Battery module manufacturing method

Abstract

To improve productivity. [Solution] A method for manufacturing a battery module comprising a laminate in which a plurality of units are stacked, 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, includes imaging the laminate, determining a first reference position of the laminate based on the image, acquiring first position information representing the relative position of each part of the laminate with respect to the first reference position based on the image, storing the first reference position and the first position information, and sharing the stored first reference position and the first position information in a plurality of subsequent processes.

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] When at least a part of the manufacturing process of a battery module is automated, it is necessary for the manufacturing apparatus to recognize the positions of each part of the laminate. For example, if the positions of each part of the laminate are recognized for each manufacturing process, it takes time for the process of recognizing the positions of each part of the laminate, and there is a risk that the productivity of the battery module will decrease.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a battery module capable of improving productivity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a method for manufacturing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is A method for manufacturing a battery module comprising a laminate in which a plurality of units are stacked, 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, To image the aforementioned laminate, Based on the captured image, the first reference position of the laminate is determined, Based on the aforementioned image, first position information is obtained that represents the relative position of each part of the laminate with respect to the first reference position, The first reference position and the first position information are stored, The stored first reference position and first position information are shared in multiple subsequent processes, Includes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve productivity. [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 detailed flow from the positioning process to the wire bonding process. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positioning process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the laser cleaning process. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the wire bonding process. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed flow from the positioning step to the wire bonding step in the manufacturing method of a modified battery module 1. [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] The case 10 forms an accommodation space S inside. The case 10 has an upper cover 20, a side plate 22, and a lower cover 24. The space surrounded by the upper cover 20, the side plate 22, and the lower cover 24 is the accommodation space S. The accommodation space S inside the case 10 houses the laminate 12 and the bus bar module 14. The laminate 12 is located above the bus bar module 14 in the Z' direction.

[0014] The upper cover 20 is arranged 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 arranged 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 arranged on both sides in the X' direction with respect to the laminate 12 and the bus bar module 14. 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 cylinder 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 busbar module 14 has a busbar plate 40, a plurality of busbars 42, and a plurality of wires 44. The busbar plate 40 holds the plurality of busbars 42. The busbars 42 are formed in a sheet or plate shape from a conductive material. The wires 44 electrically connect any electrode of any cell 30 to any busbar 42. The busbars 42 electrically connect the electrodes of the plurality of cells 30 via the wires 44. The plurality of cells 30 are connected in parallel and in series via the wires 44 and busbars 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 positioning step S320, a laser cleaning step S340, 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. For example, in assembly step S300, the upper cover 20, side plate 22, busbar module 14, and lower cover 24 are assembled to the laminate 12. Note that the lower cover 24 is not limited to being assembled in assembly step S300; it may also be assembled after the wire bonding step S400 or after the potting step S500.

[0036] In the positioning step S320, the positions of each part of the laminate 12 are stored in order to perform the laser cleaning step S340 and the wire bonding step S400 that follow the positioning step S320. The positioning step S320 will be described in detail later.

[0037] In the laser cleaning step S340, laser cleaning is performed on at least the electrodes of the cell 30. For example, in the laser cleaning step S340, a laser is irradiated onto the electrodes of the cell 30, and the deposits are removed from the electrode surface by evaporation due to the energy of the laser or by dispersion due to the impact of the laser irradiation. In addition, in the laser cleaning step S340, laser cleaning may be performed on the position where the wire 44 of the busbar 42 is to be connected.

[0038] In the wire bonding process S400, the electrodes of the cell 30 and the busbar 42 are connected by a wire 44. Since the laser cleaning process S340 is performed before the wire bonding process S400, connection errors between the electrodes and the wire 44 can be reduced in the wire bonding process S400.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed flow from the positioning process S320 to the wire bonding process S400.

[0042] In the positioning step S320, the semi-finished laminate 12 after the assembly step S300 is first imaged by the imaging device (S321). For example, the laminate 12 is positioned so that the electrodes of the cells 30 face upward. The imaging device images the laminate 12 so that the captured image includes the electrodes and busbars 42 of the cells 30. For example, the imaging device images the laminate 12 so that all the electrodes of the cells 30 and all the busbars 42 are included in a single image.

[0043] The imaging device may capture images such that some of the electrodes of the cells 30 and some of the busbars 42 of the laminate 12 are included in a single image. In that case, the imaging range may be shifted to capture multiple images so that substantially all of the cells 30 and all of the busbars 42 of the laminate 12 are captured.

[0044] Next, a first reference position of the laminate 12 is determined based on the captured image (S322). The first reference position includes a characteristic portion that serves as a reference for determining the relative position of each part of the laminate 12. For example, a portion of a predetermined shape in a predetermined bus bar 42 in the image may be designated as the first reference position. Alternatively, if a positioning pin is formed at a predetermined position on the bus bar module 14, that positioning pin in the image may be designated as the first reference position.

[0045] Next, based on the captured image, first position information is obtained that represents the relative position of each part of the laminate 12 with respect to a first reference position (S323). The first position information may include information on the positions of the positive and negative electrodes for each cell 30, or it may include information on the positions to which the wires 44 are connected on the busbar 42.

[0046] Next, the captured image, the first reference position, and the first position information are stored in the storage (S324).

[0047] The semi-finished product after the positioning process S320, that is, the semi-finished product after the first position information, etc., has been stored, is transported to the workspace for the laser cleaning process S340 (S330). However, if the laser cleaning process S340 is performed in the same workspace as the positioning process S320, the transport of the semi-finished product may be omitted.

[0048] In the laser cleaning process S340, first, the first reference position and first position information stored in the positioning process S320 are read out (S341).

[0049] Next, laser cleaning is performed according to the read-out first reference position and first position information (S342). For example, the origin of the coordinate system for laser cleaning may be a feature portion on the image captured in laser cleaning step S340 that is substantially the same as the first reference position. In laser cleaning, the laser irradiation position may be determined according to the first position information.

[0050] The semi-finished products after the laser cleaning process S340, i.e., the semi-finished products after laser cleaning are transported to the workshop for the wire bonding process S400 (S350). However, if the wire bonding process S400 is performed in the same workshop as the laser cleaning process S340, the transport of the semi-finished products may be omitted.

[0051] In the wire bonding process S400, first, the first reference position and first position information stored in the positioning process S320 are read out (S401).

[0052] Next, wire bonding is performed according to the read-out first reference position and first position information (S402). For example, the origin of the wire bonding coordinate system may be a feature portion on the image captured in the wire bonding process S400 that is substantially the same as the first reference position. In wire bonding, the connection position of the wire 44 may be determined according to the first position information.

[0053] Thus, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, the first reference position and first position information stored in the positioning step S320 are shared in the laser cleaning step S340 and the wire bonding step S400 after the positioning step S320. Therefore, compared to a method in which the positioning of each part of the laminate 12 is performed each time the laser cleaning step S340 and the wire bonding step S400 are performed, the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment can shorten the time required for the positioning of each part of the laminate 12. As a result, the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment can improve the productivity of the battery module 1.

[0054] In this example, the first reference position and first position information stored in the positioning step S320 were shared in the laser cleaning step S340 and the wire bonding step S400. However, the steps in which the first reference position and first position information are used are not limited to the laser cleaning step S340 and the wire bonding step S400. The first reference position and first position information may be shared in various subsequent steps after the positioning step S320.

[0055] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positioning process S320. Figure 5 shows an example of a positioning device 100 that realizes the positioning process S320. For the sake of explanation, the semi-finished product being manufactured that is the target of the positioning process S320 may be referred to as the target semi-finished product 102.

[0056] A first electrode 30A and a second electrode 30B are provided as electrodes on the first end face of the cell 30 in the first direction (X direction in Figure 5). The target semi-finished product 102 is placed in the workshop 104 of the positioning process S320 with the electrodes and busbars 42 of the cell 30 facing vertically upward.

[0057] The first electrode 30A and the second electrode 30B are formed from a conductive material. The first electrode 30A is, for example, the positive electrode, and the second electrode 30B is, for example, the negative electrode. Depending on the type of cell 30, the first electrode 30A may be the negative electrode and the second electrode 30B may be the positive electrode. The first electrode 30A is formed in a circular shape. The second electrode 30B is formed in a concentric annular shape with respect to the first electrode 30A and is positioned on the outer circumference of the first electrode 30A.

[0058] The busbar 42 may be arranged to extend, for example, in a third direction (Z direction in Figure 5). The busbar 42 is supported by a busbar plate 40. The busbar plate 40 may be arranged to extend, for example, in a second direction (Y direction in Figure 5).

[0059] The busbar module 14 may be provided with one or more positioning pins 110. The positioning pins 110 may be formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape and may protrude from the surface of the busbar plate 40 in a first direction (X direction in Figure 5) or be recessed.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the positioning device 100 includes an imaging device 120 and a control device 130. The positioning device 100 may also include a movable stage on which the target semi-finished product 102 is placed.

[0061] The imaging device 120 is capable of imaging the electrode side of the target semi-finished product 102. The imaging device 120 may be movable in the horizontal direction. If the imaging device 120 is movable, or if the positioning device 100 includes a stage, the imaging device 120 may be capable of imaging at least a portion of the target semi-finished product 102.

[0062] The control device 130 includes one or more processors 132, one or more memories 134 connected to the processors 132, and storage 136. The memories 134 include ROM for storing programs and RAM as a work area. The storage 136 is composed of non-volatile memory elements. The processors 132 work in cooperation with the programs contained in the memories 134 to perform various processes.

[0063] The control device 130 can acquire images captured by the imaging device 120. For convenience of explanation, the image captured by the imaging device 120 in the positioning step S320 may be referred to as the first image. The control device 130 may store the acquired first image in the storage device 136.

[0064] The control device 130 can analyze the captured first image by having the processor 132 execute a program.

[0065] For example, the control device 130 may determine the position of any one positioning pin 110 on the first image as the first reference position. The control device 130 stores the first reference position in the storage 136.

[0066] If positioning pins 110 are not provided, the control device 130 may determine any position on the busbar module 14, such as one end of the busbar plate 40, as the first reference position.

[0067] Furthermore, for example, the control device 130 may select one cell 30 from among a plurality of cells 30 on the first image. The control device 130 may derive the relative position of the first electrode 30A of the selected cell 30 with respect to a first reference position as one of the first position information. Similarly, the control device 130 may derive the relative position of the second electrode 30B of the selected cell 30 with respect to the first reference position as one of the first position information. The control device 130 may derive the relative position of the first electrode 30A and the relative position of the second electrode 30B for all cells 30 on the first image.

[0068] Alternatively, for example, the control device 130 may determine the position on the busbar 42 where the wire 44 should be connected based on the positional relationship between the cell 30 and the busbar 42 on the first image. The control device 130 may also derive the relative position of the position on the busbar 42 where the wire 44 should be connected with respect to a first reference position as one of the first positional information. The control device 130 stores the first positional information in the storage 136.

[0069] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the laser cleaning process S340. Figure 6 shows an example of a laser cleaning apparatus 200 that implements the laser cleaning process S340. For convenience of explanation, the semi-finished product under manufacture that is the target of the laser cleaning process S340 is sometimes referred to as the target semi-finished product 202. The target semi-finished product 202 of the laser cleaning process S340 is substantially the same as the target semi-finished product 102 of the positioning process S320. The target semi-finished product 202 is placed in the workspace 204 for the laser cleaning process S340 with the electrodes and busbars 42 of the cell 30 facing vertically upward.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the laser cleaning apparatus 200 includes a control device 130, an imaging device 220, and a laser irradiation device 222. The laser cleaning apparatus 200 may also include a movable stage on which the target semi-finished product 202 is placed.

[0071] The control device 130 of the laser cleaning device 200 is assumed to be the same as the control device 130 of the positioning device 100, but it may be different. If the control device 130 of the laser cleaning device 200 is different from the control device 130 of the positioning device 100, the control device 130 of the laser cleaning device 200 may be capable of sending and receiving various types of information with the control device 130 of the positioning device 100.

[0072] The imaging device 220 is capable of imaging the electrode side of the target semi-finished product 202. The imaging device 220 may be movable in the horizontal direction. If the imaging device 220 is movable, or if the laser cleaning device 200 includes a stage, the imaging device 220 may be capable of imaging at least a portion of the target semi-finished product 202.

[0073] The laser irradiation device 222 is capable of irradiating a laser onto a predetermined position on the target semi-finished product 202 located in the workspace 204 of the laser cleaning process S340. For example, the laser irradiation device 222 may include a torch capable of emitting a laser and an arm capable of moving the torch to any position in the workspace 204.

[0074] The control device 130 can acquire images captured by the imaging device 220. For convenience of explanation, the image captured by the imaging device 220 in the laser cleaning process S340 may be referred to as the second image. The control device 130 may store the acquired second image in the storage device 136.

[0075] The control device 130 can read out the first image, first reference position, and first position information stored in the storage 136 during the positioning process S320 during the laser cleaning process S340.

[0076] The control device 130 can analyze the captured second image by having the processor 132 execute a program.

[0077] For example, the control device 130 finds a feature portion in the second image that is the same as the feature portion on the first image (for example, the positioning pin 110) that was determined to be the first reference position in the positioning process S320. The control device 130 corrects the coordinates of the found feature portion in the second image (for example, the positioning pin 110 in the second image) to the origin.

[0078] The control device 130 derives the position in the second image, represented by the first position information, from the origin in the second image (for example, the coordinates of the positioning pin 110 in the second image), as the laser irradiation position.

[0079] The control device 130 moves the torch to the identified irradiation position and irradiates the irradiation position with a laser using the laser irradiation device 222.

[0080] As described above, the first position information includes the positions of the multiple cells 30 and the positions on the busbar 42 to which the wires 44 are connected. Therefore, the control device 130 derives the irradiation position and irradiates with the laser for each of the multiple cells 30 and busbar 42 represented by the first position information.

[0081] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a wire bonding process S400. Figure 7 shows an example of a bonding system 300 that realizes the wire bonding process S400. For the sake of explanation, the semi-finished product being manufactured that is the target of the wire bonding process S400 is sometimes referred to as the target semi-finished product 302. The target semi-finished product 302 is placed in the workshop 304 for the wire bonding process S400 with the electrodes and busbars 42 of the cell 30 facing vertically upward. Figure 7 illustrates the state in which the wires 44 are connected.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, the bonding system 300 includes a control device 130, an imaging device 320, and a bonding device 322. The bonding system 300 may also include a movable stage on which the target semi-finished product 202 is placed.

[0083] The control device 130 of the bonding system 300 is assumed to be the same as the control device 130 of the positioning device 100, but it may be different. If the control device 130 of the bonding system 300 is different from the control device 130 of the positioning device 100, the control device 130 of the bonding system 300 may be capable of sending and receiving various types of information with the control device 130 of the positioning device 100.

[0084] The imaging device 320 is capable of imaging the electrode side of the target semi-finished product 302. The imaging device 320 may be movable in the horizontal direction. If the imaging device 320 is movable, or if the bonding system 300 includes a stage, the imaging device 320 may be capable of imaging at least a portion of the target semi-finished product 302.

[0085] The bonding apparatus 322 is capable of performing wire bonding, for example, by ultrasonic bonding, on a predetermined position of the target semi-finished product 302 placed in the workspace 304 of the wire bonding process S400. For example, the bonding apparatus 322 may include a torch that feeds out the wire 44 and connects the wire 44 to the object to be connected, and an arm that can move the torch to any position in the workspace 304.

[0086] The control device 130 can acquire images captured by the imaging device 320. For the sake of explanation, the image captured by the imaging device 320 during the wire bonding process S400 may be referred to as the third image. The control device 130 may store the acquired third image in the storage device 136.

[0087] The control device 130 can read out the first image, first reference position, and first position information stored in the storage 136 during the positioning process S320 during the wire bonding process S400.

[0088] The control device 130 can analyze the captured third image by having the processor 132 execute a program.

[0089] For example, the control device 130 finds a feature portion in the third image that is the same as the feature portion on the first image (for example, the positioning pin 110) that was determined to be the first reference position in the positioning process S320. The control device 130 corrects the coordinates of the found feature portion in the third image (for example, the positioning pin 110 in the third image) to the origin.

[0090] The control device 130 derives the position in the third image, represented by the first position information, from the origin in the third image (for example, the coordinates of the positioning pin 110 in the third image), as the connection position of the wire 44.

[0091] The control device 130 moves the torch to the identified connection position and connects the wire 44 to that connection position using the bonding device 322.

[0092] As described above, the first position information includes the positions of multiple cells 30 and the positions on the bus bar 42 where the wires 44 are connected. Therefore, the control device 130 derives the connection positions of the wires 44 and connects the wires 44 for each of the multiple cells 30 and bus bar 42 represented by the first position information.

[0093] As described above, the battery module 1 of this embodiment includes a laminate 12 in which a plurality of units 50 are stacked, 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. The manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment includes imaging the laminate 12. The manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment includes determining a first reference position of the laminate 12 based on the image. The manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment includes acquiring first position information representing the relative position of each part of the laminate 12 with respect to the first reference position, based on the image. The manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment includes storing the first reference position and the first position information. The manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment includes sharing the stored first reference position and the first position information in a plurality of subsequent processes.

[0094] As a result, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, the stored first reference position and first position information are shared in multiple subsequent processes, thus reducing the time required for positioning compared to a method in which positioning is performed each time a process is carried out. Consequently, the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment can improve the productivity of the battery module 1.

[0095] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of post-processing steps include at least a wire bonding step S400 in which the electrodes of the cell 30 and a predetermined busbar 42 are connected with a wire 44.

[0096] As a result, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of this embodiment, the connection position of the wire 44 can be determined using the stored first reference position and first position information, thereby improving the efficiency of wire bonding work.

[0097] (modified version) Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed flow from the positioning step S320 to the wire bonding step S400 in the manufacturing method of the modified battery module 1. In the above embodiment, only one reference position was determined. In contrast, in the modified embodiment, two reference positions, a first reference position and a second reference position, are determined. The following describes the differences from the above embodiment, and for convenience, the description of points that are substantially the same as the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0098] As shown in Figure 8, in the positioning step S320, after the semi-finished product is imaged, a first reference position and a second reference position of the laminate are determined based on the captured first image (S322A). The first reference position includes a first characteristic portion that serves as a reference for determining the relative positions of each part of the laminate 12. The second reference position includes a second characteristic portion that serves as a reference for determining the relative positions of each part of the laminate 12. The second characteristic portion may be a characteristic portion located at a different position from the first characteristic portion, or it may be a characteristic portion of the same type as the first characteristic portion. For example, a predetermined shaped portion of the first busbar 42 in the image may be the first reference position, and a predetermined shaped portion of the second busbar 42 in the image may be the second reference position. Also, if a plurality of positioning pins 110 are formed on the busbar module 14, the first positioning pin 110 may be the first reference position, and the second positioning pin 110 may be the second reference position.

[0099] Next, based on the captured first image, first position information representing the relative position of each part of the laminate 12 with respect to a first reference position is acquired, and second position information representing the relative position of each part of the laminate 12 with respect to a second reference position is acquired (S323A). That is, the first position information represents a predetermined position as a relative position from the first reference position, and the second position information represents the same predetermined position as a relative position from the second reference position. The first and second position information may include information on the positions of the positive and negative electrodes for each cell 30, and may also include information on the positions to which the wires 44 are connected in the busbar 42.

[0100] Next, the captured first image, first reference position, second reference position, first position information, and second position information are stored in the storage 136 (S324A).

[0101] In the laser cleaning process S340, first, the first reference position, second reference position, first position information, and second position information stored in the positioning process S320 are read out (S341A).

[0102] Next, laser cleaning is performed according to the read-out first reference position, second reference position, first position information, and second position information (S342A).

[0103] For example, a feature portion substantially identical to the first reference position on the second image captured in the laser cleaning process S340 may be used as the first origin of the laser cleaning coordinate system. Similarly, a feature portion substantially identical to the second reference position on the second image may be used as the second origin of the laser cleaning coordinate system.

[0104] In laser cleaning, the laser irradiation position may be determined according to first position information and second position information. For example, in laser cleaning, the position in the second image represented by the first position information from the first origin in the second image, and represented by the second position information from the second origin in the second image, may be derived as the laser irradiation position. Alternatively, in laser cleaning, for example, the laser irradiation position may be derived such that the relative position with respect to the first origin in the second image and the relative position with respect to the second origin in the second image coincide with the relative positions represented by the first position information and second position information, respectively. In other words, laser cleaning may be performed such that the positional relationship between the first origin in the second image, the second origin in the second image, and the laser irradiation position coincides with the positional relationship between the first reference position, the second reference position, and the positions of each part of the laminate 12. Then, the laser is irradiated to the derived irradiation position.

[0105] In the wire bonding process S400, first, the first reference position, second reference position, first position information, and second position information stored in the positioning process S320 are read out (S401A).

[0106] Next, wire bonding is performed according to the read-out first reference position, second reference position, first position information, and second position information (S402A).

[0107] For example, a feature portion substantially identical to the first reference position on the third image captured in the wire bonding process S400 may be used as the first origin of the wire bonding coordinate system. Similarly, a feature portion substantially identical to the second reference position on the third image may be used as the second origin of the wire bonding coordinate system.

[0108] In wire bonding, the connection position of the wire 44 may be determined according to first position information and second position information. For example, in wire bonding, the position in the third image represented by the first position information from the first origin in the third image, and represented by the second position information from the second origin in the third image, may be derived as the connection position of the wire 44. Alternatively, in wire bonding, for example, the connection position of the wire 44 may be derived such that the relative position with respect to the first origin in the third image and the relative position with respect to the second origin in the third image coincide with the relative positions represented by the first position information and second position information, respectively. In other words, wire bonding may be performed such that the positional relationship between the first origin in the third image, the second origin in the third image, and the connection position of the wire 44 coincides with the positional relationship between the first reference position, the second reference position, and the positions of each part of the laminate 12. Then, the wire 44 is connected to the derived connection position.

[0109] In this example, the first reference position, second reference position, first position information, and second position information stored in the positioning step S320 were shared in the laser cleaning step S340 and the wire bonding step S400. However, the steps in which the first reference position, second reference position, first position information, and second position information are used are not limited to the laser cleaning step S340 and the wire bonding step S400. The first reference position, second reference position, first position information, and second position information may be shared in various subsequent steps after the positioning step S320.

[0110] As described above, the manufacturing method of the modified battery module 1 includes determining a second reference position of the laminate 12 in addition to a first reference position based on an image. The manufacturing method of the modified battery module 1 includes obtaining second position information representing the relative position of each part of the laminate 12 with respect to the second reference position, in addition to first position information based on an image. The manufacturing method of the modified battery module 1 includes storing the second reference position and second position information in addition to the first reference position and first position information. The manufacturing method of the modified battery module 1 includes sharing the stored second reference position and second position information in addition to the stored first reference position and first position information in a plurality of subsequent processes.

[0111] As a result, in this modified method for manufacturing the battery module 1, the stored first reference position, second reference position, first position information, and second position information are shared across multiple subsequent processes. Therefore, the time required for positioning can be reduced compared to a method where positioning is performed each time a process is carried out. Consequently, the manufacturing method for the battery module 1 of this embodiment can improve the productivity of the battery module 1.

[0112] Furthermore, in this modified method for manufacturing the battery module 1, the position of each part of the laminate is derived from two pieces of information (first position information and second position information) based on two reference positions (first reference position and second reference position). Therefore, in this modified method for manufacturing the battery module 1, even if the orientation of the semi-finished product at a later stage differs from the orientation of the semi-finished product at the positioning step S320, for example, the position of each part of the laminate 12 can be appropriately derived. In other words, in this modified method for manufacturing the battery module 1, it is possible to suppress a decrease in positioning accuracy without performing positioning each time a step is performed.

[0113] 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]

[0114] 1 Battery Module 12-layer structure 30 cells 42 Bus Bar 44 wires 50 units 60 Cell Group 1 62 Cell Group 2 64 Temperature control plate

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a battery module comprising a laminate in which a plurality of units are stacked, 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, To image the aforementioned laminate, Based on the captured image, the first reference position of the laminate is determined, Based on the aforementioned image, first position information is obtained that represents the relative position of each part of the laminate with respect to the first reference position, The first reference position and the first position information are stored, The stored first reference position and first position information are shared in multiple subsequent processes, including, A method for manufacturing battery modules.

2. The aforementioned plurality of post-processes include at least a wire bonding process in which the electrodes of the cell and a predetermined busbar are connected by a wire. A method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 1.

3. Based on the aforementioned image, a second reference position of the laminate is determined in addition to the first reference position. Based on the aforementioned image, in addition to the first position information, a second position information is obtained that represents the relative position of each part of the laminate with respect to the second reference position. In addition to the first reference position and the first position information, the second reference position and the second position information are stored. In addition to the stored first reference position and first position information, the stored second reference position and second position information are shared in multiple subsequent processes. including, A method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 1.

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