Lead bending device and lead bending method using the same

Abstract

A lead bending apparatus configured to bend a plurality of first leads and a plurality of second leads having opposite polarities and alternately arranged in a first direction. The lead bending apparatus includes a first bending tool configured to bend leads of a first lead group including at least one first lead and at least one second lead, and a second bending tool configured to bend leads of a second lead group located on one side in the first direction of the first lead group and including at least one first lead and at least one second lead. The first bending tool and the second bending tool can be configured to simultaneously bend two or more leads having the same polarity among the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a lead bending device and a lead bending method using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Rechargeable batteries are widely used in mobile devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, and laptops, and have recently received particular attention as an energy source for electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). On the other hand, because electric vehicles or ESS require high-capacity and high-power electricity, medium and large-sized battery devices, such as battery modules containing multiple rechargeable batteries within a casing and battery packs equipped with multiple battery modules, are widely used.

[0003] Because there is a desire to manufacture medium to large-sized battery devices with the smallest possible size and the lowest possible weight, small prismatic and pouch cells, which can be stacked with high energy density and have low weight relative to capacity, are mainly used as battery cells (cell cells). In particular, pouch cells using aluminum laminates as the outer material have recently gained much attention due to their advantages such as low weight, low production cost, and ease of deformation.

[0004] On the other hand, the battery cell leads are soldered to the busbar to electrically connect the battery cells that constitute the medium to large-sized battery devices. Before the battery cell leads are soldered to the busbar, they are bent to fit tightly against the busbar.

[0005] However, when using conventional bending methods to bend the leads, the process time may become too long, and several problems may occur, such as battery deformation and poor bending quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one object of this disclosure is to provide a lead bending apparatus and a lead bending method using the apparatus, the lead bending apparatus being configured to reduce the time spent in the lead bending process.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] A lead bending device according to the present disclosure is configured to bend a plurality of first leads and a plurality of second leads that are alternately arranged along a first direction and have opposite polarities. The lead bending device may include: a first bending tool configured to bend leads of a first lead group including at least one first lead and at least one second lead; and a second bending tool configured to bend leads of a second lead group located on one side of the first lead group in the first direction and including at least one first lead and at least one second lead. The first bending tool and the second bending tool may be configured to be able to simultaneously bend two or more leads of the same polarity from among the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads.

[0010] Each of the first bending tool and the second bending tool can be configured to move in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0011] Each of the first bending tool and the second bending tool may include a plurality of pressing portions spaced at equal intervals along a first direction and configured to bend the lead wire; and a main body from which the plurality of pressing portions protrude.

[0012] Each of the first bending tool and the second bending tool may include a main body portion configured to move in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality of pressing portions extending from the main body portion toward one side of the second direction and configured to be spaced apart at equal intervals along the first direction.

[0013] The connection between the main body and the multiple pressing parts can have a curved surface.

[0014] The thickness of the multiple pressing parts can gradually decrease as the distance from the main body increases.

[0015] The number of each of the multiple first leads and multiple second leads can be n, where n is an even number. Each of the first bending tool and the second bending tool can have no more than n / 2 pressing parts.

[0016] The lead bending device according to this disclosure may further include a comb-shaped fixture configured to move upward in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions, and the comb-shaped fixture includes a plurality of comb teeth and a plurality of guide slits formed between the plurality of comb teeth, into which a plurality of first leads and a plurality of second leads can be inserted.

[0017] The comb-shaped fixture may include: at least one of a plurality of comb teeth whose center is located on one side of the first direction relative to the first direction, wherein the surface facing one side of the first direction is an inclined surface relative to the first direction, and the surface facing the other side of the first direction is a vertical surface relative to the first direction; and at least one of a plurality of comb teeth whose center is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the first direction, wherein the surface facing one side of the first direction is a vertical surface relative to the first direction, and the surface facing the other side of the first direction is an inclined surface relative to the first direction.

[0018] According to the method for bending leads disclosed herein, the method includes: forming a first lead group and a second lead group on a surface of a first busbar frame assembly by passing a plurality of first leads and a plurality of second leads having opposite polarities and alternatingly arranged along a first direction through a first busbar frame assembly; a first operation in which a first bending tool bends the plurality of second leads included in the first lead group toward one side of the first direction; and a second operation in which a second bending tool, configured to be spaced apart from the first bending tool on one side of the first direction, bends the plurality of first leads included in the second lead group toward the other side of the first direction. The first and second operations can be performed simultaneously.

[0019] According to the method of bending leads disclosed herein, the method further includes: forming a third lead group and a fourth lead group on a surface of a second busbar frame assembly by passing a plurality of second leads and a plurality of first leads having opposite polarities and alternating along a first direction through the second busbar frame assembly; a third operation in which a third bending tool bends the plurality of second leads included in the third lead group toward one side of the first direction; and a fourth operation in which a fourth bending tool, configured to be spaced apart from the third bending tool on one side of the first direction, bends the plurality of first leads included in the fourth lead group toward the other side of the first direction.

[0020] The first, second, third, and fourth operations can be performed simultaneously.

[0021] The first lead can be the positive terminal. The second lead can be the negative terminal.

[0022] The number of each of the multiple first leads and multiple second leads can be n, where n is an even number. In the first operation, the first bending tool can bend no more than n / 2 second leads simultaneously. In the second operation, the second bending tool can bend no more than n / 2 first leads simultaneously.

[0023] The method of bending leads may further include a first standby operation, in which the first bending tool can standby in a state spaced apart from the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads, before simultaneously performing the first operation and the second operation; and a first individual bending operation, in which the second bending tool bends the plurality of second leads included in the second lead group toward one side in a first direction.

[0024] The busbar frame assembly may include: a plurality of busbars disposed along a first direction; and a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion being respectively disposed on one side and the other side of the plurality of busbars in the first direction, and the method may further include, after simultaneously performing the first operation and the second operation: a first terminal portion contact operation, bending the outermost first lead located on the other side of the first direction toward the other side of the first direction and making the first lead contact with the first terminal portion; and a second terminal portion contact operation, bending the outermost second lead located on one side of the first direction toward one side of the first direction and making the second lead contact with the second terminal portion.

[0025] Prior to performing the first and second operations simultaneously, a lead alignment operation may be included, which involves aligning the multiple first leads and multiple second leads in parallel by inserting a comb-shaped fixture between the multiple first leads and multiple second leads, the comb-shaped fixture including multiple guide slits into which the multiple first leads and multiple second leads can be inserted.

[0026] In the second operation, the second bending tool can bend the multiple first leads included in the second lead group and make the multiple first leads contact with a surface of the multiple second leads that have already been bent in the second lead group.

[0027] The direction of movement of the first bending tool in the first operation can be opposite to the direction of movement of the second bending tool in the second operation.

[0028] Technical effect

[0029] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the time spent on the bending process can be reduced by bending multiple leads simultaneously.

[0030] In addition, by configuring the number of multiple pressing parts to no more than half the number of leads, the time spent on the bending process can be reduced and severe deformation of the battery or busbar assembly can be prevented. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a stack of battery cells including leads.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-section of the busbar frame assembly.

[0033] Figure 3This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between multiple leads and the busbar frame assembly.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the lead bending device and multiple leads according to this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the bending tool included in the lead wire bending apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the comb-shaped fixture included in the lead wire bending device according to the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the comb-shaped fixture and the multiple leads included in the lead bending device according to this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the first operation included in the method of bending the lead according to this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the second operation included in the method of bending the lead according to this disclosure.

[0040] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the first and second operations included in the method of simultaneously performing lead bending.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the lead bending device and multiple leads according to this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the third operation included in the method of bending the lead according to this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the fourth operation included in the method of bending the lead according to this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates the third and fourth operations included in the method of bending leads according to this disclosure, performed simultaneously.

[0045] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a first standby operation and a first individual bending operation included in the method of bending leads according to this disclosure, performed simultaneously.

[0046] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the second standby operation and the second separate bending operation included in the method of bending leads according to this disclosure, performed simultaneously.

[0047] Figures 17 to 19This is a diagram illustrating the operations performed after the first to fourth operations included in the method of bending the lead according to this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the state after bending is completed according to the method of bending the lead wire according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Before describing this disclosure in detail, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their general or lexical meanings, and should be interpreted as corresponding to the meanings and concepts of the technical ideas of this disclosure, based on the applicant's ability to appropriately define the principles of this disclosure in a manner that best interprets it. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings represent only the most desirable embodiments of this disclosure and do not cover the entire technical concept of this disclosure. Thus, for the purposes of this application, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can be used as alternatives are possible.

[0050] The same reference numerals or symbols described in each of the accompanying drawings in this specification may indicate parts or elements that actually perform the same function. For ease of illustration and understanding, different exemplary embodiments may be described using the same reference numerals or symbols. In other words, when multiple drawings show parts with the same reference numerals, not all of the multiple drawings may represent an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] In the following description, unless otherwise expressly indicated by the context, singular expressions include plural expressions. For example, terms such as “comprising,” “including,” or “configuration” should be understood to indicate the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described in this specification, and these terms do not preclude the presence or possibility of one or more additional features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0052] Furthermore, in the following description, terms such as above, upper part, lower part, lower part, side surface, front side, and back side are used based on the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings, and the terms may be represented differently when the orientation of the object changes.

[0053] Additionally, in the following description, the expressions for, for example, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 can correspond to the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, which define, but are not limited to, three-dimensional space, and the other directions (e.g., the second direction and the third direction) can be changed accordingly based on the change in the definition of any one direction (e.g., the first direction).

[0054] Additionally, to distinguish one element from another, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used in this specification and claims. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar elements from one another, and by using these ordinal numbers, these terms should not be construed as having a restrictive meaning. As an example, elements combined with these ordinal numbers should not be construed as having a restrictive order of use or a numerical order. Each ordinal number may be used interchangeably with the others as needed.

[0055] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the spirit of the present disclosure may not be limited to the suggested exemplary embodiments. For example, those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present disclosure may suggest other exemplary embodiments included within the spirit of the present disclosure by adding, modifying, or deleting elements; however, it is understood that such suggestions may be included within the spirit of the present disclosure. For clarity, the form, size, etc., of the elements in the drawings may be enlarged.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a stack of battery cells 10 including leads.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 The battery cell stack 10 may include multiple battery cells 100. Multiple battery cells 100 may be stacked in one direction within the battery cell stack 10. Each battery cell 100 may be a pouch cell.

[0058] A pouch cell may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch outer material. In the electrode assembly, a laminate including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator layer can be formed by folding or winding. The pouch cell may include a first lead L1 electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode assembly and protruding beyond the pouch outer material, and a second lead L2 electrically connected to the second electrode and protruding beyond the pouch outer material. The first lead L1 and the second lead L2 can be configured as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the leads can protrude in two directions, or in one direction. The first lead L1 can be made of aluminum. The first lead L1 can be used as the positive electrode. The second lead L2 can be made of copper. The second lead L2 can be used as the negative electrode. However, the materials and polarities of the first lead L1 and the second lead L2 are not limited to those described, and can be modified and implemented in various ways corresponding to the target performance of the battery cell stack 10.

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-section of the busbar frame assembly 200. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between multiple leads L1 and L2 and the busbar frame assembly 200.

[0060] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The busbar frame assembly may include a plurality of busbars 220, a busbar frame F, and a first terminal portion 230 and a second terminal portion 240 disposed on both sides of the plurality of busbars 220.

[0061] Multiple battery cells 100 constituting the battery cell stack 10 can be electrically connected via a busbar 220. The multiple battery cells 100 constituting the battery cell stack 10 can be connected in series and / or in parallel according to the connection method of the busbar 220. The busbar 220 can be disposed between each of multiple leads L1 and L2 extending from the multiple battery cells 100. When the leads L1 and L2 are bent by a bending process described later, the busbar 220 can come into contact with the leads L1 and L2 of the battery cells 100. The busbar 220 of the battery cells 100 and the leads L1 and L2 can be joined together by welding. The busbar 220 can contain a conductive material.

[0062] The busbar frame F may include lead slits 210 configured to allow leads L1 and L2 of the battery cells 100 to pass through. The busbar frame F may be positioned in the direction in which leads L1 and L2 protrude within the battery cell stack 10. The busbar frame F may be positioned on one side and / or the other side of the battery cell stack 10. The busbar frame F may accommodate busbars 220. The busbar frame F may contain electrically insulating material. The busbar frame F may accommodate a first terminal portion 230 and a second terminal portion 240, which are exposed to the outside of a housing (not shown) surrounding the battery cell stack 10 and serve as external terminals. The first terminal portion 230 and the second terminal portion 240 may be positioned relative to a first direction (e.g., Figure 2 The direction D1) is located on the outermost side in opposite directions. A pair of lead slits 210 can be provided on both sides of the first terminal portion 230 and the second terminal portion 240, so that the first terminal portion 230 and the second terminal portion 240 can be located between a pair of leads L1 and L2 passing through the pair of lead slits 210 as described above.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the lead bending device according to the present disclosure and the plurality of leads L1 and L2.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 The lead bending device is capable of bending multiple first leads L1 and multiple second leads L2 that have opposite polarities and are alternately arranged along a first direction. The lead bending device can bend the multiple first leads L1 and multiple second leads L2 in opposite directions to connect multiple battery cells in series and to bring the multiple first leads L1 and multiple second leads L2 into contact with each other.

[0065] The lead wire bending device may include a first bending tool 300a and a second bending tool 300b.

[0066] The first bending tool 300a can bend the leads of a first lead group G1, which includes at least one first lead L1 and at least one second lead L2. The number of first leads L1 and second leads L2 included in the first lead group G1 can be the same, and the first leads L1 and second leads L2 can be adjacent to each other.

[0067] The second bending tool 300b can be located on one side of the first lead group G1 in the first direction (positive direction of the D1 axis), and can bend the leads of the second lead group G2, which includes at least one first lead L1 and at least one second lead L2. The second lead group G2 can be the remaining portion of the plurality of first leads L1 and the plurality of second leads L2 excluding the first lead group G1. The second lead group G2 can be a group of at least one first lead L1 and at least one second lead L2 disposed on one side of the first lead group G1 in the first direction.

[0068] The first bending tool 300a and the second bending tool 300b can be configured to simultaneously bend two or more of a plurality of first leads L1 and a plurality of second leads L2 having the same polarity. For example, when the first lead group G1 consists of four first leads L1 and four second leads L2 located on the other side of the first direction (the negative direction of the D1 axis), and the second lead group G2 consists of four first leads L1 and four second leads L2 located on one side of the first direction, the first bending tool 300a can simultaneously bend the four second leads L2 of the first lead group G1, and the second bending tool 300b can simultaneously bend the three first leads L1 of the second lead group G2.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the bending tool 300 included in the lead wire bending apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0070] The bending tool 300 may be insulated to prevent short circuits with electrical components including the leads L1 and L2 of the battery cell stack 10. For example, the bending tool 300 may be made of ceramic or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material.

[0071] The bending tool 300 can be configured to move in a first direction (e.g., direction D1) and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (direction D1) (e.g., direction D2). The bending tool 300 may include an actuator, or may be connected to an actuator and configured to move to one or the other side in the first direction (direction D1) and to one or the other side in the second direction (direction D2).

[0072] The bending tool 300 may include a pressing part 320 and a main body 310. Multiple pressing parts 320 may be provided. The multiple pressing parts 320 may be spaced at equal intervals along a first direction (direction D1). The pressing parts 320 may be configured to bend leads L1 and L2. The height of the pressing part 320 (length in direction D3) may be equal to or greater than the length of leads L1 and L2 along direction D3. The multiple pressing parts 320 may protrude from the main body 310. The width of the pressing part 320 (width in the D1 axis direction) may decrease along the D2 axis direction as the distance from the main body 310 increases. The connection between the pressing part 320 and the main body 310 may be a curved surface or an inclined surface.

[0073] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the number of each of the multiple first leads L1 and multiple second leads L2 is n (n is an even number), the number of multiple pressing parts 320 of each of the first bending tool 300a and the second bending tool 300b can be no greater than n / 2. For example, when the number of first leads L1 is 8 and the number of second leads L2 is 8, the number of pressing parts 320 of the first bending tool 300a can be 4, and the number of pressing parts 320 of the second bending tool 300b can be 3.

[0074] The pressing part 320 can move to the other side of the first direction while it is located on one side of a plurality of leads L1 and L2 with the same polarity (e.g., the first lead L1), or it can move to one side of the first direction while it is located on the other side of the first direction to bend the leads with the same polarity (e.g., the first lead L1). For multiple pressing parts 320, such bending operations can occur simultaneously, and multiple leads L1 and L2 can be bent at once. The bending tool can move to one side or the other side of the second direction before or after the bending operation to adjust the relative position with respect to the leads L1 and L2.

[0075] According to the configuration of this disclosure, the time spent in the bending process can be reduced by simultaneously bending multiple leads L1 and L2 using multiple pressing portions 320. In particular, since the bending tool 300 consists of a first bending tool 300a and a second bending tool 300b and simultaneously bends multiple leads L1 and L2, the time spent in the bending process can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, since the connection between the pressing portion 320 and the main body 310 has an inclined surface or a curved surface, the connection between the pressing portion 320 and the main body 310, which may be easily damaged when the pressing portion 320 bends the leads, can be effectively protected.

[0076] Furthermore, when the pressing part 320 bends the lead, the bent portion of the lead can come into contact with the lead slit 210 of the busbar frame F, and the reaction force may cause deformation of the battery cell 100 or the busbar frame assembly 200. In particular, when the reaction force acts in the same direction in multiple pressing parts 320, the resulting reaction force increases, causing severe deformation of the battery cell 100 or the busbar frame assembly 200. In this disclosure, as a solution to this problem, the number of multiple pressing parts 320 can be set to no more than half the number of multiple leads L1 and L2, in order to reduce the time spent in the bending process while preventing severe deformation of the battery cell 100 or the busbar frame assembly 200.

[0077] Figure 6 This is a figure illustrating a comb-shaped fixture 400 included in a lead wire bending device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the comb-shaped fixture 400 included in the lead bending device according to this disclosure and the plurality of leads L1 and L2.

[0078] Reference Figures 6 to 7 The lead wire bending device may also include a comb-shaped fixture 400.

[0079] The comb-shaped fixture 400 can be configured to move in a third direction (direction D3) perpendicular to both the first direction (e.g., direction D1) and the second direction (e.g., direction D2). The comb-shaped fixture 400 may include a plurality of comb teeth 420. The comb-shaped fixture 400 may include a plurality of guide slits 410. The plurality of guide slits 410 may be disposed between the plurality of comb teeth 420. A plurality of first leads L1 and a plurality of second leads L2 may be inserted into the plurality of guide slits 410. The comb-shaped fixture 400 may be moved to one side in the third direction (direction D3) before the lead bending process, and substantially parallelly aligned with the plurality of first leads L1 and the plurality of second leads L2 by inserting them into the plurality of guide slits 410, and then moved to the other side in the third direction (direction D3).

[0080] The comb-shaped fixture 400 has at least one of a plurality of comb teeth 420 located on one side of the first direction (direction D1) relative to its center. The surface of the at least one comb tooth 420 facing the first direction (direction D1) is an inclined surface relative to the first direction (direction D1), and the surface of the at least one comb tooth 420 facing the other side of the first direction (direction D1) is a perpendicular surface relative to the first direction (direction D1). The comb-shaped fixture 400 has at least one of a plurality of comb teeth 420 located on one side of the first direction (direction D1) relative to its center. The surface of the at least one comb tooth 420 facing the first direction (direction D1) is a perpendicular surface relative to the first direction (direction D1), and the surface of the at least one comb tooth 420 facing the other side of the first direction (direction D1) is an inclined surface relative to the first direction (direction D1). For example, the individual comb teeth 420 included in the comb jig 400 may have an asymmetrical structure, but from the overall perspective of the comb jig 400, the comb teeth on one side and the comb teeth on the other side may be formed to have a symmetrical structure with respect to the center of the length direction (e.g., direction D1).

[0081] According to the structure of this disclosure, before the bending process of leads L1 and L2, leads L1 and L2 can be aligned without touching each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent misaligned leads from bending in an undesirable direction during the lead bending process.

[0082] Furthermore, the comb-shaped fixture 400 according to this disclosure can more effectively align multiple leads L1 and L2 in parallel through the aforementioned asymmetrical comb tooth 420 structure. For example, when the width of the busbar frame assembly 200 is designed to be narrower than the width of the entire battery cell structure 10, the multiple leads L1 and L2 passing through the busbar frame assembly 200 can be slightly inclined toward the length direction (direction D1) of the busbar frame assembly 200. According to the comb-shaped fixture 400 of this disclosure, by configuring the remaining comb teeth 420, except for the central portion along the length direction (direction D1), into an asymmetrical shape with inclined surfaces, the leads L1 and L2 gathered at the center can be effectively separated and aligned at equal intervals.

[0083] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 8 to 20 Describe a method for bending leads using the aforementioned lead bending device.

[0084] Refer to together Figure 4 The method of bending leads according to an exemplary embodiment may include forming a first lead group G1 and a second lead group G2 on a surface of a first busbar frame assembly 200 by passing multiple first leads L1 and multiple second leads L2 having opposite polarities along a first direction (direction D1) through the first busbar frame assembly 200.

[0085] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the first operation included in the method of bending the lead according to this disclosure.

[0086] Reference Figure 8 The method of bending the leads may include a first operation in which a first bending tool 300a bends multiple second leads L2 included in the first lead group G1 toward a first direction (direction D1). In the first operation, in a state located on the side opposite to the multiple second leads L2 in the first direction (direction D1), the multiple pressing portions 320 of the first bending tool 300a can be moved toward a direction toward the first direction (positive direction of the D1 axis) while bending the multiple second leads L2 on one side of the first direction (direction D1).

[0087] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the second operation included in the method of bending the lead according to this disclosure.

[0088] Reference Figure 9 The method of bending the leads may include a second operation in which a second bending tool 300b, positioned on one side of the first direction (direction D1) and spaced apart from the first bending tool 300a, bends multiple first leads L1 included in the second lead group G2 toward the other side of the first direction (direction D1). In the second operation, multiple pressing portions 320 of the second bending tool 300b can be moved from one side of the first direction (direction D1) to the other side of the first direction (e.g., the negative direction of the D1 axis) while bending the multiple first leads L1 toward the other side of the first direction (direction D1).

[0089] In addition, in the second operation, the second bending tool 300b can bend the multiple first leads L1 included in the second lead group G2, and make the multiple first leads L1 contact with a surface of the multiple second leads L2 that have been bent in the second lead group G2.

[0090] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the first and second operations included in the method of simultaneously performing lead bending.

[0091] Reference Figure 10 The first operation and the second operation can be performed simultaneously. In other words, the first bending tool 300a can bend multiple second leads L2 while moving to one side in the first direction (direction D1), and at the same time, the second bending tool 300b can bend multiple first leads L1 while moving to the other side in the first direction (direction D1).

[0092] According to the method of this disclosure, the reaction forces generated in the multiple first leads L1 and multiple second leads L2 can be counteracted, thereby minimizing the total magnitude of the reaction forces through the bending process of bending the multiple leads in different directions. For example, when a bending tool simultaneously bends multiple leads in one direction, a force stronger than that required to bend a single lead (hereinafter referred to as bending pressure) may be needed, and when such strong bending pressure is continuously applied in one direction, the alignment of the battery cells 100 within the battery cell stack 10 may be disturbed, or the battery cell stack 10 may shift, resulting in improper bending of the multiple leads. For example, a first bending tool 300a performing a first operation may apply pressure to one side of a first direction (direction D1) to bend the second lead L2, while a second bending tool 300b performing a second operation may apply pressure to the other side of the first direction (direction D1) to bend the first lead L1. In this configuration, from the perspective of the battery cell stack 10 as a whole, the bending pressure applied to the leads of the battery cell stack 10 by the first bending tool 300a and the second bending tool 300b can relatively cancel each other out, thus applying only an external force equal to the difference between the two bending forces to the battery cell stack 10. Therefore, the first bending tool 300a and the second bending tool 300b can minimize the total bending pressure applied to the battery cell stack 10, thereby preventing physical deformation or damage to the battery cell stack 10 and effectively bending multiple leads in a short time.

[0093] Furthermore, in the case of a bidirectional battery cell where the leads L1 and L2 of the battery cell 100 protrude in both directions, this bending method can be performed on both sides where the leads L1 and L2 of the battery cell 100 protrude. (Refer to...) Figures 11 to 14 Describe this bending method in detail.

[0094] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the lead bending device and multiple leads according to this disclosure. Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the third operation included in the method of bending the lead according to this disclosure. Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the fourth operation included in the method of bending the lead according to this disclosure. Figure 14 This diagram illustrates the third and fourth operations included in the method of bending leads according to this disclosure, performed simultaneously.

[0095] Reference Figure 11The method of bending leads according to an exemplary embodiment may further include: on the side opposite to the side of the battery cell stack 10 where the first busbar frame assembly 200a is disposed, by passing through a plurality of second leads L2 and a plurality of first leads L1 having opposite polarities and arranged alternately along a first direction (direction D1) through the second busbar frame assembly 200b, thereby forming a third lead group G3 and a fourth lead group G4 on a surface of the second busbar frame assembly 200b.

[0096] Reference Figure 12 The method of bending the leads may further include a third operation in which the third bending tool 300c bends the plurality of second leads L2 included in the third lead group G3 toward one side in the first direction (direction D1). In the third operation, the plurality of pressing portions 320 of the third bending tool 300c can be positioned on the other side of the plurality of second leads L2 in the first direction (direction D1) while moving toward one side in the first direction (direction D1), thus bending the plurality of second leads L2 toward one side in the first direction (direction D1).

[0097] Reference Figure 13 The method of bending the leads may further include a fourth operation in which a fourth bending tool 300d, located on one side of the first direction (direction D1) and spaced apart from the third bending tool 300c, bends the plurality of first leads L1 included in the fourth lead group G4 toward the other side of the first direction (direction D1). In the fourth operation, the plurality of pressing portions 320 of the fourth bending tool 300d can be bent toward the other side of the first direction (direction D1) while being located on one side of the first direction (direction D1).

[0098] Reference Figure 14 The third and fourth operations can be performed simultaneously. In other words, while the third bending tool 300c can bend multiple second leads L2 while moving to one side in the first direction (direction D1), the fourth bending tool 300d can bend multiple first leads L1 while moving to the other side in the first direction (direction D1). Furthermore, as described above, the first to fourth operations can be performed simultaneously. Alternatively, operations that apply reaction forces in opposite directions can be performed simultaneously. For example, the first and fourth operations can be performed simultaneously, or the second and third operations can be performed simultaneously.

[0099] Refer to together Figure 7 The method of bending the lead wire may also include a lead wire alignment operation performed by the comb fixture 400 before performing the first and second operations simultaneously.

[0100] The lead alignment operation can be performed by inserting a comb-shaped fixture 400, which includes multiple guide slits 410, between multiple first leads L1 and multiple second leads L2 to align the multiple first leads L1 and multiple second leads L2. The multiple first leads L1 and multiple second leads L2 can be inserted into the multiple guide slits 410.

[0101] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a first standby operation and a first individual bending operation included in the method of bending leads according to this disclosure, performed simultaneously.

[0102] Reference Figure 15 The method of bending the lead may also include a first standby operation and a first separate bending operation performed before the first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously.

[0103] The first standby operation can be an operation in which the first bending tool 300a is in a standby state spaced apart from the leads L1 and L2. The first standby operation can also be an operation in which the plurality of pressing parts 320 of the first bending tool 300a are in a standby state located on the other side in the first direction of the plurality of second leads L2 in order to perform the first operation.

[0104] The first individual bending operation can be an operation in which the second bending tool 300b bends one side of the second lead group G2, which includes multiple second leads L2. The first standby operation and the first individual bending operation can be performed simultaneously. After such an operation, the operation can also include a standby operation in which multiple pressing parts 320 of the second bending tool 300b are positioned on one side of the multiple first leads L1 in the first direction.

[0105] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the second standby operation and the second separate bending operation included in the method of bending leads according to this disclosure, performed simultaneously.

[0106] Reference Figure 16 The method of bending the lead may include a second standby operation and a second separate bending operation performed before the third and fourth operations are performed simultaneously.

[0107] The second standby operation can be the operation of the third bending tool 300c in standby mode. The second standby operation can also be the operation of the multiple pressing parts 320 of the third bending tool 300c being in standby mode on the other side of the first direction of the multiple second leads L2 to perform the third operation.

[0108] The second individual bending operation can be an operation in which the fourth bending tool 300d bends the plurality of second leads L2 included in the fourth lead group G4 toward one side in the first direction. The second standby operation and the second individual bending operation can be performed simultaneously. After such an operation, the operation can also include the operation in which the plurality of pressing parts 320 of the fourth bending tool 300d standby to be located on one side in the first direction of the plurality of first leads L1.

[0109] Figures 17 to 19 This is a diagram illustrating the operations performed after the first to fourth operations included in the method of bending the lead according to this disclosure.

[0110] Reference Figure 17 The method of bending the leads may also include a third individual bending operation in which the first bending tool 300a bends the remaining first leads L1 of the multiple first leads L1 of the first lead group G1, except for the first lead L1 that is to contact the first terminal portion 230, to the other side in the first direction.

[0111] Reference Figure 18 The method of bending the leads may also include a fourth separate bending operation in which the third bending tool 300c bends the multiple first leads L1 included in the third lead group G3 to the other side of the first direction.

[0112] Reference Figure 19 The method of bending the lead can also include a first terminal contact operation and a second terminal contact operation after a third separate bending operation.

[0113] The first terminal contact operation can be an operation in which the outermost first lead L1 located on the other side of the first direction is bent toward the other side of the first direction to contact the first terminal 230.

[0114] The second terminal contact operation can be an operation in which the outermost second lead L2 located on one side in the first direction is bent toward the side in the first direction to contact the second terminal 240.

[0115] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the state after bending is completed according to the method of bending the lead wire according to this disclosure.

[0116] Reference Figure 20The second lead L2 can be shown as being bent first in each busbar 220. When the second lead L2 comprises copper as the negative electrode, its thickness is formed to be approximately 0.2 mm, and when the first lead L1 comprises aluminum as the positive electrode, its thickness is formed to be approximately 0.4 mm. Therefore, when the second lead L2 is soldered simultaneously with its initial contact with the busbar 220, the soldering strength can be improved because the restoring force of the thicker first lead L1 soldered further outward from the busbar 220 is less than the restoring force when the first lead L1 is soldered simultaneously with its initial contact with the busbar 220.

[0117] As described above, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been primarily depicted with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various obvious modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of this specification. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be interpreted by the appended claims to include such modifications.

[0118] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0119] 100: Battery cell

[0120] L: Lead wire

[0121] L1: First lead

[0122] L2: Second lead

[0123] G1: First lead group

[0124] G2: Second lead group

[0125] 200: Busbar Frame Component

[0126] 200a: First busbar frame component

[0127] 200b: Second busbar frame component

[0128] F: Busbar Frame

[0129] 210: Lead wire slit

[0130] 220: Busbar

[0131] 230: First terminal section

[0132] 240: Second terminal section

[0133] 300a: First bending tool

[0134] 300b: Second bending tool

[0135] 300c: Third bending tool

[0136] 300d: Fourth Bending Tool

[0137] 310: Main body

[0138] 320: Pressing part

[0139] 400: Comb fixture

[0140] 410: Guiding slit

[0141] 420: Comb teeth

Claims

1. A lead bending device, configured to bend a plurality of first leads and a plurality of second leads that are alternately arranged along a first direction and have opposite polarities, the lead bending device comprising: A first bending tool is configured to bend a lead comprising at least one first lead and at least one second lead of a first lead group; as well as The second bending tool is configured to bend the leads of a second lead group located on one side in the first direction of the first lead group and including at least one first lead and at least one second lead. The first bending tool and the second bending tool are configured to be able to simultaneously bend two or more leads with the same polarity from among the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads.

2. The lead wire bending device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first bending tool and the second bending tool is configured to move in the first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The lead wire bending device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first bending tool and the second bending tool includes: Multiple pressing portions, spaced at equal intervals along the first direction and configured to bend the lead wire; and The main body portion, from which the plurality of pressing portions protrude.

4. The lead wire bending device according to claim 3, wherein, The connection between the main body and the plurality of pressing parts has a curved surface.

5. The lead wire bending device according to claim 3, wherein, The thickness of the plurality of pressing portions gradually decreases as the distance from the main body increases.

6. The lead wire bending device according to claim 1, wherein, The number of each of the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads is n, where n is an even number, and Each of the first bending tool and the second bending tool has no more than n / 2 pressing parts.

7. The lead wire bending device according to claim 2 further includes: A comb-shaped fixture is configured to move upward in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, and the comb-shaped fixture includes a plurality of comb teeth and a plurality of guide slits formed between the plurality of comb teeth, and the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads are capable of being inserted into the plurality of guide slits.

8. The lead wire bending device according to claim 7, wherein, The comb-shaped fixture includes: At least one of a plurality of comb teeth, whose center is located on one side of the first direction, has a surface facing the first direction that is inclined relative to the first direction, and a surface facing the other side of the first direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; and At least one of the plurality of comb teeth whose center is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the first direction has a surface on one side facing the first direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and a surface on the other side facing the first direction that is inclined to the first direction.

9. A method for bending a lead wire, the method comprising: A first lead group and a second lead group are formed on one surface of the first busbar frame assembly by passing multiple first leads and multiple second leads with opposite polarities and alternating along a first direction through the first busbar frame assembly. In the first operation, the first bending tool bends the multiple second leads included in the first lead group toward one side in the first direction; as well as The second operation involves a second bending tool, spaced apart from the first bending tool on one side of the first direction, bending multiple first leads included in the second lead group toward the other side of the first direction. The first operation and the second operation are executed simultaneously.

10. The method for bending the lead wire according to claim 9, the method further comprising: A third lead group and a fourth lead group are formed on one surface of the second busbar frame assembly by passing through a plurality of second leads and a plurality of first leads having opposite polarities on the other side of the first busbar frame assembly and being alternately arranged along the first direction. The third operation involves using a third bending tool to bend the multiple second leads included in the third lead group toward one side in the first direction. as well as The fourth operation is configured such that a fourth bending tool, spaced apart from the third bending tool on one side of the first direction, bends the plurality of first leads included in the fourth lead group toward the other side of the first direction, and The first operation, the second operation, the third operation, and the fourth operation are performed simultaneously.

11. The method for bending the lead wire according to claim 9, wherein, The first lead is the positive terminal piece, and The second lead is the negative terminal piece.

12. The method for bending the lead wire according to claim 11, wherein, The number of each of the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads is n, where n is an even number. In the first operation, the first bending tool simultaneously bends no more than n / 2 of the second leads, and In the second operation, the second bending tool simultaneously bends no more than n / 2 of the first leads.

13. The method for bending a lead wire according to claim 9, further comprising, before simultaneously performing the first operation and the second operation: In the first standby operation, the first bending tool is in standby mode, spaced apart from the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads; as well as The first individual bending operation involves the second bending tool bending multiple second leads included in the second lead group toward one side in the first direction.

14. The method for bending the lead wire according to claim 9, wherein, The busbar frame component includes: Multiple busbars are arranged along the first direction; and A first terminal portion and a second terminal portion are respectively disposed on one side and the other side of the plurality of busbars in the first direction, and After simultaneously performing the first operation and the second operation, the method further includes: The first terminal portion contact operation involves bending the outermost first lead located on the other side of the first direction toward the other side of the first direction, and making the first lead contact the first terminal portion; and The second terminal contact operation involves bending the outermost second lead located on one side of the first direction toward the side of the first direction, and making the second lead contact with the second terminal.

15. The method of bending leads according to claim 9, further comprising a lead alignment operation before simultaneously performing the first operation and the second operation, wherein the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads are aligned in parallel by inserting a comb-shaped fixture between the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads, wherein the comb-shaped fixture includes a plurality of guide slits into which the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads can be inserted.

16. The method for bending the lead wire according to claim 9, wherein, In the second operation, the second bending tool bends the plurality of first leads included in the second lead group, and brings the plurality of first leads into contact with one surface of the plurality of second leads that have already been bent in the second lead group.

17. The method for bending the lead wire according to claim 9, wherein, The direction of movement of the first bending tool in the first operation is opposite to the direction of movement of the second bending tool in the second operation.

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