TRANSFER DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A BATTERY PACK USING THE SAME

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a transfer device is provided, the transfer device including a fixture plate including an opening, the opening being located at a center of the fixture plate, a first cross beam fixture disposed on the fixture plate and coupled to a first cross beam of a battery cell assembly, a second cross beam fixture disposed on the fixture plate and coupled to a second cross beam of the battery cell assembly, and first and second film fixtures disposed on the fixture plate adjacent the opening.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for providing a transfer device and a method for providing a battery pack using the same.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0166586 dated December 2, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0029842 dated March 7, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for a variety of wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has dramatically decreased due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) increases to a level comparable to that of fuel-powered vehicles, the main use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] The trend in technological development of secondary batteries for mobility is to improve energy density and safety. Here, the energy density of a secondary battery is the maximum electrical energy that can be stored in the secondary battery divided by the mass of the secondary battery. Since a high energy density of a secondary battery is directly linked to the driving efficiency and driving range of mobility, various researches are being conducted to improve the energy density of secondary batteries.

[0005] One of the powerful solutions to increase the energy density of secondary batteries is the modular battery pack (or cell-to-pack structure). A moduleless battery pack omits the modules that cover the battery cells, which can dramatically reduce the mass of the battery pack. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a transport device having improved reliability and a method for providing a battery pack using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems, a transfer device is provided. The transfer device includes a jig plate including an opening, the opening being located at a center of the jig plate, a first cross beam fixing device disposed on the jig plate and coupled to a first cross beam of a battery cell assembly, a second cross beam fixing device disposed on the jig plate and coupled to a second cross beam of the battery cell assembly, and a first film fixing device and a second film fixing device disposed on the jig plate adjacent to the opening. The first film fixing device and the second film fixing device are configured to fix the lifting film. The lifting film supports a center of a cell stack of the battery cell assembly. The first film fixing device and the second film fixing device are configured to fix both ends of the lifting film. The lifting film is coupled to the first film fixing device and the second film fixing device through the opening. The width of the lifting film is in a range of 50 mm to 100 mm. Each of the first and second film clamping devices includes a clamp configured to apply pressure to the lifting film, and a first and second pressure handle configured to apply pressure to the clamp, the clamp configured to rotate about the first pressure handle, and the clamp configured to be separated from the second pressure handle.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of providing a battery pack is provided, the method includes providing a battery cell assembly including a cell stack and a lifting film coupled to the battery cell assembly, and placing the battery cell assembly on a housing using the lifting film, the cell stack including a plurality of first battery cells disposed at a center portion of the battery cell assembly and a plurality of second battery cells disposed at an edge portion of the battery cell assembly, the lifting film supporting the first battery cells.

[0009] The battery cell assembly includes an adhesive material attached to each of the plurality of first battery cells.

[0010] The adhesive material is spaced from the lifting film.

[0011] The battery cell assembly includes a first separator and a second separator in contact with the plurality of first battery cells.

[0012] The lifting film includes a first portion supporting lower portions of the plurality of first battery cells, a second portion interposed between the first separator and the plurality of first battery cells, and a third portion interposed between the second separator and the plurality of second battery cells.

[0013] The method further includes loading the battery cell assembly into a transport device.

[0014] The transport device includes a film securing device configured to secure the lifting film.

[0015] The method further includes removing the lifting film from the battery cell assembly.

[0016] The lifting film is removed by pulling one end of the lifting film.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell assembly is transferred by a lifting film and a transfer device that support a central battery cell, and is mounted in a housing of a battery pack. The transfer device is configured to fix the lifting film and the battery assembly. The lifting film can prevent the battery cell disposed in the central portion from sagging. After the battery cell assembly is mounted in the housing, the lifting film can be easily removed from the battery cell assembly by pulling one end of the lifting film.

[0018] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, the unintended effects associated with implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a flowchart for explaining a method of providing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] It is a perspective view for explaining a method of providing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 2I-2' of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view including a cross-section taken along the cutting line 2II-2II' of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] It is a perspective view for explaining a method of providing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5I-5I' in FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a method of providing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a method of providing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best describe his own invention.

[0021] Therefore, the embodiment described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0022] In addition, in the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of related publicly known configurations or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0023] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated roughly for clearer explanation. Therefore, the sizes and proportions of each component do not completely reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0024] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a method of providing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 2I-2I' of FIG.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view including a cross section taken along the cutting line 2II-2II' in FIG.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a method of providing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5I-5I' of FIG.

[0030] 7 and 8 are perspective views illustrating a method of providing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in P110, a lifting film LF and a battery cell assembly 120 may be provided.

[0032] The battery cell assembly 120 may further include a cell stack CS, a first bus bar assembly 123a, a second bus bar assembly 123b, a first cross beam 125a, a second cross beam 125b, and a flat flexible cable (FFC) assembly 127. According to an example embodiment, the battery cell assembly 120 may not include a module frame.

[0033] The cell stack CS may include a plurality of first battery cells 121C, a plurality of second battery cells 121E, and a plurality of separators 122. The plurality of first battery cells 121C may be disposed in a center portion of the cell stack CS. The plurality of second battery cells 121E may be disposed at an edge portion of the cell stack CS. The plurality of first battery cells 121C may be interposed between the plurality of second battery cells 121E. The plurality of first battery cells 121C and the plurality of second battery cells 121E are substantially identical to one another, except for their positions in the cell stack CS.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the first battery cells 121C and the second battery cells 121E may be a bidirectional pouch-type cell. That is, the positive electrode leads of the first battery cells 121C and the second battery cells 121E may be disposed at one end of each, and the negative electrode leads of the first battery cells 121C and the second battery cells 121E may be disposed at the other end of each. Based on what is described herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art may easily arrive at an embodiment in which the first battery cells 121C and the second battery cells 121E are cylindrical battery cells or prismatic battery cells.

[0035] Each of the first battery cells 121C and the second battery cells 121E includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch case covering them. The pouch case may include an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly housed in the pouch case includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assemblies are classified into a jelly roll type and a stack type according to the form of assembly. The jelly roll type is a roll of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. The stack type includes a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween, which are stacked in sequence.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the second battery cell 121E and the first battery cell 121C coupled in parallel may form multiple banks, and the multiple banks may be coupled in series.

[0037] The multiple separators 122 may be interposed between the first battery cell 121C and the second battery cell 121E, and between the first battery cell 121C and the second battery cell 121E. The multiple separators 122 may prevent swelling of the first battery cell 121C and the second battery cell 121E by supporting the first battery cell 121C and the second battery cell 121E horizontally.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of isolators 122 may be thermal barriers. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of isolators 122 may have a high melting temperature and a low thermal conductivity. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of isolators 122 may include a fire-retardant material, such as a ceramic and coated glass material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of isolators 122 may also be configured to release a fire retarding material and a fire extinguishing agent in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0039] As described above, the first busbar assembly 123a and the second busbar assembly 123b may cover the positive and negative leads of the first and second battery cells 121C and 121E, respectively. The first busbar assembly 123a may include a busbar 124 which is an external connection terminal. A resultant voltage based on the electrical connection of the cell stack CS may be output via the busbar 124. Each of the first busbar assembly 123a and the second busbar assembly 123b may include an integrated circuit for sensing at least one of the positive and negative leads of the first and second battery cells 121C and 121E, respectively.

[0040] The first busbar assembly 123a and the second busbar assembly 123b may be connected by an FFC assembly 127. The FFC assembly 127 may be disposed on the cell stack CS. The FFC assembly 127 may be a path for transmitting a measurement value of each voltage of a predetermined node of the cell stack CS sensed by the second busbar assembly 123b.

[0041] The first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b may be spaced apart from each other with the cell stack CS therebetween. The first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b may cover the cell stack CS. The first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b may be fixed to the cell stack CS by an adhesive or the like.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b may have different and complementary shapes such that the second cross beam 125b of a battery cell assembly 120 may be coupled with the first cross beam 125a of a subsequent battery cell assembly 120 when the battery cell assemblies 120 are mounted in a battery pack housing.

[0043] The lifting film LF may penetrate the cell stack CS. The lifting film LF may support a middle portion of the cell stack CS. The lifting film LF may include a flexible material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PC (polycarbonate). The width W of the lifting film LF may be in the range of about 50 mm to about 100 mm.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment, the lifting film LF may include a first portion LFp1 disposed under the plurality of first battery cells 121C, a second portion LFp2 interposed between the plurality of first battery cells and the separator 122, a third portion LFp3 interposed between the plurality of second battery cells and the separator 122, and a fourth portion LFp4 exposed on the cell stack CS.

[0045] Here, the terms "upper" and "lower" that define positions with respect to the cell stack CS are relative concepts and may be defined with respect to the bus bar 124. With respect to the center of the cell stack CS as the reference, the upper part of the cell stack CS may be closer to the bus bar 124 than the lower part of the cell stack CS. As a result, the fourth portion LFp4 of the lifting film LF may be closer to the bus bar 124 than the first portion LFp1 of the lifting film LF.

[0046] The first portion LFp1 of the lifting film LF may support the plurality of first battery cells 121C. The first portion LFp1 of the lifting film LF may contact the lower portions of the plurality of first battery cells 121C.

[0047] The frameless battery cell assembly 120 includes a number of first battery cells 121C and second battery cells 121E to maximize energy density. This causes a problem that the first battery cells 121C at the center of the cell stack CS sag during mounting the battery cell assembly 120 into a battery pack. The sagging of the first battery cells 121C causes damage to the positive and negative electrode leads of the first battery cells 121C, which is fatal to the manufacturing yield of the battery pack.

[0048] The lifting film LF may be provided during coupling of the first battery cells 121C, the second battery cells 121E, and the separators 122 to form the cell stack CS. Thus, the lifting film LF may penetrate the cell stack CS. More specifically, the lifting film LF may penetrate between the separators 122 and the first battery cells 121C and between the separators 122 and the second battery cells 121E. The separators 122 in contact with the lifting film LF that are relatively adjacent to the first cross beam 125a may be referred to as the first separator. The separators 122 in contact with the lifting film LF that are relatively adjacent to the second cross beam 125b may be referred to as the second separator.

[0049] The first battery cells 121C, the second battery cells 121E, and the separators 122 may be bonded together by an adhesive material 129 such as a double-sided tape. The adhesive material 129 may be applied to the first battery cells 121C, the second battery cells 121E, and the separators 122, avoiding the position where the lifting film LF penetrates the cell stack CS. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the third portion LFp3 of the lifting film LF may contact the center of the second battery cell 121E, and the adhesive material 129 may be spaced apart from the center of the second battery cell 121E. This allows the lifting film LF to be easily removed after the battery cell assembly 120 is transferred. The relationship between the adhesive material 129 and the second portion LFp2 of the lifting film LF is similar to the relationship between the adhesive material 129 and the third portion LFp3 of the lifting film LF.

[0050] Second embodiment 1, 5 and 6, at P120, the battery cell assembly 120 may be loaded onto the transport device 200.

[0051] The transfer device 200 may include a fixture plate 210 , a first cross beam fixture 220 , a second cross beam fixture 230 , a first film fixture 240 , a second film fixture 250 , a lifting handle 260 , and a lifting ring 270 .

[0052] The jig plate 210 may have a substantially flat plate shape. The jig plate 210 may include an opening 210OP. The opening 210OP may be located in the center of the jig plate 210.

[0053] The first cross beam fastener 220 and the second cross beam fastener 230 may be disposed on the fixture plate 210. The first cross beam fastener 220 and the second cross beam fastener 230 may be disposed at corners of the fixture plate 210. The first cross beam fastener 220 may be configured to fasten the first cross beam 125a. The second cross beam fastener 230 may be configured to fasten the second cross beam 125b. Each of the first cross beam fastener 220 and the second cross beam fastener 230 may include a handle coupled with a threaded body. By operation of the respective handles of the first cross beam fastener 220 and the second cross beam fastener 230, the respective bodies of the first cross beam fastener 220 and the second cross beam fastener 230 may be fastened to the first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b.

[0054] The first film fixing device 240 and the second film fixing device 250 may be disposed on the jig plate 210. The first film fixing device 240 and the second film fixing device 250 may be adjacent to an opening 210OP of the jig plate 210. The lifting film LF may be coupled to the first film fixing device and the second film fixing device through the opening 210OP. The first film fixing device 240 may be configured to fix one end of the lifting film LF. The second film fixing device 250 may be configured to fix the other end of the lifting film LF.

[0055] The first film fixing device 240 may include a clamp 241, a first pressure handle 243, and a second pressure handle 245. The clamp 241 may have a rod shape. The clamp 241 may be configured to pressurize the lifting film LF. The first pressure handle 243 and the second pressure handle 245 may be configured to pressurize the clamp 241. The clamp 241 may rotate about the first pressure handle 243 in a loose state (i.e., in a state where it is not pressed by the first pressure handle 243 and the second pressure handle 245). The rotation of the clamp 241 may cause the clamp 241 to be coupled to or separated from the second pressure handle 245.

[0056] The second film fixing device 250 may include a clamp 251, a first pressure handle 253, and a second pressure handle 255. The clamp 251 may have a rod shape. The clamp 251 may be configured to pressurize the lifting film LF. The first pressure handle 253 and the second pressure handle 255 may be configured to pressurize the clamp 251. The clamp 251 may rotate about the first pressure handle 253 in a loose state (i.e., in a state where it is not pressed by the first pressure handle 253 and the second pressure handle 255). The rotation of the clamp 251 may cause the clamp 251 to be coupled to or separated from the second pressure handle 255.

[0057] After loading the lifting film LF into the first and second film fixing devices 240, 250, the first and second film fixing devices 240, 250 may fix the lifting film LF by tightening the first and second pressure handles 243, 245, 253, 255. To unload the lifting film LF, the first and second pressure handles 243, 245, 253, 255 may be loosened to separate the lifting film LF from the first and second film fixing devices 240, 250.

[0058] The lifting handle 260 may be used when the transport apparatus 200 is moved by an operator. The lifting ring 270 may be used when the transport apparatus 200 is moved by a lifting device, such as a hoist.

[0059] 1 and 7, in the P130, the battery cell assembly 120 may be mounted on the housing 110.

[0060] The lifting device can lift up the transfer device 200 coupled with the battery cell assembly 120 and place it on a desired position in the housing 110. As described above, since the center of the cell stack CS (see FIG. 3 ) of the battery cell assembly 120 is supported by the lifting film LF, sagging of the cell stack CS (see FIG. 3 ) can be prevented.

[0061] The housing 110 may include a flat plate portion 110P, a side wall 110S surrounding the plate portion 110P, and a support 116 disposed on the plate portion 110P. Before the battery cell assembly 120 is mounted, an exhaust device 140 coupled to a center beam 130 and the side wall 110S that divide an internal space of the housing 110 may further be provided.

[0062] The first cross beam 125a of the battery cell assembly 120 may be coupled to the support base 116 of the housing 110 or to the second cross beam 125b of another battery cell assembly 120 that has already been mounted.

[0063] 1 and 8, at P140, the lifting film LF may be removed. Before removing the lifting film LF, the battery cell assembly 120 may be unloaded from the transfer device 200 (see FIG. 7). According to an exemplary embodiment, the lifting film LF may be removed by pulling one end of the lifting film LF.

[0064] The present invention has been described in more detail above through the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not fully represent the technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 2I-2' cutting line 2I-2I' cutting line 2II-2II' cutting line 5I-5I' cutting line 110 Housing 110P Plate part 110S side wall 116 Support stand 120 Battery Cell Assembly 121C 1st battery cell 121E No. 2 battery cell 122 Separator 123a First busbar assembly 123b Second busbar assembly 124 Busbar 125a 1st Cross Beam 125b 2nd cross beam 127 FFC (Flat Flexible Cable) Assembly 129 Adhesive substances 130 Center Beam 140 Exhaust system 200 Transfer device 210 Jig plate 210OP opening 220 First cross beam fixing device 230 Second cross beam fixing device 240 First film fixing device 241 Clamp 243 First pressure handle 245 Second pressure handle 250 Second film fixing device 251 Clamp 253 First pressure handle 255 Second pressure handle 260 Lifting Handle 270 Lifting Ring CS Cell Stack LF Lifting Film

Claims

1. a fixture plate including an opening, the opening being located in a center of the fixture plate; a first cross beam fixing device disposed on the fixture plate and coupled to a first cross beam of a battery cell assembly; a second cross beam fixing device coupled to a second cross beam of the battery cell assembly; a transfer device including a first film clamping device and a second film clamping device disposed on the fixture plate adjacent the opening;

2. The first and second film fastening devices are configured to fasten a lifting film; and The transfer device of claim 1 , wherein the lifting film supports a center of a cell stack of the battery cell assembly.

3. The transfer device of claim 2 , wherein the first and second film clamping devices are configured to clamp opposite ends of the lifting film.

4. The transfer device of claim 2 , wherein the lifting film is coupled to the first and second film fastening devices through the opening.

5. The transfer device according to claim 2, wherein the width of the lifting film is in the range of 50 mm to 100 mm.

6. Each of the first film fixing device and the second film fixing device includes: a clamp configured to apply pressure to the lifting film; The transfer device of claim 2 , comprising: a first pressure handle and a second pressure handle configured to apply pressure to the clamp.

7. The transfer device of claim 6 , wherein the clamp is configured to rotate about the first pressure handle.

8. The transfer device of claim 6 , wherein the clamp is configured to be separated from the second pressure handle.

9. providing a battery cell assembly including a cell stack and a lifting film coupled to the battery cell assembly; using the lifting film to place the battery cell assembly on a housing; and the cell stack includes a plurality of first battery cells disposed in a central portion of the battery cell assembly and a plurality of second battery cells disposed in an edge portion of the battery cell assembly; The method of providing a battery pack, wherein the lifting film supports the first plurality of battery cells.

10. the battery cell assembly includes an adhesive material attached to each of the plurality of first battery cells; and The method of claim 9 , wherein the adhesive material is spaced from the lifting film.

11. the battery cell assembly includes a first separator and a second separator in contact with the plurality of first battery cells; and The lifting film is a first portion supporting lower portions of the first battery cells; a second portion interposed between the first separator and the first plurality of battery cells; 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: a third portion interposed between the second separator and the plurality of second battery cells.

12. loading the battery cell assembly into a transport device; and 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the transfer device includes a film fastening device configured to fasten the lifting film.

13. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising removing the lifting film from the battery cell assembly.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the lifting film is removed by pulling one end of the lifting film.

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