Battery module manufacturing method

Abstract

The side plates are properly bonded to the laminate. [Solution] A method for manufacturing a battery module comprising a laminate in which a plurality of units are stacked in a third direction, each unit including a first cell group and a second cell group in which a plurality of cells extending in a first direction are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a temperature control plate disposed between the first cell group and the second cell group and extending in the second direction, and a side plate bonded to the side surface of the laminate in the third direction, includes bonding the side surface of the laminate to the side plate via an adhesive, transporting a semi-finished product including the laminate and the side plate to a predetermined post-processing workshop while pressing the side plate toward the laminate with a first pressing member, pressing the side plate of the semi-finished product transported to the workshop toward the laminate with a second pressing member placed in the workshop, and releasing the pressing of the side plate by the first pressing member while the pressing of the side plate by the second pressing member is maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electric vehicle capable of traveling with a motor using the electric power stored in a battery module in a battery pack has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a battery pack disposed at the center of the lower part of the vehicle body of an electric vehicle and including a plurality of battery modules. The battery module of Patent Document 1 includes a laminate in which a plurality of units each including a first cell group, a second cell group, and a temperature control plate disposed between the first cell group and the second cell group are stacked.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the manufacturing process of battery modules, an assembly process may be performed in which side plates, upper covers, busbar modules, and lower covers are bonded to the laminate using adhesive. In the assembly process, for example, after the side plates and upper covers are assembled, the semi-finished product may be transported to a workshop where the busbar modules are assembled. Here, a predetermined time is required for the adhesive used to bond the side plates, etc., to dry, that is, until the bonding is complete, depending on the type and characteristics of the adhesive. Therefore, for example, if the semi-finished product is transported to the workshop where the busbar modules are assembled before the adhesive used to bond the side plates has dried, there is a risk that the side plates will peel off from the laminate. On the other hand, for example, if the semi-finished product is transported to the workshop where the busbar modules are assembled only after the bonding of the side plates is complete, the manufacturing time will be unnecessarily prolonged.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a method for manufacturing a battery module that allows for the proper bonding of side plates to a laminate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, a method for manufacturing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention is: A method for manufacturing a battery module comprising a laminate in which a plurality of units are stacked in a third direction, each unit including a first cell group and a second cell group in which a plurality of cells extending in a first direction are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a temperature control plate disposed between the first cell group and the second cell group and extending in the second direction, and a side plate bonded to the side surface of the laminate in the third direction, The side surface of the laminate and the side plate are bonded together via an adhesive, The process involves pressing the side plate toward the laminate with the first pressing member while transporting the semi-finished product, including the laminate and the side plate, to a predetermined post-processing workshop. The side plate of the semi-finished product, which has been transported to the workshop, is pressed toward the laminate by a second pressing member placed in the workshop. The pressing of the side plate by the first pressing member is released while the pressing of the side plate by the second pressing member is maintained. Includes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to properly bond side plates to a laminate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a battery module according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the laminate. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the battery module according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the assembly process. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the transport process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a conveying process. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view of the semi-finished product in the transport process. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the state after transport by the transport process. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a side view of the semi-finished product after it has been transported through the transport process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc., shown in these embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.

[0010] (Battery module) Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the battery module 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, the X' direction indicates the width direction of the battery module 1, the Y' direction indicates the length direction of the battery module 1, and the Z' direction indicates the height direction of the battery module 1.

[0011] The battery module 1 may be mounted on a vehicle V, such as an electric vehicle equipped with a motor-generator as a power source. Note that the vehicle V is not limited to an electric vehicle; it may also be a hybrid electric vehicle equipped with both a motor-generator and an engine as power sources. Furthermore, the battery module 1 is not limited to being mounted on a vehicle V; it may be mounted on various devices.

[0012] The battery module 1 comprises a case 10, a stacked body 12, and a busbar module 14.

[0013] Case 10 forms an internal storage space S. Case 10 has an upper cover 20, a side plate 22, and a lower cover 24. The space enclosed by the upper cover 20, the side plate 22, and the lower cover 24 is the storage space S. The laminate 12 and the busbar module 14 are housed in the internal storage space S of Case 10. The laminate 12 is located above the busbar module 14 in the Z' direction.

[0014] The upper cover 20 is disposed above the laminate 12 in the Z' direction. The upper cover 20 has a rectangular flat plate shape. The upper cover 20 covers the upper side of the laminate 12 in the Z' direction.

[0015] The lower cover 24 is disposed below the bus bar module 14 in the Z' direction. The lower cover 24 has a rectangular flat plate shape. The lower cover 24 covers the lower side of the bus bar module 14 in the Z' direction.

[0016] A pair of side plates 22 are disposed on both sides of the laminate 12 and the bus bar module 14 in the X' direction. The side plates 22 have a rectangular flat plate shape. The side plates 22 cover both sides of the laminate 12 and the bus bar module 14 in the X' direction. The upper cover 20 is connected to the upper end of the side plates 22 in the Z' direction. The lower cover 24 is connected to the lower end of the side plates 22 in the Z' direction.

[0017] The laminate 12 includes a plurality of cells 30. The cell 30 is a single cell of a secondary battery capable of charge and discharge, such as a lithium-ion battery. The cell 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be formed in various shapes such as a prismatic shape or an elliptical cylindrical shape. Each of the plurality of cells is arranged upright so as to extend in the height direction (Z' direction in FIG. 1) of the battery module 1. The cell 30 has electrodes of a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The laminate 12 will be described in detail later.

[0018] The bus bar module 14 has a bus bar plate 40, a plurality of bus bars 42, and a plurality of wires 44. The bus bar plate 40 holds the plurality of bus bars 42. The bus bar 42 is formed in a sheet shape or a plate shape from a material having conductivity. The wire 44 electrically connects any electrode of any cell 30 to any bus bar 42. The bus bar 42 electrically connects the electrodes of the plurality of cells 30 via the wire 44. The plurality of cells 30 are connected in parallel and in series via the wire 44 and the bus bar 42.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the laminate 12. Figure 2 shows the laminate 12 shown in Figure 1 as viewed from the Z' direction in Figure 1. In Figure 2, the X direction is the first direction corresponding to the extension direction of the cells 30. In Figure 2, the Y direction is the second direction orthogonal to the X direction and corresponds to the direction in which multiple cells 30 are arranged. In Figure 2, the Z direction is the third direction orthogonal to the X and Y directions and corresponds to the stacking direction of the units 50 described later. In Figure 2, the X direction corresponds to the Z' direction in Figure 1, the Y direction in Figure 2 corresponds to the Y' direction in Figure 1, and the Z direction in Figure 2 corresponds to the X' direction in Figure 1.

[0020] The laminate 12 includes a plurality of units 50. Each of the plurality of units 50 includes a first cell group 60, a second cell group 62, a temperature control plate 64, and an insulating sheet 66. The units 50 may include two types: those that include the insulating sheet 66 and those that do not. Hereafter, for the sake of convenience, the first cell group 60 and the second cell group 62 will be referred to collectively as simply "cell group" without distinction.

[0021] Each of the first cell group 60 and the second cell group 62 contains multiple cells 30. Each of the multiple cells 30 is arranged to extend in the first direction (the X direction in Figure 2). In other words, the central axis of the cell 30 extends in the X direction.

[0022] The first cell group 60 is configured such that multiple cells 30 extending in the first direction are arranged in a second direction (Y direction in Figure 2) perpendicular to the first direction. In the example in Figure 2, the first cell group 60 is shown as six cells 30 arranged in the Y direction. However, the number of cells 30 constituting the first cell group 60 can be multiple, and may be 5 or less, or 7 or more.

[0023] The second cell group 62 is a cell group configured separately from the first cell group 60, and is configured such that multiple cells 30 extending in the first direction are aligned in a second direction (Y direction in Figure 2) perpendicular to the first direction. The direction in which the multiple cells 30 constituting the second cell group 62 are aligned is the same direction as the direction in which the multiple cells 30 constituting the first cell group 60 are aligned. Hereafter, for the sake of explanation, the direction in which the multiple cells 30 constituting the cell group are aligned may be referred to as the parallel direction.

[0024] In the example in Figure 2, the second cell group 62 is shown as six cells 30 arranged in the Y direction. However, the number of cells 30 constituting the second cell group 62 can be multiple, and may be 5 or less, or 7 or more. The number of cells 30 constituting the second cell group 62 is assumed to be the same as the number of cells 30 constituting the first cell group 60, but may be different from the number of cells 30 constituting the first cell group 60.

[0025] The temperature control plate 64 is positioned between the first cell group 60 and the second cell group 62. The temperature control plate 64 is formed in a corrugated shape. The temperature control plate 64 is positioned so that its longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the direction of wave propagation, is in the same direction as the parallel direction of the cells 30 of the cell group.

[0026] A first cell group 60 is connected to the first of the two surfaces of the temperature control plate 64 via adhesive. Each cell 30 of the first cell group 60 is housed in a groove formed on the first surface of the temperature control plate 64. A second cell group 62 is connected to the second of the two surfaces of the temperature control plate 64 via adhesive. Each cell 30 of the second cell group 62 is housed in a groove formed on the second surface of the temperature control plate 64.

[0027] Although not shown in the diagram, a flow channel for the heat transfer medium is formed inside the temperature control plate 64. The temperature control plate 64 performs heat exchange between the heat transfer medium flowing through the internal flow channel and the first cell group 60 and the second cell group 62. Through this heat exchange, the temperatures of the first cell group 60 and the second cell group 62 are adjusted.

[0028] Unit 50 is formed by bonding a first cell group 60 to at least the first surface of a temperature control plate 64, and bonding a second cell group 62 to the second surface of the temperature control plate 64.

[0029] Multiple units 50 are stacked in a third direction (Z direction in Figure 2) that is perpendicular to the extension direction (first direction) and the parallel direction (second direction) of the cells 30. In other words, the third direction is the stacking direction in which the multiple units 50 are stacked. When the multiple units 50 are stacked, the first cell group 60 and the second cell group 62 are arranged alternately along the stacking direction.

[0030] The laminate 12 is formed by stacking multiple units 50 with an insulating sheet 66 in between. The insulating sheet 66 is formed in a sheet shape from an insulator. The insulating sheet 66 is located between the first cell group 60 of one unit 50 and the second cell group 62 of the other unit 50 of two adjacent units 50. The insulating sheet 66 prevents adjacent cell groups in the stacking direction from coming into contact.

[0031] The insulating sheet 66 is bonded to at least one of the two cell groups that sandwich the insulating sheet 66 via an adhesive. The insulating sheet 66 may also be bonded to at least one of the first cell group 60 and the second cell group 62 of the unit 50 on the side opposite to the temperature control plate 64.

[0032] (Battery module manufacturing method) Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 includes a unit creation step S100, a lamination step S200, an assembly step S300, a wire bonding step S400, and a potting step S500. Each step of the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 may be performed by a manufacturing machine, by a person, or by a collaboration between a manufacturing machine and a person.

[0033] In the unit creation process S100, a unit 50 is created that includes a first cell group 60, a second cell group 62, and a temperature control plate 64. For example, in the unit creation process S100, the first cell group 60 is bonded to the first surface of the temperature control plate 64 via adhesive, and the second cell group 62 is bonded to the second surface of the temperature control plate 64 via adhesive. In addition, in the unit creation process S100, an insulating sheet 66 may be bonded to the part of the second cell group 62 opposite to the temperature control plate 64 via adhesive.

[0034] In the lamination process S200, multiple units 50 are stacked via an insulating sheet 66 to form a laminate 12 (see Figure 2).

[0035] In assembly step S300, the busbar module 14 and the created laminate 12 are assembled to at least some of the components that make up the case 10. Assembly step S300 will be described in detail later.

[0036] In the wire bonding process S400, the electrodes of the cell 30 and the busbar 42 are connected by a wire 44.

[0037] In the potting process S500, potting is performed to fill the inside of the case 10, which houses the laminate 12 and the busbar module 14, with a filler. The potting process S500 is performed in a position where the upper cover 20 is located below the laminate 12 and the busbar module 14 is located above the laminate 12, that is, in a position where the top and bottom of Figure 1 are reversed. In the potting process S500, a fluid filler is injected into the inside of the case 10 from the busbar module 14 side so that the filler fills the gaps in the laminate 12.

[0038] In the potting process S500, after the filler is injected, it hardens after a predetermined time has elapsed under predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions and time vary depending on the type and characteristics of the filler. As the filler injected into the case 10 hardens, the ability to fix the position of the laminate 12 inside the case 10 is improved, thereby improving the structural characteristics, electrical characteristics, and environmental characteristics of the battery module 1.

[0039] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of assembly process S300. As shown in Figure 4, assembly process S300 includes the side plate assembly process S310, the upper cover assembly process S320, the transport process S330, the busbar module assembly process S340, and the lower cover assembly process S350. Each step of the assembly process may be performed by a manufacturing machine, by a person, or by a combination of a manufacturing machine and a person.

[0040] In the side plate assembly process S310, the side plates 22 are bonded to both sides of the laminate 12 in the third direction (Z direction in Figure 2, i.e., the stacking direction of the unit 50) via adhesive.

[0041] In the upper cover assembly process S320, the upper cover 20 is bonded to the first end face in the first direction (X direction in Figure 2) of the cell 30 of the laminate 12 via adhesive. The first end face of the cell 30 is, for example, the one of the two end faces in the first direction that does not have an electrode, in other words, the end face opposite to the end face that has an electrode.

[0042] In the transport process S330, the semi-finished product, in which the side plates 22 and upper cover 20 are assembled to the laminate 12, is transported to the workshop for the busbar module assembly process S340.

[0043] In the busbar module assembly process S340, the busbar module 14 is assembled to the transported semi-finished product. For example, the busbar module 14 is fixed to the side plate 22 such that the busbars 42 are positioned near the electrodes of the cells 30 of the laminate 12.

[0044] In the lower cover assembly process S350, the lower cover 24 is attached to the semi-finished product on which the busbar module 14 is assembled. For example, the lower cover 24 is fixed to the side plate 22 such that the lower cover 24 is positioned on the opposite side of the laminate 12 from the busbar module 14.

[0045] The lower cover 24 may be integrated with the busbar module 14. In that case, the lower cover assembly process S350 may be substantially included in the busbar module assembly process S340.

[0046] Furthermore, the lower cover assembly process S350 is not limited to being performed in the assembly process S300, but may also be performed after the wire bonding process S400 or after the potting process S500.

[0047] Here, a predetermined time is required, depending on the type and characteristics of the adhesive, for the adhesive used to bond the side plates 22 and other components to dry, that is, for the bonding to be completed. Therefore, if, for example, the semi-finished product is transported to the workshop where the busbar module 14 is assembled before the adhesive used to bond the side plates 22 has dried, there is a risk that the side plates 22 will peel off from the laminate. On the other hand, if, for example, the semi-finished product is transported to the workshop where the busbar module 14 is assembled only after the bonding of the side plates 22 has been completed, the manufacturing time will be unnecessarily prolonged.

[0048] Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, the side plate 22 is pressed toward the laminate 12 while the semi-finished product is transported to the workshop where the busbar module 14 is assembled, and the pressure on the side plate 22 is maintained until the bonding of the side plate 22 with adhesive is completed.

[0049] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the conveying process S330. Each step of the conveying process S330 may be performed by a manufacturing machine, by a person, or by a combination of a manufacturing machine and a person. Hereafter, the semi-finished product being manufactured that is the target of the conveying process S330 may be referred to as the target semi-finished product. The target semi-finished product includes at least the laminate 12 and the side plate 22.

[0050] In the transport process S330, first, the side plate 22 is pressed toward the laminate 12 by the first pressing member, which will be described later (S331). Next, the lift member, which will be described later, is attached to the semi-finished product (S332). Then, while the side plate 22 is pressed toward the laminate by the first pressing member, the semi-finished product is transported by the lift member to the workshop where the busbar module 14 is assembled (S333).

[0051] Next, in the workshop where the busbar module 14 is assembled, the side plate 22 is pressed toward the laminate 12 by the first pressing member, and then the side plate 22 is pressed toward the laminate 12 by the second pressing member, which will be described later (S334). Next, with the side plate 22 pressed toward the laminate 12 by the first and second pressing members, the lift member is removed from the semi-finished product (S335). Next, with the pressure on the side plate 22 by the second pressing member maintained, the pressure on the side plate 22 by the first pressing member is released (S336).

[0052] Thus, when the target semi-finished product is being transported, the side plate 22 is pressed by the first pressing member, and after the target semi-finished product has been transported, the side plate 22 is pressed by the second pressing member, and the pressure on the side plate 22 is maintained before and after transport.

[0053] In Figure 5, the pressure on the side plate 22 by the first pressing member was released after the lift member was removed from the semi-finished product. However, the lift member may be removed from the semi-finished product after the pressure on the side plate 22 by the first pressing member has been released.

[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the conveying process S330. Figure 6 shows an example of a conveying device 100 that realizes the conveying process S330. Figure 7 is a side view of the target semi-finished product 102 as seen from the side in the conveying process S330. Figures 6 and 7 show the state before the target semi-finished product 102 is conveyed, that is, the state in which the target semi-finished product 102 is located in the workshop 104 where the side plate 22 and upper cover 20 are assembled. In the workshop 104, the target semi-finished product 102 may be placed on a predetermined workbench 106.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the conveying device 100 includes a first pressing member 110, a lifting member 112, a first drive unit 120, a conveying drive unit 122, and a control device 130.

[0056] A pair of first pressing members 110 are provided, with the laminate 12 and the side plate 22 sandwiched between them. The first pressing members 110 abut against the surface of the side plate 22 opposite to the laminate 12.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the first pressing member 110 includes a plurality of first claws 150 and a first connecting bar 152. The first pressing member 110 is formed in a comb-like shape by the plurality of first claws 150 and the first connecting bar 152.

[0058] More specifically, each of the multiple first claws 150 extends in a first direction (X direction in Figure 7). The multiple first claws 150 are arranged in parallel in a second direction (Y direction in Figure 7). The multiple first claws 150 are arranged at roughly equal intervals, with a predetermined gap between adjacent first claws 150. The first claws 150 are in contact with the surface of the side plate 22 and are capable of supporting the side plate 22.

[0059] The longitudinal upper end of each first claw 150 is connected to the first connecting bar 152. The first connecting bar 152 connects multiple first claws 150.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the lift member 112 is positioned below the target semi-finished product 102, for example, below the laminate 12. The lift member 112 is formed, for example, as a plate with a flat top surface, and can lift and transport the target semi-finished product 102. Multiple lift members 112 may be provided in the third direction (Z direction in Figure 6). Also, as shown in Figure 7, the lift members 112 may be positioned at both ends of the target semi-finished product 102 in the second direction (Y direction in Figure 7).

[0061] The first drive unit 120 can operate the first pressing member 110 under the control of the control device 130. For example, the first drive unit 120 can move the multiple first claws 150 of the first pressing member 110 closer to or further away from the side plate 22. The first drive unit 120 can press the first pressing member 110, which is in contact with the surface of the side plate 22 opposite to the laminate 12, toward the laminate 12, as shown by the white arrow A10 in Figure 6. In other words, the first drive unit 120 can press the side plate 22 toward the center from both sides of the laminate 12 using a pair of first pressing members 110.

[0062] The transport drive device 122 can move the lift member 112 in any direction, both vertically and horizontally, under the control of the control device 130. For example, as shown by the white arrow A12 in Figure 7, the transport drive device 122 can insert the lift member 112 into the space below the stack 12. The transport drive device 122 can also withdraw the lift member 112 from the space below the stack 12. Furthermore, as shown by the white arrow A14 in Figure 6, the transport drive device 122 can lift the semi-finished product 102 via the lift member 112 by moving the lift member 112, which is positioned below the semi-finished product 102, vertically upward. In addition, the transport drive device 122 can transport the semi-finished product 102 to any position by moving the lift member 112 horizontally while the semi-finished product 102 is lifted by the lift member 112.

[0063] The control device 130 includes one or more processors 132 and one or more memories 134 connected to the processors 132. The memories 134 include ROM, which stores programs, and RAM, which serves as a work area. The processors 132 work in cooperation with the programs contained in the memories 134 to perform various processes.

[0064] The control device 130 can control the first drive unit 120 and the transport drive unit 122 by having the processor 132 execute a program. For example, the control device 130 can control the first drive unit 120 to press the side plate 22 with the first pressing member 110. The control device 130 can control the transport drive unit 122 to transport the target semi-finished product 102 with the lift member 112.

[0065] Furthermore, the control device 130 may link the control of the first drive device 120 to the control of the transport drive device 122. For example, the control device 130 may move the first pressing member 110 in accordance with the transport operation of the target semi-finished product 102 by the lift member 112. This makes it possible to appropriately maintain the pressing of the side plate 22 by the first pressing member 110 while the target semi-finished product 102 is being moved by the lift member 112.

[0066] Thus, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, the side plate 22 is pressed toward the laminate 12 by the first pressing member 110 when the target semi-finished product 102 is transported in the transport process S330. For this reason, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, even if the target semi-finished product 102 is transported before the adhesive bonding the side plate 22 dries, for example, it is possible to prevent the side plate 22 from peeling off from the laminate 12.

[0067] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the state after transport by transport process S330. Figure 9 is a side view of the target semi-finished product 102 after transport by transport process S330. Figures 8 and 9 show the state after the target semi-finished product 102 has been transported, that is, the state in which the target semi-finished product 102 is located in the workshop 204 where the busbar module 14 is assembled.

[0068] The workshop 204 has one or more workbenches 206. A busbar module 14 is placed on a workbench 206. The busbar module 14 is arranged such that, for example, the busbar plate 40 is located relatively above and the busbars 42 are located relatively below.

[0069] The semi-finished product 102, transported by the transport process S330, is positioned such that the laminate 12 is located above the busbar module 14.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, the conveying device 100 includes a second pressing member 210 and a second drive unit 220. The second pressing member 210 and the second drive unit 220 are installed, for example, in the workshop 204 after the semi-finished product 102 has been conveyed.

[0071] A pair of second pressing members 210 are provided, with the laminate 12 and the side plate 22 sandwiched between them. The second pressing members 210 abut against the surface of the side plate 22 opposite to the laminate 12. In other words, the second pressing members 210 abut against the same surface of the side plate 22 against which the first pressing member 110 abuts.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, the second pressing member 210 includes a plurality of second claws 250 and a second connecting bar 252. The second pressing member 210 is formed in a comb-like shape by the plurality of second claws 250 and the second connecting bar 252.

[0073] More specifically, each of the multiple second claws 250 extends in a first direction (X direction in Figure 7). The multiple second claws 250 are arranged in parallel in a second direction (Y direction in Figure 7). The multiple second claws 250 are arranged at roughly equal intervals, with a predetermined gap between adjacent second claws 250. The second claws 250 are in contact with the surface of the side plate 22 and are capable of supporting the side plate 22.

[0074] The longitudinal lower end of each second claw 250 is connected to the second connecting bar 252. The second connecting bar 252 connects multiple second claws 250.

[0075] Multiple first claws 150 and multiple second claws 250 are arranged alternately. For example, the spacing between adjacent first claws 150 is wider than the width in the second direction (Y direction in Figure 7) of the second claws 250. The second claws 250 are located between adjacent first claws 150. Similarly, the spacing between adjacent second claws 250 is wider than the width in the second direction (Y direction in Figure 7) of the first claws 150. The first claws 150 are located between adjacent second claws 250. Multiple first claws 150 and multiple second claws 250 do not come into contact with each other.

[0076] The second drive unit 220 can operate the second pressing member 210 under the control of the control device 130. For example, the second drive unit 220 can move the multiple second claws 250 of the first pressing member closer to or further away from the side plate 22. The second drive unit 220 can press the second pressing member 210, which is in contact with the surface of the side plate 22 opposite to the laminate 12, toward the laminate 12, as shown by the white arrow A20 in Figure 8. In other words, the second drive unit 220 can press the second pressing member 210 in the same direction as the pressing direction of the first pressing member 110. That is, the second drive unit 220 can press the side plate 22 toward the center of the laminate 12 from both sides by a pair of second pressing members 210, just as it can with a pair of first pressing members 110.

[0077] The control device 130 can control the second drive unit 220 by having the processor 132 execute a program. For example, by controlling the second drive unit 220, the control device 130 can perform pressing of the side plate 22 by the second pressing member 210.

[0078] As shown in Figure 8, when the target semi-finished product 102 is transported to the workshop 204, the control device 130 maintains the pressure on the side plate 22 by the first pressing member 110, as shown by the white arrow A10, and brings the second pressing member 210 into contact with the side plate 22. Then, as shown by the white arrow A20, the control device 130 uses the second pressing member 210 to press the side plate 22 of the target semi-finished product 102 that has been transported to the workshop 204 toward the laminate 12.

[0079] The control device 130 removes the lift member 112 from the target semi-finished product 102 while maintaining the pressure on the side plate 22 by the first pressing member 110 and the second pressing member 210.

[0080] Furthermore, the control device 130 releases the pressure applied to the side plate 22 by the first pressing member 110 while the pressure applied to the side plate 22 by the second pressing member 210 is maintained. In other words, the control device 130 separates the first pressing member 110 from the side plate 22 while maintaining the pressure applied to the side plate 22 by the second pressing member 210.

[0081] As a result, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, the pressure on the side plate 22 is maintained from the time the target semi-finished product 102 is transported until after the transport of the target semi-finished product 102. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to more effectively prevent the side plate 22 from peeling off from the laminate 12.

[0082] The control device 130 may maintain the pressure applied to the side plate 22 by the second pressing member 210 during the execution of the busbar module assembly process S340.

[0083] Furthermore, this description described an example in which the target semi-finished product 102 is transported to the workshop 204 of the busbar module assembly process S340. However, the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 in this embodiment is not limited to transporting the target semi-finished product 102 to the workshop 204 of the busbar module assembly process S340, but may also be transported to a workshop of a predetermined subsequent process. In other words, the subsequent process after the transport process S330 is not limited to the busbar module assembly process S340, but may be any other process.

[0084] As described above, the battery module 1 of this embodiment comprises a laminate 12 in which a plurality of units 50 are stacked in a third direction, each unit 50 including a first cell group 60 and a second cell group 62 in which a plurality of cells 30 extending in a first direction are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a temperature control plate 64 positioned between the first cell group 60 and the second cell group 62 and extending in the second direction, and a side plate 22 bonded to the side surface of the laminate 12 in the third direction. The manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment includes bonding the side surface of the laminate 12 and the side plate 22 via an adhesive. The manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment also includes pressing the side plate 22 toward the laminate 12 with a first pressing member 110 while transporting a semi-finished product (e.g., target semi-finished product 102) including the laminate 12 and the side plate 22 to a workshop 204 for a predetermined subsequent process (e.g., busbar module assembly process S340). The manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment includes pressing the semi-finished side plate 22, which has been transported to the workshop 204, toward the laminate 12 using a second pressing member 210 located in the workshop 204. The manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment also includes releasing the pressure on the side plate 22 by the first pressing member 110 while the pressure on the side plate 22 by the second pressing member 210 is maintained.

[0085] As a result, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, when the target semi-finished product 102 is transported in the transport process S330, the side plate 22 is pressed towards the laminate 12 by the first pressing member 110. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, even if the target semi-finished product 102 is transported before the adhesive bonding the side plate 22 dries, for example, it is possible to prevent the side plate 22 from peeling off from the laminate 12. Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, the pressing of the side plate 22 is maintained from the time of transport of the target semi-finished product 102 through to after the transport of the target semi-finished product 102. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to more effectively prevent the side plate 22 from peeling off from the laminate 12. In addition, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, since the pressing of the side plate 22 is maintained, it is not necessary to wait for the bonding of the side plate 22 to be completed when transporting the target semi-finished product 102 to the workshop 204. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment 204, the manufacturing time can be shortened.

[0086] Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to properly bond the side plate 22 to the laminate 12.

[0087] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, the first pressing member 110 includes a plurality of first claws 150 arranged in parallel in the second direction and capable of supporting the side plate 22. The second pressing member 210 includes a plurality of second claws 250 arranged in parallel in the second direction and capable of supporting the side plate 22. The plurality of first claws 150 and the plurality of second claws 250 are arranged alternately.

[0088] As a result, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately press the side plate 22 with the second pressing member 210 while maintaining the pressure on the side plate 22 by the first pressing member 110. Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately release the pressure on the side plate 22 by the first pressing member 110 while the pressure on the side plate 22 by the second pressing member 210 is maintained.

[0089] The first pressing member 110 and the second pressing member 210 are not limited to the exemplified embodiments, but may be configured in various ways to press the side plate 22.

[0090] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, transporting the semi-finished product to the workshop 204 includes the lifting and transporting of the semi-finished product by a lift member 112 positioned below the semi-finished product.

[0091] As a result, the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 in this embodiment can prevent the semi-finished product from falling during transport, and the semi-finished product can be transported appropriately.

[0092] The lift member 112 may be omitted.

[0093] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1 Battery Module 12-layer structure 22 Side Plates 30 cells 50 units 60 Cell Group 1 62 Cell Group 2 64 Temperature control plate 102 Target semi-finished products 110 First pressing member 112 Lift Member 150 First claw 210 Second pressing member 204 Workshop 250 Second claw

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a battery module comprising a laminate in which a plurality of units are stacked in a third direction, each unit including a first cell group and a second cell group in which a plurality of cells extending in a first direction are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a temperature control plate disposed between the first cell group and the second cell group and extending in the second direction, and a side plate bonded to the side surface of the laminate in the third direction, The side surface of the laminate and the side plate are bonded together via an adhesive, The process involves pressing the side plate toward the laminate using the first pressing member, while transporting the semi-finished product, including the laminate and the side plate, to a predetermined post-processing workshop. The side plate of the semi-finished product, which has been transported to the workshop, is pressed toward the laminate by a second pressing member placed in the workshop. The pressing of the side plate by the first pressing member is released while the pressing of the side plate by the second pressing member is maintained. including, A method for manufacturing battery modules.

2. The first pressing member includes a plurality of first claws arranged in parallel in the second direction and capable of supporting the side plate, The second pressing member includes a plurality of second claws arranged in parallel in the second direction and capable of supporting the side plate, The plurality of first claws and the plurality of second claws are arranged alternately. A method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 1.

3. Transporting the semi-finished product to the workshop includes a lift member positioned below the semi-finished product lifting and transporting the semi-finished product. A method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 1.

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