number of electrode assemblies in the housing is not limited in this disclosure. A first electrode plate of electrode assembly 15r can serve as a negative electrode, and a second electrode plate can serve as a positive electrode. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0033] The first electrode plate can be formed by coating a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, onto a first electrode current collector formed of a metal foil, such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy. The first electrode plate may include a first electrode tab 15p (e.g., a first uncoated portion) as a region where the first electrode active material is not coated. The first electrode tab 15p can serve as a current flow path between the first electrode plate and the first current collector 15m. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the first electrode plate, the first electrode tab 15p is formed by pre-cutting it to protrude toward one side of the electrode assembly, or the first electrode tab protrudes toward one side of the electrode assembly more than the diaphragm without being separately cut (e.g., protruding further than the diaphragm or protruding beyond the diaphragm).

[0034] The second electrode plate can be formed by coating a second electrode active material (such as a transition metal oxide) onto a second electrode current collector formed of a metal foil (such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The second electrode plate may include a second electrode tab 15q (e.g., a second uncoated portion) as a region where the second electrode active material is not coated. The second electrode tab 15q can serve as a current flow path between the second electrode plate and the second current collector 15n. In some embodiments, the second electrode tab 15q can be formed by pre-cutting it to protrude toward the other side (e.g., opposite side) of the electrode assembly during the manufacture of the second electrode plate, or the second electrode plate can protrude toward the other side of the electrode assembly more than the diaphragm (e.g., protruding further than the diaphragm or protruding beyond the diaphragm) without being separately cut.

[0035] The separator allows lithium ions to move between the first and second electrodes while preventing or significantly reducing short circuits between them. The separator can be made of, for example, polyethylene membranes, polypropylene membranes, or polyethylene-polypropylene membranes.

[0036] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 15r is housed together with the electrolyte in a housing 15a.

[0037] In the electrode assembly 15r, the first current collector 15m and the second current collector 15n can be welded and connected to the first electrode terminal 15p extending from the first electrode plate and the second electrode terminal 15q extending from the second electrode plate, respectively.

[0038] The first current collector 15m and the second current collector 15n are electrically connected to each other via the connecting member 15k. Figure 1 The negative electrode terminal 15d and the positive electrode terminal 15e are described herein. In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the connecting member 15k may be machined to have threads and fastened to the negative electrode terminal 15d and the positive electrode terminal 15e by threaded engagement. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the connecting member 15k may be riveted or welded to each of the negative electrode terminal 15d and the positive electrode terminal 15e.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a secondary battery module 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 It is partially shown Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the basic structure of the single-unit connecting unit 30 shown.

[0040] The secondary battery module 20 in this embodiment may include a module body 60 (see...) Figure 17 ) and single-unit connection unit 30.

[0041] The module body 60 may include a single-cell housing 61 and a plurality of battery cells 15. The single-cell housing 61 is an upwardly opening element that provides receiving space and can accommodate the battery cells 15 therein. The single-cell housing 61 may have a generally box-shaped form, and the single-cell connection unit 30 may be mounted on the upper part of the single-cell housing 61.

[0042] The battery cells 15 can be arranged at regular intervals within the cell housing. The arrangement of the battery cells 15 can be designed in various ways according to the output voltage. Figure 3 In this case, the battery cell 15 is divided into group A, group B and group C. Group A and group B can be connected in series, and group B and group C can be connected in series.

[0043] Each battery cell 15 may have a negative electrode terminal 15d and a positive electrode terminal 15e on its upper end and may be vertically mounted inside the cell housing 61. For convenience, in the following description, the negative electrode terminal 15d and the positive electrode terminal 15e are collectively referred to as electrode terminals 15t. Electrode terminals 15t include both negative electrode terminals 15d and positive electrode terminals 15e. In the accompanying drawings of this specification, among the two electrode terminals 15t connected to the busbar 40, the electrode terminal on one side may be a positive electrode, and the electrode terminal on the other side may be a negative electrode. Optionally, the electrode terminals on both sides may be either positive or negative electrodes. When adjacent battery cells 15 are connected in series, the electrode terminal on one side is a positive electrode, and the electrode terminal on the other side is a negative electrode. Optionally, when adjacent battery cells 15 are connected in parallel, the electrode terminals on both sides may be either positive or negative electrodes.

[0044] The cell connection unit 30 can electrically connect the battery cell 15 to an external circuit while being mounted on the upper part of the cell housing 61. The cell connection unit 30 may include a cell base 31, a busbar 40, and a circuit board 50.

[0045] The cell base 31 is a structure attached to the upper part of the cell housing 61. The cell base 31 can be manufactured by injection molding. A busbar mounting space 31a supporting the busbar 40 can be formed in the cell base 31. The busbar 40 can contact the electrode terminal 15t of the battery cell by being assembled into the busbar mounting space 31a. The connection between the busbar 40 and the electrode terminal 15t is a welded connection, and its description will be given here.

[0046] Additionally, the unit base 31 may also include a busbar retainer section. The busbar retainer section is used to secure the busbar 40 housed in the busbar mounting space 31a. The busbar retainer section includes a support section 31e (see...). Figure 7 ) and hook 31c (see Figure 7The support portion 31e can be used to support the bottom surface of the edge portion of the busbar. Furthermore, the hook portion 31c can be used to support the upper surface of the edge portion of the busbar in the downward direction.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the busbar 40 can be coupled to the busbar holder portion while being housed in the busbar mounting space 31a of the unit base 31, and can also be coupled to the electrode terminal 15t.

[0048] The circuit board 50 is attached to the upper surface of the unit base 31 and connected to the busbar 40 via connecting wiring 51. The circuit board 50 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The circuit board 50 may be connected to external circuitry.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a secondary battery pack in which a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is embedded.

[0050] The secondary battery pack 80 can be manufactured by embedding multiple secondary battery modules into a housing designed for mounting on an actual product. The housing may include fastening units and power sockets required for mounting the housing onto the product. Figure 5 For ease of illustration, diagrams of components related to the electrical connections of the secondary battery (such as busbars, cooling units, external terminals, etc.) are omitted. The secondary battery pack can be installed in a vehicle. The vehicle can be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0051] Figure 6 This shows the application to vehicles. Figure 5 A view of the secondary battery pack.

[0052] Figure 6 An example is shown where a secondary battery pack 80 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on the lower part of a vehicle body. The vehicle operates by receiving power from the secondary battery pack 80 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A partial plan view of the single-unit connecting unit 30 shown. Figure 8 It is used to describe including Figure 7 A partial perspective view of the structure of the unit base 31 in the single-unit connecting unit shown. Furthermore, Figure 9 It is used to describe fixing the busbar to Figure 8 A view of the method of the base of the unit.

[0054] As shown in the attached figures, the busbar 40 can be fitted into the busbar mounting space 31a provided by the unit base 31. The busbar 40 is a plate-shaped member formed by pressing a metal plate with a predetermined thickness, and its detailed shape can be changed in various ways.

[0055] like Figure 8 As shown, the unit base 31 may include a support portion 31e, a hook portion 31c, and a support side portion 31g. The support portion 31e, hook portion 31c, and support side portion 31g can serve as a busbar retainer portion supporting the busbar 40. The shape and number of the support portion, hook portion, and support side portion, or the gap between the support portion, hook portion, and support side portion, can be varied according to the shape or size of the busbar.

[0056] The support portion 31e is a portion of the bottom surface that supports a part of the edge of the busbar 40 and maintains the gap between the electrode terminal 15t and the busbar 40. Furthermore, when the individual connection unit 30 is handled separately, the individual connection unit 30 prevents the busbar 40 from falling downwards from the unit base 31.

[0057] The hook 31c can cover the upper surface of another portion of the edge of the busbar 40 and support the busbar 40 in the downward direction. In other words, the hook 31c can prevent the busbar 40 from lifting in the upward direction. When the individual connecting unit 30 is handled separately, the hook 31c can prevent the busbar 40 from separating from the upper part of the busbar mounting space 31a in the upward direction.

[0058] The gap between the upper surface of the support portion 31e and the bottom surface of the hook portion 31c can correspond to the thickness of the busbar 40. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, the outer end of the manifold 40 can be fitted between the hook portion 31c and the support portion 31e. The upper and lower surfaces of the manifold 40 can simultaneously contact the hook portion 31c and the support portion 31e, respectively.

[0059] The support side 31g may be a surface facing the busbar mounting space 31a. The support side 31g faces the thickness surface of the busbar 40 and prevents the busbar 40 from moving laterally. For example, the support side 31g prevents the busbar 40 from moving along... Figure 9 Move in the direction of arrow e.

[0060] As a result, the busbar 40 assembled in the busbar mounting space 31a can be stably maintained in a coupled state while being supported by the support portion 31e, the hook portion 31c and the support side portion 31g.

[0061] As described, the busbar 40 is formed by pressing a metal plate of a predetermined thickness and may have a generally quadrilateral shape.

[0062] The edge of the busbar 40 may include a hook-shaped end 42 (see Figure 10 The hook-shaped end 42 is supported by being suspended from the support 31e. Furthermore, the pressing part 41 is covered by and pressed by the hook 31c. In other words, the pressing part 41 is supported by the hook 31c in a downward direction.

[0063] Furthermore, the busbar 40 may include a plurality of elastic deformation tolerance slits 44. The elastic deformation tolerance slits 44 allow for elastic deformation of the busbar. For example, the elastic deformation tolerance slits 44 function in a manner that allows for elastic deformation of the busbar 40 when an external force is applied to it. The elastic deformation tolerance slits 44 may extend through the busbar in the thickness direction and have a shape that opens outward in the direction of the busbar 40. The shape of the elastic deformation tolerance slits 44 can be implemented in various ways, as long as it allows for elastic deformation of the busbar 40.

[0064] Figure 7 Reference numeral 47 in the attached drawing indicates a welding surface. Welding surface 47 is the portion welded to the electrode terminal 15t. One or more welding surfaces 47 may exist in the busbar 40. Although Figure 7 The busbar 40 shown is presented as having two welded surfaces 47, but Figure 16 The busbar 40 shown may have a welded surface.

[0065] Figures 10 to 16 This shows what can be applied to Figure 7 A view of several implementation examples of the busbar 40 of the single-unit connection unit.

[0066] As shown in the accompanying drawings, multiple pressing portions 41 and hook-shaped ends 42 may be formed at the edge of the manifold 40. As described herein, the pressing portion 41 is the portion supported in the downward direction by the hook portion 31c. Furthermore, the hook-shaped end 42 is the portion supported by the support portion 31e. Additionally, the manifold 40 may include multiple elastic deformation tolerance slits 44.

[0067] A cross-shaped terminal corresponding to a hole 45 can be formed in a location provided. Figure 10 In each of the two welding surfaces 47 on the busbar 40. The terminal corresponding hole 45 is a through hole corresponding to the electrode terminal 15t. When the unit connection unit 30 is mounted on the unit housing 61, the electrode terminal 15t can be exposed upward through the terminal corresponding hole 45. That is, the electrode terminal 15t can be identified through the terminal corresponding hole 45.

[0068] By using the terminal corresponding hole 45, welding heat can be transferred to the electrode terminal 15t more quickly. The terminal corresponding hole 45 can be used to improve the welding efficiency between the busbar 40 and the electrode terminal 15t. In addition, when inspecting the welded part, the welding quality can be identified through the terminal corresponding hole 45. For example, through the terminal corresponding hole 45, it can be observed whether the bottom surface of the welded surface 47 has been lifted from the electrode terminal 15t.

[0069] The shape of the terminal corresponding hole 45 can be changed in various ways, as long as the terminal corresponding hole 45 can perform the function described here. Figure 11 The terminal corresponding hole 45 of the busbar 40 shown has a bracket shape.

[0070] at the same time, Figure 12 and Figure 13 The busbar 40 shown may have an inclined surface portion 48. The inclined surface portion 48 is positioned between the welding surface 47 and the portion fixed to the busbar holder portion (a portion of the hook-shaped end 42). The inclined surface portion 48 slopes downward from the hook-shaped end 42 toward the welding surface 47. The inclined surface portion 48 can provide elasticity to the busbar 40. For example, when the welding surface 47 is pressed downward in the direction by the hook-shaped end 42 while in contact with the electrode terminal 15t, the busbar 40 becomes elastically deformed. The welding surface 47 can elastically press the electrode terminal 15t due to the elasticity caused by the elastic deformation.

[0071] Figure 14 and Figure 15 Each of the manifolds 40 of the type shown has a quadrilateral shape, and an inclined surface portion 48 may be formed between the center portion on which a welding surface 47 is positioned and the hook-shaped end portion 42.

[0072] at the same time, Figure 16 The busbar 40 shown may have a welding surface 47, and may be connected... Figure 3 This is used when connecting groups A and B, and groups B and C, as shown in the diagram. In addition to having a welding surface 47, Figure 16 The busbar 40 shown can be connected to Figure 11 The busbars in the same configuration have the same structure.

[0073] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a view showing the individual connecting unit 30 connected to the module body 60.

[0074] As described herein, the module body 60 includes a single-cell housing 61 and a plurality of battery cells 15. Furthermore, electrode terminals 15t are positioned at the upper ends of the battery cells 15. Additionally, the cell connection unit 30 includes a cell base 31, a plurality of busbars 40, and a circuit board 50.

[0075] When the single-unit connection 30 with the above structure descends toward the module body 60 and aligns with the module body 60, the busbar 40 is positioned to correspond to the upper part of each electrode terminal 15t, such as Figure 18 As shown in the diagram. In this state, the busbar 40 can be welded to the electrode terminal 15t using a welding device.

[0076] Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating the construction of an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 20 It shows the use Figure 19 A view of the individual connecting units being transported by the delivery robot, and Figure 21 It shows the use Figure 19 The protective clamp conveying device is installed on the upper part of the individual connecting unit, as shown in the view. Furthermore, Figure 22 This is a view showing the individual connecting units being welded to the busbar of the secondary battery using a welding device.

[0077] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the equipment for manufacturing secondary battery modules according to this embodiment may include a carrier 71, an identification unit 72, a control unit 73, a single cell connection unit conveying device 74, a protective fixture conveying device 75, and a welding device 76.

[0078] The carrier 71 can be used to transport the module body 60, as described herein, to an assembly line while supporting it. The module body 60 can move to the assembly line while being loaded onto the carrier 71. The assembly line can be a work line on which the module body 60 and the individual connecting unit 30 are assembled and welded.

[0079] Specifically, a marking unit 71a is displayed on one side of the carrier 71. The marking unit 71a can provide information about the module body 60 being loaded. For example, the marking unit 71a can be an ID display unit that can display the type code of the module body 60 currently being loaded. The marking unit 71a can be in the form of a barcode or a two-dimensional (QR) code. The marking unit 71a can be manufactured and affixed by a worker.

[0080] The identification unit 72 can be used to identify the tagging unit. That is, the identification unit 72 reads the contents stored in the tagging unit 71a. The identification unit 72 sends the identified data (i.e., the model or type of the module body 60) to the control unit 73.

[0081] The control unit 73 can be connected to the identification unit 72 to receive data identified by the identification unit and output control signals. That is, the control unit 73 controls the control unit transfer device 74, the protective fixture transfer device 75, and the welding device 76 based on the data received from the identification unit 72.

[0082] The single-unit connecting unit transfer device 74 is used to pick up the single-unit connecting unit 30 waiting to be inserted, and then install the single-unit connecting unit 30 onto the module body 60 waiting in the carrier 71. The single-unit connecting unit transfer device 74 may have the structure of a multi-joint robot.

[0083] Subsequently, when the individual connecting unit 30 is attached to the module body 60 via the individual connecting unit transfer device 74, the protective clamp 77 is mounted on the individual connecting unit 30 using the protective clamp transfer device 75. The protective clamp 77 can be used to support the busbar 40 in the downward direction during welding and can also prevent the welding heat of the welding device from being transferred to the surroundings. An approach path is provided on the protective clamp 77 to allow the welding head 76a of the welding device 76 to approach the busbar 40.

[0084] The protective clamp transfer device 75 can position the protective clamp 77 on the upper part of the single-unit connecting unit 30, and after welding is completed, separate the protective clamp 77 from the single-unit connecting unit 30. The protective clamp transfer device 75 can be implemented in various ways, as long as the protective clamp transfer device 75 can perform this function. For example, the protective clamp transfer device 75 can be implemented in the form of a multi-joint robot.

[0085] like Figure 22 As shown, the welding device 76 can approach the busbar through the approach path on the protective clamp while the protective clamp 77 is mounted on the cell connection unit 30, and can weld the busbar to the electrode terminal 15t of the battery cell.

[0086] Ultimately, the equipment for manufacturing secondary battery modules, as described herein, is configured to automate a series of processes for assembling and welding the module body 60 and the cell connection unit 30.

[0087] The carrier 71 can be moved to the assembly line of the equipment used to manufacture secondary battery modules while stably supporting the module body 60. Specifically, the marking unit 71a includes information about the type of the module body and can provide the data in the form of a barcode or QR code. The identification unit reads the marking unit of the carrier to identify the information about the module body and sends the identified information to the control unit.

[0088] The control unit 73 controls the operation of the single-unit connection unit conveying device 74, the protective clamp conveying device 75, and the welding device 76 based on the data received from the identification unit according to the type of the module body 60 and the single-unit connection unit 30.

[0089] The single-unit transfer device 74 picks up the prepared single-unit transfer unit 30 and precisely installs the picked-up single-unit transfer unit 30 onto the module body. The single-unit transfer device 74 can be implemented as a multi-joint robot, thereby providing high precision.

[0090] The protective clamp provides stable support for the busbar during welding and prevents welding heat from being transferred to the surrounding area. Additionally, the welding device 76 can approach the busbar via an access path on the protective clamp to weld the busbar to the electrode terminals of the battery cell. Once welding is complete, the protective clamp transfer device can remove the protective clamp to prepare for subsequent processes.

[0091] The secondary battery module of this disclosure, as described herein, has a single-cell connection unit that maintains the connection between the busbar and the circuit board relative to the battery cell. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the secondary battery module is simple and does not cause problems such as electrical short circuits caused by welding failures of the busbar.

[0092] Furthermore, the equipment used to manufacture secondary battery modules performs welding while covering the battery cells with cell connection units pre-installed with busbars and circuit boards. Therefore, the connection of the busbars and circuit boards to the battery cells is rapid and free of welding failures. Moreover, even when the type of secondary battery module changes, the time required to modify the production line equipment settings is very short.

[0093] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described herein, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made thereto by those skilled in the art within the spirit of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A secondary battery module, the secondary battery module comprising: The module body includes an upwardly opening single-cell housing that provides a receiving space and multiple battery cells arranged in the single-cell housing; as well as The cell connection unit includes a cell base attached to the upper part of the cell housing, a plurality of busbars assembled to the cell base and connected to the cell, and a circuit board connected to the busbars.

2. The secondary battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell is a prismatic battery cell, which is vertically installed inside the cell housing and has electrode terminals at its upper end.

3. The secondary battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The unit base is manufactured by injection molding and provides a busbar mounting space in which the busbar is supported.

4. The secondary battery module according to claim 3, wherein, A busbar retainer portion is formed in the unit base, and the busbar retainer portion fixes the busbar installed in the busbar mounting space.

5. The secondary battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The busbar is welded to and bonded to the electrode terminals of the battery cell while being fixed to the busbar holder portion.

6. The secondary battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The busbar is a plate-shaped component formed by pressing metal plates, and The busbar retainer includes: A support portion supports the lower surface of a portion of the edge of the busbar to maintain the gap between the busbar and the electrode terminal; and The hook portion is the upper surface of another part of the edge of the busbar that supports the busbar in the downward direction.

7. The secondary battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The busbar includes: The hook-shaped end is supported by being suspended from the support; and The pressing part is pressed down by the hook part.

8. The secondary battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The busbar has a welding surface formed to be welded to the electrode terminal, and the welding surface is configured as one or more welding surfaces.

9. The secondary battery module according to claim 8, wherein, Terminal corresponding holes passing through the busbar are formed in the welding surface of the busbar.

10. The secondary battery module according to claim 6, wherein, An elastic deformation tolerance slit is formed in the busbar to allow for elastic deformation.

11. The secondary battery module according to claim 8, wherein, A resilient inclined surface portion is formed between the welding surface of the busbar and the portion fixed to the busbar retainer portion.

12. An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery module, the apparatus comprising: A carrier that supports a module body and has a marking unit mounted on one side of the carrier and providing information about the module body, wherein the module body includes an upwardly open single-cell housing that provides receiving space and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the single-cell housing; An identification unit is configured to identify the tag unit; A control unit is connected to the identification unit to receive data identified by the identification unit; A single-unit connection unit conveying device is used to install a single-unit connection unit on the module body. The single-unit connection unit includes a unit base that can be connected to the upper part of the single-unit housing, a busbar installed on the unit base and corresponding to the battery single unit, and a circuit board connected to the busbar. A protective clamp conveying device is configured to mount a protective clamp onto the single-unit connection unit; and The welding apparatus is configured to weld the busbar to the battery cell through the path of the protective clamp while the protective clamp is being installed.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The marking unit is an ID display unit, on which the type code of the module body is displayed.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The battery cell is a prismatic battery cell, which is vertically installed inside the cell housing and has electrode terminals at its upper end.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein, The unit base is manufactured by injection molding and provides a busbar mounting space in which the busbar is supported.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein, A busbar retainer portion is formed in the unit base, and the busbar retainer portion fixes the busbar installed in the busbar mounting space.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein, The busbar is fixed to the busbar holder and simultaneously welded to the electrode terminal of the battery cell by the welding device.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein, The busbar is a plate-shaped component formed by pressing metal plates, and The busbar retainer includes: A support portion supports the lower surface of a portion of the edge of the busbar to maintain the gap between the busbar and the electrode terminal; and The hook portion is the upper surface of another part of the edge of the busbar that supports the busbar in the downward direction.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein, The busbar includes: The hook-shaped end is supported by being suspended from the support; and The pressing part is pressed down by the hook part.

20. The device according to claim 17, wherein, The busbar has a welding surface, which is welded to the electrode terminal by the welding device, and the welding surface is configured as one or more welding surfaces.

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