Cell block fixing structure for battery module assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module, comprising: a jig mover (220) disposed on a module frame accommodating a cell block assembly (110) including a plurality of battery cells, the module frame being placed and fixed in a welding machine (300); and a fixing jig (210) connected to a lower end of the jig mover (220), the cell block assembly (110) including terminal bus bars (111, 112) protruding from one side of the module frame, the terminal bus bars (111, 112) having terminal holes (111a, 112a) formed therein, and when the module frame is welded, the jig mover (220) moves downward, and the fixing jig (210) is inserted into the terminal holes (111a, 112a) for coupling.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module, which is used to restrict the position of a cell block assembly disposed within a U-frame when assembling a battery module by welding a battery module frame. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which are powered by electrical sources.

[0003] Currently widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Alternatively, a battery pack may be constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be variously set depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module including at least one battery cell, preferably a plurality of battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module to construct the battery pack by adding other components. Here, the battery module refers to a component in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and the battery pack refers to a component in which a plurality of battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity, output, etc.

[0005] A battery module is formed by electrically connecting a number of cells, and the cells are connected using busbars.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a simplified assembly process of a conventional battery module.

[0007] Referring to FIG. 1, when assembling a battery module 1, the cell block assembly 10 is seated in a controlled position within a U-frame 20, and then a thermal resin 21 is used to secure the positional constraint force.

[0008] However, the cell block assembly 10 may not have sufficient restraining force before the thermoplastic resin 21 hardens, and the cell block assembly 10 may move within the gap between the module frame during the welding process of the module frame (see FIG. 2).

[0009] Referring to FIG. 2, the cell block assembly 10 may not be held firmly in place before the thermoplastic resin 21 hardens, causing the cell block assembly 10 to move unintentionally in the direction of the arrow, resulting in a problem of poor positioning of the terminal holes 11a, 12a punched into the terminal bus bars 11, 12 of the cell block assembly 10 that protrude outside the module frame.

[0010] Here, the positional accuracy indicates the degree of accuracy of the position relative to a reference plane or line. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module, which can improve the positional accuracy of terminal holes of a cell block assembly during a module frame welding process in a battery module manufacturing process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a module frame accommodating a cell block assembly including a plurality of battery cells, the module frame being placed on a welding machine and fixed thereto; a fixing jig connected to a lower end of the jig moving body; the cell block assembly including a terminal bus bar protruding from one side to the outside of the module frame, the terminal bus bar having a terminal hole formed therein; and when the module frame is welded, the jig moving body moves downward and the fixing jig is inserted into the terminal hole to be coupled.

[0013] The fixing jig may have a tapered shape so that it becomes thinner as it goes downward.

[0014] The fixed jig may be connected to a lower end of the jig moving body via a ball joint so as to be rotatable relative to the jig moving body.

[0015] The fixing jig may include an upper jig body and a lower jig head, and the jig head may have a downwardly bulging shape.

[0016] The terminal bus bars may include a first terminal bus bar of a positive electrode and a second terminal bus bar of a negative electrode, and the terminal holes may include a first terminal hole formed in the first terminal bus bar and a second terminal hole formed in the second terminal bus bar.

[0017] The fixing jig may be a pair of fixing jigs that are inserted into the first terminal hole and the second terminal hole, respectively, to be coupled thereto.

[0018] Furthermore, when the fixing jig is inserted into and coupled to the first terminal hole and the second terminal hole, the relative movement of the cell block assembly with respect to the module frame in one plane direction is restricted, and the one plane direction may be a plane direction perpendicular to the downward movement direction of the jig moving body.

[0019] The jig moving body is connected to an actuator fixed to the welding machine, and can be moved up and down by driving the actuator.

[0020] The jig moving body may further include a spring disposed outside the jig moving body such that one end of the spring contacts the fixed jig. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, in the process of welding the module frame to assemble the battery module, the terminal holes of the cell block assembly are constrained by the fixing jig, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the terminal holes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a simplified assembly process of a conventional battery module. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the movement of a cell block assembly during a conventional battery module assembly process. [Figure 3]1 is a view showing a battery module to which a cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a terminal bus bar of a cell block assembly in the battery module of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a jig moving body and a fixing jig, which are components of a cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are views illustrating a state in which a fixing jig of a cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention moves downward to be inserted into a terminal hole of the battery module. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are views illustrating a state in which a fixing jig of a cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention moves downward without being aligned with a terminal hole of the battery module. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 shows a state in which the fixing jig is inserted into the terminal hole in a rotated state and coupled. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a welding machine for welding module frames for assembling battery modules. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The present invention is defined only by the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid obscuring the present invention. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

[0024] In this specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only when they are directly connected but also when they are connected via an intermediate element. Furthermore, when a part is said to include a certain component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but that it can further include other components, unless otherwise specified.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used as meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless otherwise clearly defined.

[0026] Hereinafter, the cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a battery module to which a cell block fixing structure for battery module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a terminal bus bar of a cell block assembly in the battery module of FIG.

[0028] To assemble the battery module 100, a cell block assembly 110 including a plurality of battery cells is seated at a controlled position within a U-frame 120 coated with thermal resin. The positional constraint force of the cell block assembly 110 is secured by the curing of the thermal resin, but before the thermal resin cures, the cell block assembly 110 may move within the gap between it and the module frame.

[0029] The cell block assembly 110 includes terminal bus bars 111 and 112 formed on one side thereof, and the terminal bus bars 111 and 112 have terminal holes 111a and 112a formed therein.

[0030] The module frame that houses the cell block assembly 110 includes the U frame 120 and further includes an upper frame 130 that covers the upper portion of the cell block assembly 110 after it is seated in the U frame 120 .

[0031] The terminal bus bars 111, 112 protrude outside the module frame.

[0032] If the cell block assembly 110 is not fixed in a controlled position within the module frame and moves within the module frame before the thermoplastic resin hardens, the terminal holes 111a and 112a formed in the terminal bus bars 111 and 112 will not be in the correct position and will be misaligned.

[0033] In order to assemble the battery module 100, a process of welding the module frame is required. The welding is performed before the thermoplastic resin is completely hardened, and during this welding process, the battery module 100 rotates while being fixed to a welding machine 300 (see FIG. 9). As the battery module 100 rotates, the cell block assembly 110 may move relative to the module frame.

[0034] The cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can improve positioning accuracy by restricting movement of the cell block assembly 110 during the welding process of the module frame and ensuring that the terminal holes 111a, 112a of the terminal bus bars 111, 111 are in their normal positions.

[0035] 5 shows a jig mover and a fixing jig, which are components of a cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0036] The cell block fixing structure for module assembly includes a jig moving body 220 formed in a bar shape and a fixing jig 210 connected to the lower end of the jig moving body 220.

[0037] The fixed jig 210 is connected to the lower end of the jig moving body 220 via a ball joint 230 so as to be rotatable relative to the jig moving body 220 .

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a state in which a fixing jig of a cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention moves downward to be inserted into a terminal hole of a battery module.

[0039] The jig mover 220 and the fixing jig 210 are disposed on a module frame accommodating a cell block assembly 110 including a plurality of battery cells, with the module frame being placed and fixed in a welding machine 300. Specifically, the jig mover 220 and the fixing jig 210 are disposed above terminal holes 111a, 112a of terminal bus bars 111, 112 formed on one side of the cell block assembly 110 accommodated in the module frame.

[0040] The jig moving body 220 is connected to an actuator fixed to the welding machine 300, and the jig moving body 220 can be moved up and down by driving the actuator.

[0041] With the module frame fixed to the welding machine 300, the actuator is driven to move the jig moving body 220 downward, and the fixing jig 210 is inserted into and coupled to the terminal holes 111a and 112a.

[0042] The terminal bus bars 111, 112 include a first terminal bus bar 111 of a positive electrode and a second terminal bus bar 112 of a negative electrode.

[0043] The terminal holes 111 a and 112 a include a first terminal hole 111 a formed in the first terminal bus bar 111 and a second terminal hole 112 a formed in the second terminal bus bar 112 .

[0044] The fixing jig 210 is configured as a pair so as to be inserted into and coupled to the first terminal hole 111a and the second terminal hole 112a, respectively.

[0045] The fixing jigs 210 have a tapered shape that narrows downward. The pair of fixing jigs 210 has a tapered shape, and is inserted into and coupled with the first terminal hole 111a and the second terminal hole 112a, respectively, thereby restricting the movement of the cell block assembly 110 in a planar direction.

[0046] Here, the planar direction means a planar direction perpendicular to the downward movement direction of the jig moving body 220, and is the XY planar direction shown in FIG.

[0047] Since the cell block assembly 110 is restricted from moving relative to the module frame in the planar direction, the positional accuracy of the terminal holes 111a and 112a is improved.

[0048] The fixing jig 210 includes an upper jig body 212 and a lower jig head 211. The jig head 211 preferably has a downwardly convex shape so that the jig head 211 can be easily inserted into the terminal holes 111a and 112a.

[0049] FIG. 7 shows a state in which a fixing jig of a cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention moves downward while not being aligned with a terminal hole of a battery module, and FIG. 8 shows a state in which the fixing jig is rotated and inserted into the terminal hole and coupled.

[0050] The fixed jig 210 is connected to the lower end of the jig moving body 220 via a ball joint 230 so as to be rotatable relative to the jig moving body 220. The fixed jig 210 can rotate around the ball joint 230.

[0051] If the fixing jig 210 moves downward without being aligned with the terminal holes 111a and 1112a, the fixing jig 210 rotates and is inserted into and coupled with the terminal holes 111a and 112a, as shown in FIG.

[0052] That is, since the fixing jig 210 can rotate relative to the jig moving body 220, even if the terminal holes 111a, 112a and the fixing jig 210 are not precisely aligned, the fixing jig 210 can be inserted into and coupled to the terminal holes 111a, 112a, thereby restricting the movement of the cell block assembly 110 in the planar direction.

[0053] Meanwhile, a spring 240 is disposed outside the jig moving body 220, and one end of the spring 240 is fixed in contact with the fixing jig 210.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8, when the fixing jig 210 is inserted into and coupled to the terminal holes 111a and 112a while rotating, the spring 240 applies an elastic force in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the fixing jig 210.

[0055] The elastic force of the spring 240 is applied to the fixing jig 210, thereby preventing the fixing jig 210 from rotating more than necessary.

[0056] FIG. 9 shows a welding machine for welding module frames for assembling battery modules.

[0057] The welding machine 300 includes a U-frame clamp 330 for fixing the U-frame 120 of the battery module 100, an upper frame clamp 320 for fixing the upper frame 130, and an end plate clamp 340 for fixing the end plate (not shown).

[0058] The welding machine 300 further includes a motor 310 for rotating the battery module 100. The motor 310 rotates the battery module 100, and welding of the module frame is performed.

[0059] The cell block assembly 110 located within the module frame is fixed by the fixing jig 210 and is restricted from moving in a planar direction, so that the cell block assembly 110 remains in its normal position even when the thermoplastic resin is not yet hardened.

[0060] That is, in the process of welding the module frame to assemble the battery module 100, the terminal holes 111a and 112a of the cell block assembly 110 are restrained by the fixing jig 210, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the terminal holes 111a and 112a.

[0061] As described above, the present invention has been described based on preferred embodiments, but it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present invention can provide a cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module, which improves the positioning accuracy of the terminal holes by constraining the terminal holes of the cell block assembly with a fixing jig during the process of welding a module frame to assemble a battery module.

Claims

1. a jig moving body disposed on a module frame accommodating a cell block assembly including a plurality of battery cells, the module frame being placed and fixed in a welding machine; a fixed jig connected to a lower end of the jig moving body; Including, The cell block assembly includes a terminal bus bar protruding from one side of the module frame, and a terminal hole is formed in the terminal bus bar. When the module frame is welded, the jig mover moves downward and the fixing jig is inserted into the terminal hole and coupled thereto.

2. The cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing jig has a tapered shape that becomes narrower toward the bottom.

3. 3. The cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to claim 2, wherein the fixing jig is connected to a lower end of the jig moving body via a ball joint so as to be rotatable relative to the jig moving body.

4. The fixed jig includes an upper jig body and a lower jig head, The cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the jig head has a downwardly bulging shape.

5. the terminal bus bars include a first terminal bus bar of a positive electrode and a second terminal bus bar of a negative electrode; 5. The cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to claim 1, wherein the terminal holes include a first terminal hole formed in the first terminal bus bar and a second terminal hole formed in the second terminal bus bar.

6. The cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the fixing jig comprises a pair of fixing jigs that are inserted into and coupled to the first terminal hole and the second terminal hole, respectively.

7. When the fixing jig is inserted into and coupled to the first terminal hole and the second terminal hole, the cell block assembly is restricted from moving relative to the module frame in one plane direction; The cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to claim 6 , wherein the one plane direction is perpendicular to a downward movement direction of the jig moving body.

8. 8. The cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to claim 7, wherein the jig moving body is connected to an actuator fixed to the welding machine, and the jig moving body moves up and down by driving the actuator.

9. The cell block fixing structure for assembling a battery module according to claim 3 , further comprising a spring disposed outside the jig moving body such that one end of the spring contacts the fixing jig.

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