Battery cell stack assembly and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery cell stacked assembly and a method for manufacturing the same. A battery cell stacked assembly according to one aspect of this specification includes a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells stacked in a first horizontal direction, and side beams coupled to one and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in the first horizontal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell laminate and a method for manufacturing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a battery cell laminate and a method for manufacturing the same, which can improve the space efficiency in a pack housing and at the same time improve the process efficiency of manufacturing a battery pack by removing a module frame that has been applied to a conventional battery module.

Background Art

[0002] Secondary batteries, which are highly applicable according to product groups and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by an electric drive source, power storage devices, and the like.

[0003] Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency, being environmentally friendly not only because they can significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels but also because they do not generate any by-products associated with the use of energy.

[0004] For small mobile devices, one or two to four battery cells are used per device, whereas for medium to large-sized devices such as automobiles, high output and large capacity are required. Therefore, medium to large-sized battery modules in which a large number of battery cells are electrically connected are used.

[0005] Medium to large-sized battery modules are preferably manufactured with a small size and weight if possible, and thus, prismatic batteries, pouch-type batteries, etc. that can be stacked with a high degree of integration and have a small weight relative to the capacity are mainly used as the battery cells of medium to large-sized battery modules.

[0006] In the case of pouch-type batteries, they are often composed of numerous battery cells electrically connected to each other in series and / or parallel. For example, numerous battery cells can be stacked upright to form a battery cell stack, and this cell stack can be encased in a metal frame to create a module (i.e., a battery module). Such battery modules can then be used individually, or two or more can be electrically connected to each other in series and / or parallel to form higher-level devices such as battery packs.

[0007] However, in such conventional battery module systems, the module frame (e.g., a metal frame) that encloses the battery cells occupies space within the pack housing, reducing the space efficiency within the pack housing and thus limiting the energy density of the battery pack.

[0008] On the other hand, in order to overcome the limitations of this battery module system, a CTP (Cell to Pack) system has recently been introduced, in which a large number of plate-shaped battery cells are stacked and immediately mounted into a pack housing without forming a battery module. In this CTP system, the stacked battery cells must be mounted into the pack housing while being pressed to a certain level, but conventionally, there has been a lack of effective processes for pressing the stacked battery cells and mounting them into the pack housing, which has limited the ability to improve process efficiency. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The problem that this specification aims to solve is to provide a battery cell stack assembly and a method for manufacturing the same that can be mounted in a pack housing while being pressed, without the module frame that was applied to conventional battery modules during the manufacturing process of a battery pack, thereby improving the spatial efficiency inside the pack housing and the energy density of the battery pack, and further improving the process efficiency of battery pack manufacturing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A battery cell stack assembly relating to one aspect of this disclosure for achieving the aforementioned objectives may include a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells stacked in a first horizontal direction, and side beams coupled to one and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in the first horizontal direction.

[0011] This can improve the internal space efficiency of the pack housing, the energy density of the battery pack, and furthermore, the process efficiency of battery pack manufacturing.

[0012] Furthermore, the side beam includes a plate-shaped portion and a mounting portion that protrudes from the plate portion to the opposite side of the multiple plate-shaped battery cells, and mounting holes may be formed in the mounting portion in a vertical direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the mounting portion may extend in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the mounting portion may be formed at a position higher than the midpoint of the plate portion.

[0015] Furthermore, the side beam includes a cover portion provided on the upper part of the mounting portion, and the cover portion may include an upper surface extending from the plate portion to the opposite side of the multiple plate-shaped battery cells, and a side surface extending downward from the edge of the upper surface and connected to the upper surface of the mounting portion.

[0016] Furthermore, the side beam includes a grip hole formed by vertically penetrating the mounting portion, and the grip hole may be a square shape with rounded vertices.

[0017] The system also includes busbar frame assemblies coupled to one and the other side of a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to a first horizontal direction, the busbar frame assemblies including pins protruding from one and the other side of the busbar frame assembly in the first horizontal direction, and the side beams may have holes into which the pins are inserted.

[0018] Furthermore, the pin may have a shape in which the corners of its ends are beveled.

[0019] Furthermore, the pin may include portions whose cross-section decreases as they move away from the busbar frame assembly.

[0020] Furthermore, the side beams can be bonded to multiple plate-shaped battery cells with adhesive.

[0021] A method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above objectives is a method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly comprising a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells stacked in a first horizontal direction using a pressing unit, and side beams coupled to one side and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in the first horizontal direction, wherein the pressing unit comprises a pallet and two pressing parts arranged on the pallet so as to face each other and moving in opposing directions, and the method for manufacturing the battery cell stack assembly may include the steps of: adsorbing the side beams to each of the opposing surfaces of the two pressing parts and arranging the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells between the two pressing parts on the pallet; and moving the two pressing parts toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells, attaching the side beams to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells, and pressing the side beams toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells.

[0022] Further, the side beam is grasped by the multi-joint robot and supplied to the pressing unit. Before the side beam is adsorbed to the two pressing parts, the adhesive can be applied to the surface facing the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells of the side beam in the state where the side beam is grasped by the multi-joint robot.

[0023] Furthermore, the side beam includes a plate-shaped plate part and a mounting part protruding from the opposite side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells from the plate part, and the boundary of the upper end of the pressing part can be provided lower than the boundary of the lower end of the mounting part.

[0024] Also, the side beam includes a plate-shaped plate part and a mounting part protruding from the opposite side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells from the plate part, and the pressing unit includes a protruding pin protruding upward from the upper surface of the pressing part. A temporary fixing hole into which the protruding pin is inserted can be formed on the lower surface of the mounting part.

[0025] Furthermore, the protruding pin can operate to descend in order to be drawn into the pressing part.

[0026] Also, the side beam includes a plate-shaped plate part, a mounting part protruding from the opposite side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells from the plate part, and a grip hole formed vertically through the mounting part. The side beam is grasped by a first gripper provided at the end of the multi-joint robot and supplied to the pressing unit. The first gripper includes a body and a gripper pin protruding downward from the body. The side beam can be grasped by the gripper when the gripper pin is inserted into the grip hole.

[0027] Also, a plurality of grip holes are formed and arranged in a horizontal second direction orthogonal to the horizontal first direction. A plurality of gripper pins are provided and arranged in the horizontal second direction. At least two of the plurality of gripper pins can move in opposite directions to each other. After the two gripper pins are inserted into the grip holes, the side beam can be grasped by the gripper by moving closer to or away from each other.

[0028] Furthermore, the horizontal cross-sections of the grip holes and the gripper pins may be square-shaped with rounded vertex portions.

[0029] Also, in the step of disposing the side beams on the respective opposing surfaces of the two pressing portions, the side beams can be air-adsorbed to the respective opposing surfaces of the two pressing portions.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the battery cell laminate and the method for manufacturing the same according to the present specification, the internal space efficiency of the pack housing and the energy density of the battery pack can be improved, and further, the process efficiency of manufacturing the battery pack can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 2] It is a front view of a battery cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a part of a battery cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 4] It is a top view showing a part of a battery cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 5] It is a side view showing a part of a battery cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing the process of attaching a side beam to a pressing unit according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 7] It is a side view showing the state of attaching a side beam to a battery cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 8]This is a side view showing how the first gripper grips the side beam of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing how the first gripper grips the side beam of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 10] This is a top view showing how the first gripper grips the side beam of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification, secured to a pressing unit, and a second gripper approaching it. [Figure 12] This shows the front view of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 13] This shows one side view of a second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 14] This shows another side of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 15] This shows a top view of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 16] This shows a view from below of a portion of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 17] This figure shows a front view of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification, gripping a battery cell stack assembly. [Figure 18] This figure shows a view from one side of a second gripper, according to one embodiment of this specification, gripping a battery cell stack assembly. [Figure 19] This shows a portion of a battery cell stack assembly gripped by a second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 20] This shows a top view of the pack housing of a battery pack according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 21]This is an enlarged view of a part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 22] This diagram shows a portion of the pack housing and a portion of the side beam of a battery pack according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 23] This is a flowchart relating to a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to various embodiments of this specification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Prior to a detailed description of the present invention, terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define terms as concepts to best describe their invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical spirit of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that, at the time of filing, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them.

[0033] The same reference numerals or symbols in each of the drawings attached to this specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numerals or symbols may be used to describe different embodiments. That is, even if multiple drawings show components with the same reference numeral, not all of the multiple drawings represent a single embodiment.

[0034] In the following descriptions, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as “contains” or “constitutes” are intended to specify the existence of features, figures, stages, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the existence or possibility of the addition of one or more other features, figures, stages, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0035] Furthermore, in the following explanation, terms such as "top," "upper," "lower," "bottom," "side," "front," and "rear" are used based on the direction shown in the drawing, and it should be made clear beforehand that they may be used differently if the direction of the object changes.

[0036] Furthermore, within this specification and the claims, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish between components. Such ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another, and the use of such ordinal numbers should not restrict the meaning of the terms. For example, components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be restricted in terms of their order of use or arrangement by the numbers. Where necessary, the ordinal numbers may be used interchangeably with each other.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented. For example, a person skilled in the art who understands the spirit of the present invention may propose other embodiments that fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention by adding, changing, or deleting components, and these too shall be considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. In the drawings, the shape and size of elements, etc., may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 2 is a front view of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. Figures 3 to 5 are a perspective view, a top view, and a side view showing a part of the battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification, respectively.

[0039] In this invention, the second horizontal direction y may be defined as a direction that intersects with the first horizontal direction x. For example, the second horizontal direction y may mean a direction that intersects perpendicularly with the first horizontal direction x.

[0040] In the following diagram, the first horizontal direction x may refer to the x-axis direction, and the second horizontal direction y may refer to the y-axis direction.

[0041] A battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of this specification may include a pack housing 11 and a battery cell stack 100, but only a portion of these may be implemented, and other additional configurations may not be excluded.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, the battery pack 10 may include a pack housing 11. A battery cell stack 100 may be mounted in the pack housing 11. The pack housing 11 may include a coupling portion 12, a bottom portion 13, and at least one of the following: a guide pin (e.g., guide pin 14 in Figures 20 and 21), a coupling hole (e.g., coupling hole 15 in Figure 22), and a groove (e.g., groove 16 in Figure 22).

[0043] The coupling portion 12 may protrude from the upper part of the bottom portion 13. The coupling portion 12 may extend in a second horizontal direction y. For example, the coupling portion 12 may be located below the mounting portion of the side beam 130 (e.g., the mounting portion 133 in Figure 3) when the battery cell stack coupling 100 is placed in the pack housing 11. The coupling portion 12 may be located between at least two battery cell stack couplings 100 that are adjacent to each other along a first horizontal direction x in the pack housing 11.

[0044] The specific structure of the pack housing 11 will be described in more detail later with reference to Figures 20 and 21.

[0045] The battery pack 10 may include a battery cell stack assembly 100. The battery cell stack assembly 100 may include a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110, a busbar frame assembly 120, and side beams 130, but only some of these may be included, and other additional configurations do not need to be excluded.

[0046] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the battery cell stacked assembly 100 can include a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110. The plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 can be stacked in a first horizontal direction x.

[0047] The battery cell stack assembly 100 may include a busbar frame assembly 120. The busbar frame assembly 120 may be coupled to one side and the other side of a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 in the second horizontal direction y. Leads (not shown) extending from the battery cells 110 in the second horizontal direction y may be connected to the busbar frame assembly 120 by, for example, passing through the busbar frame assembly 120 and then being bent.

[0048] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the busbar frame assembly 120 may include a pin 121. The pin 121 may protrude from one side and the other side of the busbar frame assembly 120 in the horizontal first direction x, respectively. The pin 121 may be understood to protrude in the direction toward the side beam 130. The pin 121 may be inserted into a hole 131 (Figure 5) formed in the side beam 130. The pin 121 can guide the side beam 130 to the precise coupling position.

[0049] The pin 121 may have a chamfered shape at its end corners, or it may have a portion whose cross-section becomes smaller as it moves away from the busbar frame assembly 120. For example, the end of the pin 121 may be tapered or hemispherical. This allows the pin 121 of the busbar frame assembly 120 to be easily inserted into the holes 131 of the side beam 130 without having to precisely adjust the position of the side beam 130 during the process of attaching the side beam 130 to the plate-shaped battery cells 110.

[0050] The battery cell stacked assembly 100 may include side beams 130. The side beams 130 may be coupled to one and the other side of a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 in a horizontal first direction x. The side beams 130 may replace at least some of the functions of existing module frames (e.g., metal frames) enclosing battery cells and the functions of beam structures in pack housings.

[0051] Specifically, referring to Figures 1, 3, and Figure 22 described later, the battery cell stack assembly 100 (for example, the side beam 130 of the battery cell stack assembly 100) can be fixedly coupled to the pack housing 11 by a coupling member 140 while it is positioned inside the pack housing 11. For example, the coupling member 140 can pass through the mounting hole 134 of the side beam 130 and be fixed to a coupling portion 12 formed in the bottom 13 of the pack housing 11 (for example, a coupling hole 15 formed in the coupling portion 12). Through such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the multiple battery cell stack assembly 100 from spreading out in the first horizontal direction x. In this case, the side beam 130 can be fixed to the coupling portion 12 in a position where it partially overlaps the coupling portion 12 of the pack housing 11 in a perpendicular direction (for example, a direction perpendicular to both the x and y axes in Figure 1). With such a coupling structure, the space used for coupling the side beam 130 and the coupling portion 12 can be minimized. Furthermore, since only enough space is needed for the side beam 130 to be positioned between two battery cell stacks 100 arranged adjacent to each other along the first horizontal direction x, without wasting space in the x-axis direction, the space efficiency inside the pack housing 11 can be improved, thereby providing advantages in terms of the energy density of the battery pack.

[0052] On the other hand, referring to Figure 7, which will be described later, the side beam 130 can be fixed to the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 by adhesive A. For example, before the side beam 130 is bonded to the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110, adhesive A can be applied to one surface of the side beam 130 facing the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and adhesive A may also be applied to one surface of the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 facing the side beam 130 before the side beam 130 is bonded to the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110.

[0053] In contrast, the side beam 130 may be connected to the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 by a separate mechanical mechanism. For example, the side beam 130 may be attached to the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 by having a separate connecting member (e.g., a screw) pass through the side beam 130 and be fixed and connected to the busbar frame assembly 120.

[0054] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the side beam 130 may have holes 131 into which pins 121 of the busbar frame assembly 120 can be inserted. The holes 131 may be formed in the plate portion 132 of the side beam 130. For example, when the side beam 130 is attached to a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110, the pins 121 of the busbar frame assembly 120 can be inserted into the holes 131 of the side beam 130 to guide the precise coupling position of the side beam 130. Figure 5 shows a structure in which two holes 131 into which pins 121 of the busbar frame assembly 120 can be inserted are formed on one side of the side beam 130, spaced vertically apart from each other. However, the various embodiments of this specification are not limited to these numbers and structures, and of course, the holes 131 may be formed on one side of the side beam 130 by one or by three or more.

[0055] On the other hand, the side beam 130 may include a plate portion 132. The plate portion 132 may be provided in the shape of a plate. The plate portion 132 may have an area sufficient to adequately cover the electrode housing portion (the portion in which the electrode assembly is housed) of each plate-shaped battery cell 110. The plate portion 132 may be provided in a size and shape that can completely cover the plate-shaped battery cells 110 and the busbar frame assembly 120 from the x-axis direction. The plate portion 132 may be a portion that directly presses the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 inward. The plate portion 132 may also be a portion that is adsorbed by an air adsorption portion 230 formed in the pressing unit 200, which will be described later.

[0056] The side beam 130 may include a mounting portion 133. The mounting portion 133 may protrude from the opposite side (i.e., outward) of the plate portion 132 from the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110.

[0057] Referring to Figure 3, the mounting portion 133 may extend laterally. Specifically, the mounting portion 133 may extend in the second horizontal direction y. This allows the mounting portion 133 to act as a girder relative to the plate portion 132, thereby improving the structural rigidity of the side beam 130.

[0058] Furthermore, as will be described later, even when a mounting hole 134 and / or a grip hole 137 are formed in the mounting portion 133, the stress caused by the respective members that can be inserted into the holes 134 and 137 (for example, the connecting member 140, the gripper pin 320 (see Figure 9), the lift pin 430 (see Figure 12), etc.) can be distributed, thereby preventing damage and / or deformation of the side beam 130 due to stress concentration phenomena.

[0059] The mounting portion 133 may be formed on the upper part of the plate portion 132. For example, the mounting portion 133 may be formed on the plate portion 132 at a position higher than the midpoint of the plate portion 132. Specifically, referring to Figures 6 and 7, in order for the pressing portion 210 (see Figures 6 and 7) of the pressing unit 200 (see Figures 6 and 7), which will be described later, to effectively press the side beam 130, it may be preferable to press the central part of the plate portion 132 with respect to the vertical direction, and as a result, the upper boundary of the pressing portion 210 may be positioned higher than the central part of the plate portion 132 in the vertical direction. Therefore, in order for the pressing portion 210 to effectively press the plate portion 132 without interference with the mounting portion 133, it may be preferable that the lower boundary of the mounting portion 133 is positioned higher than the upper boundary of the pressing portion 210.

[0060] Mounting holes 134 may be formed in the mounting portion 133. The mounting holes 134 may be formed by penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the mounting portion 133 protrudes from the plate portion 132 (i.e., vertically). Multiple mounting holes 134 may be formed. Multiple mounting holes 134 may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a second horizontal direction y. When the battery cell stack assembly 100 is coupled to the pack housing 11, the coupling member 140 may penetrate the mounting holes 134 and be coupled to a coupling hole 15 (shown in Figure 22) formed in the coupling portion 12 of the pack housing 11.

[0061] On the other hand, the side beam 130 may include a cover portion 135. The cover portion 135 may be provided on the upper part of the mount portion 133. Specifically, the cover portion 135 may have a structure in which the plate portion 132 includes at least an upper surface extending to the opposite side (i.e., outward) of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110, and a side surface extending downward from the edge of the upper surface and connected to the upper surface of the mount portion 133. The cover portion 135 can improve the structural rigidity of the side beam 130, including the mount portion 133 and the plate portion 132, by forming a bent plate-shaped structure that reinforces the upper surface of the mount portion 133.

[0062] An opening 136 may be formed in the cover portion 135 at a position corresponding to the mounting hole 134. For example, the opening 136 may be formed at a position that overlaps perpendicularly with the mounting hole 134. Through the opening 136, the connecting member 140 that secures the side beam 130 to the joint of the pack housing 11 can be inserted into the mounting portion 133 without interference from the cover portion 135.

[0063] The opening 136 may have a structure in which both the top and side surfaces of the cover portion 135 are open. Through such a configuration, after the battery cell stack assembly 100 is secured inside the pack housing 11, in the process of connecting the connecting member 140 to the mounting hole 134 and the connecting portion 12, a connecting tool (not shown) for connecting the connecting member 140 can easily approach the connecting member 140.

[0064] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, the side beam 130 may include grip holes 137. The grip holes 137 may be formed perpendicular to the side beam 130. Specifically, the grip holes 137 may be formed through the upper surface of the cover portion 135. Alternatively, the grip holes 137 may be formed perpendicularly through the mount portion 133. The grip holes 137 formed through the upper surface of the cover portion 135 and the grip holes 137 formed through the mount portion 133 may be formed in positions that overlap perpendicularly to each other. Hereinafter, the grip holes 137 of the cover portion 135 and the grip holes 137 of the mount portion 133 that overlap perpendicularly to each other may be understood as a single grip hole 137. However, the invention is not limited to such embodiments, and in other embodiments, the grip holes 137 may be formed only through the upper surface of the cover portion 135 and not through the mount portion 133.

[0065] On the other hand, multiple grip holes 137 may be formed. Multiple grip holes 137 may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the second horizontal direction y. In one embodiment, a gripper pin 320 (shown in Figure 9) of a first gripper 300 (shown in Figure 9) may be inserted into a grip hole 137. Also, a lift pin 430 (shown in Figure 12) of a second gripper 400 (shown in Figure 12) may be inserted into a grip hole 137.

[0066] The grip hole 137 may be a square shape with rounded vertices (or corners). For example, the grip hole 137 may have fillet-shaped corners. The grip hole 137 corresponds to the shape of the gripper pin 320 (shown in Figure 9) of the first gripper 300 (shown in Figure 9), which has a rounded cross-section, and / or the lift pin 430 (shown in Figure 12) of the second gripper 400 (shown in Figure 12), which also has a rounded cross-section, but may be formed to be larger by a predetermined ratio than the size of the cross-section of the gripper pin 320 (shown in Figure 9) and / or the lift pin 430 (shown in Figure 12).

[0067] The grip hole 137 is formed in a square shape with rounded vertices (or corners), allowing the side beam 130 to be stably pressed against the surface by the gripper pin 320 (shown in Figure 9) and / or the lift pin 430 (shown in Figure 12). This will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 10 and 19.

[0068] On the other hand, the sides of the grip hole 137 facing the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 may coincide perpendicularly with the opposite side of the plate portion 132 facing the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110. That is, at least a portion of the inner surface forming the grip hole 137 may be located on the same plane as one side of the plate portion 132. This allows for efficient pressing when a specific component inserted into the grip hole 137, such as the lift pin 430 (shown in Figure 12) of the second gripper 400 (shown in Figure 12), presses the side beam 130 toward the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110. Surface contact occurs between the pressing component (e.g., the lift pin 430 (shown in Figure 12)) and the side beam 130.

[0069] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the process of attaching a side beam to a pressing unit according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 7 is a side view showing how a side beam is attached to a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. Figures 8 to 10 show how a first gripper grips the side beam of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0070] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the side beam 130 of the battery cell stack assembly 100 according to one embodiment of this specification can be coupled to a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 by a pressing unit 200. The pressing unit 200 can also press the battery cell stack assembly 100 until the length of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the first horizontal direction x reaches a required value, and maintain the pressed state.

[0071] The pressing unit 200 may include a pallet 220. Multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 can be attached to the pallet 220.

[0072] The pressing unit 200 may include a pressing section 210. Referring to Figure 6, the pressing section 210 may be a structure in which a plurality of block-shaped units are arranged in a second horizontal direction y. The pressing section 210 may be attached to a plate-shaped structure extending vertically and formed to protrude toward a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110. However, it is not limited to this, and may be provided by a single structure in which one block-shaped unit extends long in the second horizontal direction y.

[0073] On the other hand, two pressing portions 210 (for example, a plate-shaped structure and a block-shaped unit formed protruding therefrom) may be provided. The two pressing portions 210 may be positioned on one side and the other side, respectively, in a first horizontal direction x of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 arranged on the pallet 220. The two pressing portions 210 may be positioned facing each other and may move in opposing directions. For example, the two pressing portions 210 may be positioned facing each other in a first horizontal direction x and may move toward or away from each other.

[0074] In the manufacturing process of the battery cell stack assembly 100, when the side beam 130 is supplied to the pressing unit 200, the side beam 130 may be positioned such that the lower region of the mounting portion 133 of the plate portion 132 is in close contact with the surface of the pressing portion 210 facing the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110, and the lower surface of the mounting portion 133 is firmly attached to the upper surface of the pressing portion 210.

[0075] The side beam 130 can be attached to a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 by the operation of two pressing parts 210. Specifically, with the two pressing parts 210 separated from each other, the side beam 130 is positioned on each of the opposing surfaces of the two pressing parts 210. Then, by moving the two pressing parts 210 toward each other, i.e., toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110, the side beam 130 can be attached to one side and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 in the horizontal first direction x. The attachment of the side beam 130 to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 can be done with adhesive A.

[0076] The two pressing parts 210 can press the side beam 130 toward the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110. Specifically, the battery cell stack assembly 100 can be pressed by the operation of the two pressing parts 210 until the length of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the first horizontal direction x reaches a required level. At this time, the required level of the length of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the first horizontal direction x may mean a length such that the battery cell stack assembly 100 can be placed in the pack housing 11 (shown in Figure 1) and the side beam 130 can be connected to the coupling part 12 (shown in Figure 1) of the pack housing 11 (shown in Figure 1). For example, referring to Figure 4, the length of the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 in the first horizontal direction x before pressing may be greater than the length of the busbar frame assembly 120 excluding the pins 121. However, the pressing portion 210 can press the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 until the length of the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 in the first horizontal direction x corresponds to the length of the busbar frame assembly 120 excluding the pins 121.

[0077] Referring to Figure 7, the pressing portion 210 may be provided so as to overlap horizontally with the vertical intermediate region of the side beam 130. With this structure, the pressing portion 210 can press the vertical intermediate region of the side beam 130, so that the pressing portion 210 can effectively press the side beam 130.

[0078] The upper boundary of the pressing portion 210 may be set lower than the lower boundary of the mounting portion 133 of the side beam 130. This allows the pressing portion 210 to press the side beam 130 toward the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 while making surface contact with the plate portion 132 formed on the lower part of the mounting portion 133 of the side beam 130, without interference from the lower part of the mounting portion 133.

[0079] Referring to Figure 6, the pressing unit 200 may include an air suction section 230. The air suction section 230 may be provided on the pressing section 210. The air suction section 230 may be provided on the side of the pressing section 210 facing the side beam 130. When the side beam 130 is supplied to the pressing unit 200, the side beam 130 can maintain a state of being suctioned to the pressing section 210 by the operation of the air suction section 230.

[0080] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the pressing unit 200 may include a projection pin 240. The projection pin 240 may project upward from the upper surface of the pressing portion 210. The projection pin 240 may be positioned to overlap perpendicularly with the mounting portion 133 of the side beam 130 when the side beam 130 is supplied to the pressing unit 200. The projection pin 240 may be inserted into an temporary fixing hole (not shown), a mounting hole 134, or a grip hole 137 formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 133 of the side beam 130. The supply position of the side beam 130 can be guided via the projection pin 240.

[0081] The protruding pin 240 can move up and down. Specifically, the protruding pin 240 can be operated to descend in order to be retracted into the pressing portion 210. The protruding pin 240 protrudes from the top of the pressing portion until the second gripper 400 (shown in Figure 12) grips the battery cell stack assembly 100, after the side beam 130 has been supplied to the pressing unit 200 and the pressing portion 210 has pressed the battery cell stack assembly 100. Thereafter, before the pressing portion 210 is released, it can descend so as not to protrude from the pressing portion 210. With this operation of the protruding pin 240, when the pressing portion 210 is released, it moves away from the battery cell stack assembly 100, but at this time, the movement of the pressing portion 210 does not have to be interfered with by the side beam 130 because the protruding pin 240 descends and is retracted into the pressing portion 210.

[0082] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the side beam 130 can be grasped by the articulated robot R1 and supplied to the pressing unit 200. The side beam 130 can be rotated at various angles by the articulated robot R1.

[0083] The articulated robot R1 may include a first gripper 300. The first gripper 300 may be located at the end of the articulated robot R1. The side beam 130 may be gripped by the first gripper 300 and provided to the pressing unit 200 side.

[0084] The first gripper 300 may include a base 310. The base 310 may be the part connected to the arm of an articulated robot R1. In one embodiment, a drive unit (not shown) for acting on a gripper pin 320 may be housed inside the base 310. Alternatively, the gripper pin 320 may be located in another position, such as on the arm of the articulated robot R1. It goes without saying that its position may also be adjusted manually by an operator without control by a separate drive unit.

[0085] The first gripper 300 may include a gripper pin 320, which may protrude downward from the base 310. The side beam 130 may be gripped by the first gripper 300 by inserting the gripper pin 320 into a mounting hole 134 formed in the side beam 130.

[0086] Multiple gripper pins 320 may be provided. Multiple gripper pins 320 may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the second horizontal direction y. Each gripper pin 320 may be adjusted in position while moving along the second horizontal direction y and fixed to the first gripper 300.

[0087] For example, referring to Figures 8 and 9, at least two of the multiple gripper pins 320 can move toward or toward each other. The side beam 130 can be gripped by the first gripper 300 by the two gripper pins 320 moving toward or toward each other after they have been inserted into the mounting holes 134. For example, it can be understood that when two adjacent gripper pins 320 are inserted into the mounting holes 134 and then move toward each other, the side beam 130 is gripped by the gripper 300 by being tightened by the two gripper pins 320. To effectively implement such a gripping method, the gripper pins 320 are provided in an even number, and two adjacent gripper pins 320 form a pair, and the paired gripper pins 320 can move toward or toward each other.

[0088] Referring to Figure 9, the gripper pin 320 may be a columnar shape extending vertically. The horizontal cross-section of the gripper pin 320 may be a square shape with rounded vertices (or corners). That is, the horizontal cross-section of the gripper pin 320 may be fillet-shaped at the vertices (or corners). The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the gripper pin 320 may correspond to the shape of the grip hole 137 of the side beam 130. The horizontal cross-section of the gripper pin 320 may be provided in a size smaller than the size of the grip hole 137 of the side beam 130. Because the horizontal cross-section of the gripper pin 320 and the grip hole 137 are provided in a square shape, when the gripper pin 320 is inserted into the grip hole 137 and moves in the second horizontal direction y, according to Figure 9, the gripper pin 320 and the grip hole 137 can make line contact with each other, so that the first gripper 300 can stably grip the side beam 130. Furthermore, the rounded shape of the vertices (or corners) of the gripper pin 320 and the grip hole 137 allows the gripper pin 320 to slide along the rounded portion of the grip hole 137 when it moves in the second horizontal direction y, even if it is not perfectly inserted into the center of the grip hole 137. This allows the gripper pin 320 to align with the central region of the first horizontal direction x of the grip hole 137, thus enabling stable gripping of the gripper pin 320. Additionally, the rounded shape of the vertices (or corners) of the gripper pin 320 and the grip hole 137 prevents the side beam 130 from deforming or breaking due to stress concentration at the corners of the gripper pin 320, even if the gripper pin 320 is inserted into the grip hole 137 at a slight angle. However, the gripper pin 320 is not limited to this, and its cross-sectional shape may be circular, elliptical, or rectangular with no rounded vertices (or corners).

[0089] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification being pressed by a pressing unit 200, and a second gripper approaching it.

[0090] Referring to Figure 11, the process by which the second gripper 400 approaches the battery cell stack assembly 100, which is being pressed by the pressing unit 200, and grips the battery cell stack assembly 100 will be schematically explained.

[0091] The second gripper 400 may be provided at the end of the articulated robot R2. The battery cell stack 100, gripped by the second gripper 400, can be transported by the articulated robot R2 along various paths and angles. Here, the articulated robot R2 may be the same as the articulated robot R1 to which the first gripper 300 (shown in Figure 9) is connected, or it may be a separate robot.

[0092] The battery cell stack assembly 100, while being pressed by the pressing unit 200, can be gripped by the second gripper 400 and then transported to the pack housing 11 (shown in Figure 1). Hereinafter, the second gripper 400 may refer to a transport gripper for the battery cell stack assembly that grips the battery cell stack assembly 100 and transports it to the pack housing 11.

[0093] Specifically, with the battery cell stack assembly 100 pressed by the pressing unit 200, the lift pins 430 protruding downward from the base 410 of the second gripper 400 can be inserted into the grip holes 137 of the respective side beams 130, which are provided on one and the other sides of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the horizontal first direction x. With the lift pins 430 inserted into the grip holes 137, they can move in a direction toward the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 from the side beams 130, and press the side beams 130 inward.

[0094] With the lift pin 430 inserted into the grip hole 137 of the side beam 130, the battery cell stack assembly 100 can be lifted by the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly 100 being attracted to the suction portion 420 provided on the second gripper 400. When the battery cell stack assembly 100 is lifted, the two pressing portions 210 of the pressing unit 200 release their pressure while separating from each other, but at this time, because the lift pin 430 is pressing the side beam 130 inward, the pressed state of the battery cell stack assembly 100 can be continuously maintained.

[0095] The battery cell stack assembly 100, lifted by the second gripper 400, is transported to the pack housing 11 (shown in Figure 1) and, while pressed, can be mounted into the pack housing 11 (shown in Figure 1).

[0096] The specific structure of the second gripper 400 will be described below with reference to Figures 12 to 19.

[0097] Figure 12 shows a front view of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 13 shows one side view of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 14 shows another side view of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 15 shows a top view of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 16 shows a bottom view of a part of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 17 shows a front view of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification gripping a battery cell stack assembly. Figure 18 shows a side view of the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification gripping a battery cell stack assembly. Figure 19 shows a part of the battery cell stack assembly gripped by the second gripper according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0098] Referring to Figures 12 to 19, the second gripper 400 may include a base 410. With the second gripper 400 gripping the battery cell stack assembly 100, the base 410 may be positioned on top of the battery cell stack assembly 100.

[0099] The base 410 may include a body portion 411. The body portion 411 may be located in the central region of the base 410. The body portion 411 may be the part that is coupled to the articulated robot R. The body portion 411 may be the part whose relative position to the battery cell stack assembly 100 is fixed during the process of coupling the second gripper 400 to the battery cell stack assembly 100.

[0100] The base 410 may include an operating unit 412. The operating unit 412 may be positioned on one side and the other side of the body 411 in a first horizontal direction x. Based on Figure 12, the operating unit 412 may be provided on the left and right sides of the body 411, respectively. The operating unit 412 may move away from or towards the body 411.

[0101] The second gripper 400 may include a suction portion 420. The suction portion 420 may be located in the central region of the base 410, below the base 410. For example, the suction portion 420 may be located below the body portion 411. The suction portion 420 may be in close contact with the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly 100.

[0102] The suction unit 420 can adsorb the battery cell stack assembly 100. The suction unit 420 adsorbs air onto the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly 100, preventing the battery cells 110 from sagging downwards in the direction of gravity while the battery cell stack assembly 100 is being transported. As a result, the battery cell stack assembly 100 can be transported stably even though it has a structure that omits the conventional module frame that covers the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cells 110.

[0103] Referring to Figure 16, the suction portion 420 may be provided in a pad shape. The upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly 100 to which the suction portion 420 is in close contact may be provided in a shape that is substantially flat. In order for the suction portion 420 to effectively provide suction force to the battery cell stack assembly 100, it is sometimes preferable that it be provided in a pad type corresponding to the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly 100. However, it is not limited to this, and the suction portion 420 may be provided in various forms as long as it can provide sufficient suction force to the battery cell stack assembly 100.

[0104] The suction portion 420 may be provided as a pad made of an elastic material. For example, the suction portion 420 may be made of a sponge material and may be provided as a wide-area foam type material that can deform according to the shape of the surface on which the object to be suctioned is attached, thereby realizing a seal. Specifically, the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly 100 may be provided as a surface with substantially irregular irregularities. Therefore, in order for the suction portion 420 to be effectively attached to such an irregular upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly 100, it is preferable that the suction portion 420 be provided as a deformable pad type.

[0105] The adsorption portion 420 may have a large number of adsorption holes 421. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the adsorption portion 420 may have a large number of adsorption holes 421 arranged in a grid pattern. However, it is not limited to this, and the large number of adsorption holes 421 may have a variety of arrangements. By providing a large number of adsorption holes 421, the adsorption portion 420 can more effectively adsorb the upper surface of the irregularly arranged battery cell stack 100.

[0106] Referring to Figures 12 to 14, the second gripper 400 may include a lift pin 430. The lift pin 430 may protrude from the lower part of the base 410. Specifically, the lift pin 430 may protrude from the lower part of the operating section 412.

[0107] Referring to Figures 17 to 19, the lift pin 430 can be inserted into a grip hole 137 formed in the side beam 130. With the lift pin 430 inserted into the grip hole 137, it can press the side beam 130 inward in the first horizontal direction x. Specifically, with the lift pin 430 inserted into the grip hole 137, when the operating unit 412 moves toward the battery cell stack assembly 100 due to the operation of the drive unit 440, the lift pin 430 also moves toward the battery cell stack assembly 100, pressing the side beam 130 toward the battery cell stack assembly 100. This allows the battery cell stack assembly 100, which is pressed by the pressing unit 200, to maintain its pressed state until it is transported by the gripper 300 and secured to the pack housing 11.

[0108] Multiple lift pins 430 can be provided for each side beam 130. That is, multiple lift pins 430 can be provided for each operating part 412. Multiple lift pins 430 provided for each side beam 130 can be arranged in the second horizontal direction y. By providing multiple lift pins 430 for each side beam 130, the side beam 130 can be effectively pressed by the lift pins 430.

[0109] For each side beam 130, the lift pins 430 arranged in the second horizontal direction y may have a corresponding number of pins. Furthermore, for each side beam 130, the lift pins 430 arranged in the second horizontal direction y may be configured to be positioned opposite each other. This allows the second gripper 400 to grip the battery cell stack 100 in a balanced manner, thereby improving the transport stability of the battery cell stack 100.

[0110] Referring to Figures 13, 14, and 18, the lift pin 430 may include a first pin 431 having a first length and a second pin 432 having a second length. For example, the first length may be longer than the second length.

[0111] The first pin 431 may be provided with a length such that when the second gripper 400 grips the battery cell stack assembly 100, the lower end of the first pin 431 protrudes below the lower end of the mounting portion 133 of the side beam 130. For example, the first pin 431 may be provided with a length such that when the second gripper 400 grips the battery cell stack assembly 100, it is located below half the height of the side beam 130.

[0112] The first pin 431 can transmit sufficient pressing force to the side beam 130. Specifically, when the lift pin 430 is inserted into the grip hole 137 of the side beam 130 and presses the side beam 130 toward the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110, the first pin 431 is positioned below the lower end of the mounting portion 133 of the side beam 130, preferably below half the height of the side beam 130, thereby preventing the lower region of the side beam 130 from spreading outward due to the elastic restoring force of the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110.

[0113] For example, the second pin 432 may be provided with a length such that when the second gripper 400 grips the battery cell stack assembly 100, the lower end of the second pin 432 coincides with the lower end of the mounting portion 133 of the side beam 130, or is located higher than the lower end of the mounting portion 133 of the side beam 130.

[0114] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the lift pins 430 arranged in the second horizontal direction y for each side beam 130 may consist of a combination of a first pin 431 and a second pin 432. For example, in the lift pins 430 arranged in the second horizontal direction y for each side beam 130, the first pin 431 and the second pin 432 may be arranged alternately with respect to each other in the second horizontal direction y. Specifically, in the process of mounting the battery cell stack assembly 100 into the pack housing 11, grooves 16 may be formed in the coupling portion 12 to prevent interference between the first pins 431 that protrude below the lower end of the mounting portion 133 and the coupling portion 12 of the pack housing 11. In this case, if all the pins provided in a row of lift pins 430 are first pins 431, the coupling portion 12 should have a corresponding number of grooves 16, which may weaken the structural rigidity of the coupling portion 12. Therefore, it is preferable that the first pins 431 are provided in a number sufficient to allow the second gripper 400 to provide a certain level of pressing force, and the remaining lift pins 430 are provided by the second pins 432. However, this is not limited to this, and if the joint portion 12 of the pack housing 11 has sufficient structural rigidity, the lift pins 430 may all be composed of first pins 431. Also, even if the lift pins 430 are composed only of second pins 432, if the second gripper 400 provides sufficient pressing force to the side beam 130 and the lower region of the side beam 130 does not spread outward due to the restoring force of the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110, the lift pins 430 may all be composed of second pins 432.

[0115] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the lift pins 430 arranged in the second horizontal direction y with respect to a side beam 130 connected to one side in the first horizontal direction x of a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110, and the lift pins 430 arranged in the second horizontal direction y with respect to a side beam 130 connected to the other side in the first horizontal direction x of a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110, may have different combinations of first pins 431 and second pins 432.

[0116] For example, referring to Figure 13, which shows lift pins 430 arranged in a second horizontal direction y with respect to a side beam 130 connected to one side in a first horizontal direction x of multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110, the lift pins 430 may have the arrangement of first pin 431-second pin 432-first pin 431-second pin 432-first pin 431. On the other hand, referring to Figure 14, which shows lift pins 430 arranged in a second horizontal direction y with respect to a side beam 130 connected to the other side in a first horizontal direction x of multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110, the lift pins 430 may have the arrangement of second pin 432-first pin 431-second pin 432-first pin 431-second pin 432.

[0117] In other words, it can be understood that one of the lift pins 430 facing each other in the first horizontal direction x is the first pin 431, and the other is the second pin 432. If all of the lift pins 430 facing each other in the first horizontal direction x are first pins 431, then grooves 16 (shown in Figure 22) for preventing interference between the first pins 431 should be formed in the coupling portion 12 (shown in Figure 22) located between the two battery cell stack couplings 100, at positions adjacent to each other in the first horizontal direction x. As a result, the portion of the coupling portion 12 (shown in Figure 22) where the grooves 16 (shown in Figure 22) are formed becomes thinner, and the structural rigidity of the coupling portion 12 (shown in Figure 22) may be weakened. Therefore, in the coupling portion 12 (shown in Figure 22), it is preferable that the lift pins 430 be arranged such that if one of the lift pins facing each other in the first horizontal direction x is the first pin 431, the other one is the second pin 432, so that the grooves 16 (shown in Figure 22) provided in relation to adjacent battery cell stacked couplings 100 can be arranged alternately.

[0118] Referring to Figure 19, the horizontal cross-section of the lift pin 430 may be a square shape with rounded vertices. That is, the horizontal cross-section of the lift pin 430 may be a square shape with filleted vertices. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the lift pin 430 may correspond to the shape of the grip hole 137 of the side beam 130. The horizontal cross-section of the lift pin 430 may be provided to be slightly smaller than the size of the grip hole 137 of the side beam 130. Because the horizontal cross-section of the lift pin 430 and the grip hole 137 are provided to be square, when the lift pin 430 is inserted into the grip hole 137 and presses the side beam 130 in the first horizontal direction x, the lift pin 430 and the grip hole 137 and / or the plate portion 132 can make surface contact with each other, so that the second gripper 400 can stably press the side beam 130. Furthermore, by forming the horizontal cross-section of the lift pin 430 and the shape of the grip hole 137 so that the apex is rounded, even if the lift pin 430 is not perfectly inserted into the center of the grip hole 137, when the lift pin 430 moves in the first horizontal direction x, the lift pin 430 can slide along the rounded portion of the grip hole 137 and align with the central region in the second horizontal direction y of the grip hole 137, thus enabling stable pressing of the lift pin 430. Also, by forming the horizontal cross-section of the lift pin 430 and the shape of the grip hole 137 so that the apex is rounded, even if the lift pin 430 is inserted into the grip hole 137 at a slight angle, the problem of the side beam 130 deforming or breaking due to stress concentration at the corners of the lift pin 430 can be prevented. However, the cross-sectional shape of the lift pin 430 may be circular or elliptical, or it may be a rectangular shape with an apex that is not rounded.

[0119] The lift pin 430 may move in conjunction with the operation of the operating unit 412. Specifically, the operating unit 412 may move away from or towards the body unit 411, and the lift pin 430 connected to the operating unit 412 may move together with the operating unit 412.

[0120] The second gripper 400 may include a drive unit 440. The drive unit 440 may be fixed to the body 411. For example, as shown in Figures 12 to 15, the drive unit 440 may be positioned on top of the body 411. However, it is not limited to this, and the drive unit 440 may be positioned inside the body 411.

[0121] The second gripper 400 may include a shaft 450. The shaft 450 may connect the drive unit 440 and the operating unit 412. The shaft 450 may transmit the driving force of the drive unit 440 to the operating unit 412. The operating unit 412 may move as a result of the operation of the drive unit 440.

[0122] Figure 20 shows the inside of the pack housing of a battery pack according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 21 shows a magnified view of a part of the battery pack according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 22 shows a part of the pack housing and a part of the side beam of a battery pack according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0123] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the pack housing 11 may include guide pins 14. The guide pins 14 may protrude from the bottom to the top of the pack housing 11. The guide pins 14 may be positioned to correspond to the four vertex regions of the battery cell stack assembly 100.

[0124] Guide holes 138 into which guide pins 14 can be inserted may be formed in the lower part of the side beam 130. The guide holes 138 may be formed on one side and the other side of each of the two side beams 130 of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the second horizontal direction y.

[0125] When the battery cell stack assembly 100 is placed in the pack housing 11, the guide pins 14 of the pack housing 11 are inserted into the guide holes 138 of the side beams 130, guiding the battery cell stack assembly 100 to be securely fixed in the correct position in the pack housing 11, and maintaining the horizontal first direction x spacing between the two side beams 130 of the battery cell stack assembly 100, even if the gripper 300 is separated from the battery cell stack assembly 100.

[0126] Referring to Figure 22, the guide pins 14 of the pack housing 11 are inserted into the guide holes 138 of the side beam 130, and the length of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the first horizontal direction x is maintained. The connecting member 140 is then passed through the mounting hole 134 and connected to the connecting portion 12 of the pack housing 11, thereby allowing the battery cell stack assembly 100 to be fully mounted in the pack housing 11 while maintaining the pressure applied by the initial pressing unit 200 (shown in Figure 6).

[0127] Referring to Figures 20 to 22, the pack housing 11 may include a coupling 12. The coupling 12 can be understood as a crossbeam of the pack housing 11. The coupling 12 may project upward from the bottom 13 and extend in a second horizontal direction y. That is, the coupling 12 may extend in a direction corresponding to the extending direction of the side beam 130. Two battery cell stack couplings 100 adjacent to each other in a first horizontal direction x may be coupled to the coupling 12.

[0128] The pack housing 11 may include a coupling hole 15. The coupling hole 15 may be formed penetrating the upper surface of the coupling portion 12. When the battery cell stack assembly 100 is mounted in the pack housing 11, the coupling hole 15 may be formed in a position that vertically overlaps with the mounting hole 134 of the side beam 130. A coupling member 140 penetrating the mounting hole 134 of the side beam 130 may be fastened to the coupling hole 15.

[0129] The pack housing 11 may include a groove 16. The groove 16 may be formed in a manner in which the top and side surfaces of the joint 12 are open. However, it is not limited to this, and the groove 16 may be formed in a manner in which it penetrates the top surface of the joint 12. The apex (or corner) portion of the groove 16 may be rounded. That is, the apex (or corner) portion of the groove 16 may be open in a fillet shape.

[0130] The formation of the groove 16 ensures that the first pin 431 of the lift pin 430 of the second gripper 400 and the coupling portion 12 do not interfere with each other. Specifically, the first pin 431 of the second gripper 400 may protrude from the lower part of the mounting portion 133 of the side beam 130, and when the second gripper 400 carries the battery cell stack assembly 100 and mounts it in the pack housing 11, the portion of the first pin 431 that protrudes from the lower part of the mounting portion 133 is inserted into the groove 16, thereby ensuring that the first pin 431 and the coupling portion 12 do not interfere with each other.

[0131] The grooves 16 formed in relation to the two battery cell stack assemblies 100 (shown in Figure 1) arranged on one and the other side of the joint 12 in the first horizontal direction x can be formed in positions that do not overlap each other in the first horizontal direction x. Specifically, the groove 16 formed on one side of the joint 12 in the first horizontal direction x and the groove 16 formed on the other side of the joint 12 in the first horizontal direction x can be formed in positions that do not overlap each other in the first horizontal direction x. This corresponds to a configuration in Figures 13 and 14 where the lift pins 430 arranged in the second horizontal direction y have first pins 431 and second pins 432 arranged alternately, with one of the lift pins 430 facing each other in the first horizontal direction x being the first pin 431 and the other being the second pin 432. This ensures that the thickness of the joint 12 in the first horizontal direction x is maintained above a certain level, thereby preventing the grooves 16 from weakening the structural rigidity of the joint 12.

[0132] Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to various embodiments of this specification.

[0133] The manufacturing method for the battery pack 10 shown in Figure 23 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 22.

[0134] The method for manufacturing the battery pack 10 may include the method for manufacturing the battery cell stack assembly 100 (steps 2301 to 2306).

[0135] For example, in steps 2301 and 2302, the method for manufacturing the battery cell stack assembly 100 may include a step of applying adhesive A to the surface of the side beam 130 facing the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 while the side beam 130 is gripped by a first gripper 300 connected to an articulated robot R1. In this step, the side beam 130 can be rotated at various angles by the articulated robot R1. To facilitate the application of adhesive A to the side beam 130, the side beam 130 can be rotated by the articulated robot R1 so that the surface of the side beam 130 facing the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 faces upward.

[0136] In step 2303, the method for manufacturing the battery cell stack assembly 100 may include a step of positioning the side beams 130 on each of the opposing surfaces of the two pressing portions 210. At this time, the position of the side beams 130 can be guided by securing temporary fixing holes (not shown), mounting holes 134, or grip holes 137 formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 133 of the side beam 130 to the protruding pins 240. The side beams 130 can be fixed to the inner surfaces of the pressing portions 210 by air suction to each of the opposing surfaces of the two pressing portions 210. Air suction of the side beams 130 can be performed by air suction portions 230 provided on the pressing portions 210.

[0137] In step 2304, the method for manufacturing the battery cell stack assembly 100 may include the step of arranging a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 between two pressing portions 210 on a pallet 220. In this step, the battery cell stack assembly 100 may be understood to be positioned between two side beams 130 that are attracted to the two pressing portions 210.

[0138] On the other hand, unlike this, the step of arranging the multiple plate-shaped battery cells 110 may be performed before supplying the side beam 130 to the pressing unit 200, or the two steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0139] In step 2305, the method for manufacturing the battery cell stack assembly 100 may include the step of moving two pressing portions 210 toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 and attaching the side beam 130 to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110. Specifically, the side beam 130 moves toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 as the pressing portions 210 move, and can be attached to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 by adhesive A applied to the surface of the side beam 130 facing the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110.

[0140] In step 2306, the manufacturing method of the battery cell stack assembly 100 may include a step of further moving the two pressing portions 210 toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 and pressing the side beams 130 toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110. The pressing of the side beams 130 may be carried out until the length of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the first horizontal direction x reaches a desired level. For example, the pressing of the side beams 130 may be carried out until, when the battery cell stack assembly 100 is mounted in the pack housing 11 (shown in Figure 1), the length of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the first horizontal direction x is such that the two side beams 130 of the battery cell stack assembly 100 can be coupled to the coupling portion 12 (shown in Figure 1) of the pack housing 11 (shown in Figure 1).

[0141] Next, the manufacturing method of the battery pack 10 may include, after manufacturing the battery cell stack assembly 100 in steps 2301 to 2306, a step in step 2307 in which the lift pin 430 is inserted into the grip hole 137 formed in the side beam 130 while the second gripper 400 is brought into close contact with the battery cell stack assembly 100. At this time, the battery cell stack assembly 100 may be pressed in the horizontal first direction x by the pressing unit 200.

[0142] In step 2308, the manufacturing method of the battery pack 10 may include a step of moving the lift pin 430 toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110, and pressing the side beam 130 toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 with the lift pin 430. This allows the pressed state of the battery cell stack assembly 100 to be maintained even when the two pressing parts 210 of the pressing unit 200 spread outward and the pressing by the pressing unit 200 is released.

[0143] In step 2309, the method for manufacturing the battery pack 10 may include a step of using the suction portion 420 provided on the second gripper 400 to suction the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly 100. By suctioning the battery cell stack assembly 100 with the suction portion 420, the battery cell stack assembly 100 can be lifted by the second gripper 400.

[0144] If the suction step by the suction part 420 is performed before the pressing step by the pressing unit 200, a problem may occur in which the sponge material suction part 420 is sandwiched between the plate-shaped battery cells 110. Therefore, it is preferable that the suction step by the suction part 420 be performed after the battery cell stack assembly 100 has been sufficiently pressurized by the pressing unit 200.

[0145] On the other hand, in various embodiments, the step of adsorbing the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly 100 with the adsorption portion 420 may be performed before the step of pressing the side beam 130 toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 with the lift pin 430, or simultaneously with the step of pressing the side beam 130 toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 with the lift pin 430, or after the step of pressing the side beam 130 toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells 110 with the lift pin 430.

[0146] In step 2310, the method for manufacturing the battery pack 10 may include a step of releasing the pressure of the pressing portion 210. In this step, the protruding pin 240, which protrudes from the upper part of the pressing portion 210 and is inserted into an temporary fixing hole (not shown), a mounting hole 134, or a grip hole 137 formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 133 of the side beam 130, may be lowered and retracted into the pressing portion 210 to prevent interference with the side beam 130.

[0147] In step 2311, the method for manufacturing the battery pack 10 may include moving the battery cell stack assembly 100, which is held by the second gripper 400, and positioning it inside the pack housing 11. In this step, the battery cell stack assembly 100 may be positioned such that the guide pins 14 of the pack housing 11 are inserted into the guide holes 138 of the side beams 130.

[0148] In step 2312, the method for manufacturing the battery pack 10 may include the step of separating the second gripper 400 from the battery cell stack assembly 100.

[0149] The manufacturing method for the battery pack 10 may further include the step of passing the coupling member 140 (shown in Figure 1) through the mounting hole 134 and coupling it to the coupling portion of the pack housing 11.

[0150] The specific embodiments of this specification described herein or other embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable from each other. The specific embodiments of this specification described herein or other embodiments may be used in combination or in combination with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0151] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if combinations between configurations are not directly described, it means that combinations are possible unless it is stated that such combinations are impossible.

[0152] The above detailed description should not be constrained in any way and should be considered illustrative. The scope of this specification should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of this specification are included within this specification. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0153] 1 device 10 Battery Packs 11 Pack Housing 12 Joint 13 Bottom 14 Guide pins 15 bonding holes 16 groove 100 Battery Cell Stacked Assembly 110 battery cells 120 Busbar Frame Assembly 121 pins 130 Side Beam 131 Halls 132 Plate section 133 Mounting section 134 Mount Hole 135 Cover section 136 Opening 137 grip holes 138 Guide Hall 140 Connecting member 200 Pressing Units 210 Pressing part 220 pallets 230 Air adsorption section 240 Protruding Pins 300 First Gripper 310 Base 312 Operating Unit 320 Grippapin 330 Lift Pins 400 Second Grippa 410 Base 411 Body section 412 Operating Unit 420 Adsorption part 421 Adsorption hole 430 Lift Pins 431 Pin 1 432 Pin 2 440 Drive Unit 450 shaft A Adhesive R1, R2 articulated robots

Claims

1. Multiple plate-shaped battery cells stacked in a first horizontal direction, A battery cell stacking assembly comprising side beams coupled to one and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in the first horizontal direction.

2. The side beam includes a plate-shaped portion and a mounting portion that protrudes from the plate portion to the opposite side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 1, wherein a mounting hole is formed in the mounting portion in the vertical direction.

3. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 2, wherein the mounting portion extends in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

4. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 2, wherein the mounting portion is formed at a position higher than the midpoint height of the plate portion.

5. The side beam includes a cover portion provided on the upper part of the mounting portion, The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cover portion includes an upper surface extending from the plate portion to the opposite side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells, and a side surface extending downward from the edge of the upper surface and connected to the upper surface of the mounting portion.

6. The side beam includes a grip hole formed by vertically penetrating the mounting portion. The battery cell stacking assembly according to claim 2, wherein the grip hole has a square shape with a rounded apex.

7. The system includes busbar frame assemblies that are coupled to one and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, The busbar frame assembly includes pins protruding from one and the other side of the busbar frame assembly in the first horizontal direction, respectively. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the side beam has a hole formed in it into which the pin is inserted.

8. The battery cell stacking assembly according to claim 7, wherein the pin has a shape in which the corners of its end are chamfered.

9. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 7, wherein the pin includes a portion whose cross-section becomes smaller as it moves away from the busbar frame assembly.

10. The battery cell laminate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the side beams are bonded to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells with an adhesive.

11. A method for manufacturing a battery cell stacked assembly, comprising a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells stacked in a first horizontal direction using a pressing unit, and side beams connected to one and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in the first horizontal direction, The pressing unit includes a pallet and two pressing parts arranged on the pallet facing each other and moving in opposing directions. The method for manufacturing the aforementioned battery cell stack assembly is as follows: The steps include: attaching side beams to the opposing surfaces of the two pressing portions, and arranging a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells between the two pressing portions on the pallet; A method for manufacturing a battery cell stack, comprising the steps of moving the two pressing portions toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells, attaching the side beam to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells, and pressing the side beam toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells.

12. The side beam is grasped by the articulated robot and supplied to the pressing unit. A method for manufacturing a battery cell laminate according to claim 11, further comprising the step of applying an adhesive to the surface of the side beam facing the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells while the side beam is being held by the articulated robot, before the side beam is attached to the two pressing portions.

13. The side beam includes a plate-shaped portion and a mounting portion that protrudes from the plate portion to the opposite side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells. The method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly according to claim 11, wherein the boundary of the upper end of the pressing portion is set lower than the boundary of the lower end of the mounting portion.

14. The side beam includes a plate-shaped portion and a mounting portion that protrudes from the plate portion to the opposite side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells. The pressing unit includes a protruding pin that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the pressing portion. A method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly according to claim 11, wherein a temporary fixing hole into which the protruding pin is inserted is formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion.

15. The method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly according to claim 14, wherein the protruding pin operates to descend in order to be retracted into the pressing portion.

16. The side beam includes a plate-shaped portion, a mounting portion that protrudes from the plate portion to the opposite side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells, and a grip hole formed perpendicularly through the mounting portion. The side beam is gripped by a first gripper located at the end of the articulated robot and supplied to the pressing unit. The first gripper includes a body and a gripper pin protruding downward from the body, The method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly according to claim 11, wherein the side beam is gripped by the gripper when the gripper pin is inserted into the grip hole.

17. The grip holes are formed in multiple locations and arranged in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The gripper pins are provided in multiple locations and arranged in the second horizontal direction. At least two of the multiple gripper pins may move in directions opposite to each other. The method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly according to claim 16, wherein the side beam is gripped by the gripper by moving toward or toward each other after the two gripper pins are inserted into the grip holes.

18. The method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly according to claim 16, wherein the horizontal cross-section of the grip hole and the gripper pin is a square shape with rounded vertices.

19. In the step of arranging the side beams on the opposing surfaces of the two pressing portions, The method for manufacturing a battery cell stack according to claim 11, wherein the side beam is adsorbed by air to each of the two opposing surfaces of the pressing portions.

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