Alignment device and battery module assembly assembly system including the same

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an alignment device that is installed in an assembly system for a battery module assembly and assembles two rows of battery cells and a cooling unit to form a cell assembly is characterized by including a pair of guide jigs that support the two rows of battery cells, a cell spacing adjustment jig that is connected to the pair of guide jigs and adjusts the spacing between the battery cells in each row, and a cooling unit gripper that positions the cooling unit between the pair of guide jigs.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment device and an assembling system for a battery module assembly including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0174262 filed on December 7, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability to various products and electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electric drive sources. These secondary batteries have not only the temporary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also the advantage of not producing any by-products associated with energy use, and are therefore attracting attention as a new energy source that is environmentally friendly and improves energy efficiency.

[0004] 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 a unit secondary battery cell, i.e., a unit battery cell, is about 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack may be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. In addition, a battery pack may be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack may be variously set depending on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when constructing a battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series and / or in parallel, a typical method is to first construct a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to construct a battery pack or a battery rack.

[0006] A conventional battery module generally includes a plurality of battery cells and a cell frame that houses the plurality of battery cells. The conventional cell frame generally houses the plurality of battery cells and is configured as an assembly of a plurality of plates, such as a front plate, a rear plate, a side plate, a lower plate, and an upper plate, in order to ensure rigidity, etc.

[0007] However, in the case of conventional battery modules, due to the characteristics of the cell frame structure formed by assembling a plurality of plates, the manufacturing costs are high and the assembly process is complicated, which is disadvantageous in terms of cost competitiveness and manufacturing efficiency.

[0008] Furthermore, in the case of a conventional battery module, the cell frame structure formed by assembling a plurality of plates causes the entire battery module to become bulky, which is disadvantageous in terms of energy density.

[0009] Therefore, when manufacturing a battery module or a battery pack, it is desirable to find a method for achieving a frameless structure instead of the cell frame structure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an alignment device capable of realizing a frameless structure, and an assembly system for a battery module assembly including the same.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aligning device capable of reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing assembly space, and an assembling system for a battery module assembly including the same.

[0012] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an alignment device that is installed in an assembly system for a battery module assembly and assembles two rows of battery cells and a cooling unit to form a cell assembly, the alignment device comprising: a pair of guide jigs that support the two rows of battery cells, a cell spacing adjustment jig that is connected to the pair of guide jigs and adjusts the spacing between the battery cells in each row, and a cooling unit gripper that positions the cooling unit between the pair of guide jigs.

[0014] More preferably, the pair of guide jigs can be arranged to be slidable along a direction facing the cooling unit gripper and a direction opposite to the cooling unit gripper.

[0015] More preferably, the pair of guide jigs may be capable of pressing the battery cells in each row against both side surfaces of the cooling unit by sliding the pair of guide jigs.

[0016] More preferably, the cell spacing adjustment jig is slidably mounted on one side of the pair of guide jigs, and when the cell spacing adjustment jig slides, at least a portion of the cell spacing adjustment jig penetrates the pair of guide jigs and slides between the battery cells in each row, thereby adjusting the spacing between the battery cells in each row.

[0017] More preferably, the cell spacing adjustment jig may include an adjustment jig main body slidably attached to one side of each guide jig, and a plurality of spacing adjustment portions protruding from the adjustment jig main body by a predetermined length and penetrating each guide jig when the cell spacing adjustment jig slides, sliding between the battery cells in each row to widen the spacing between the battery cells in each row to a predetermined spacing.

[0018] More preferably, the plurality of interval adjustment portions can be disposed at equal intervals and a predetermined distance apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the adjustment jig body.

[0019] More preferably, the alignment device may include a cell support portion disposed on the pair of guide jigs and configured to support the battery cell.

[0020] More preferably, the support portion may be provided as a magnetic member.

[0021] More preferably, the alignment device may include an alignment gripper that is disposed above the pair of guide jigs and presses and fixes upper ends of two rows of battery cells arranged on either side of the cooling unit.

[0022] More preferably, the pair of guide jigs can be arranged so as to be tiltable at a predetermined angle with the cooling unit gripper therebetween.

[0023] More preferably, the alignment device may laminate the cooling unit between the two rows of battery cells to form the cell assembly.

[0024] The present invention also provides an assembly system for a battery module assembly, comprising an aligning device according to the above-described embodiment.

[0025] More preferably, the assembly system for the battery module assembly may include a first conveying device that transports the multiple battery cells in two rows and guides them to the alignment device, a second conveying device that transports the cell assembly assembled by the alignment device to a structure assembly device for assembly with a side structure unit covering the battery cell, and the structure assembly device that arranges a plurality of side structure units between the battery cells of at least one cell assembly transported via the second conveying device to form the battery module assembly.

[0026] More preferably, the second transport device can harden the cell assembly at room temperature when transporting the cell assembly.

[0027] More preferably, the structure assembling device is capable of bonding the plurality of side structure units and the at least one cell assembly together. Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an alignment device capable of realizing a frameless structure and an assembly system for a battery module assembly including the same.

[0029] In addition, according to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an aligning device capable of reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing assembly space, and an assembling system for a battery module assembly including the same.

[0030] In addition to the above, various other effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. Such various effects of the present invention will be explained in the section of each embodiment, and explanations of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0031] The drawings attached to this specification are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to facilitate a further understanding of the technical ideas of the present invention as well as the contents of the invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters depicted in the drawings. Meanwhile, the shape, size, scale, or ratio of elements in the drawings attached to this specification may be exaggerated to emphasize a clearer description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an assembly system for a battery module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an alignment device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a diagram for explaining a main part of the alignment device in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the alignment apparatus of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a structure assembling device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pre-working device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a first conveyor device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a first conveyor device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 9]2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an aligning device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an aligning device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an aligning device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an aligning device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an aligning device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 14] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an aligning device according to another embodiment of the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 15] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an aligning device according to another embodiment of the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 16] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an aligning device according to another embodiment of the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 17] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a second conveyor device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 18] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a second conveyor device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 19] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of pre-processing a cooling unit using a pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 20] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of pre-processing a cooling unit using a pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 21]1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of pre-processing a cooling unit using a pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 22] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of pre-processing a cooling unit using a pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 23] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of pre-processing a cooling unit using a pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 24] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of pre-processing a side structure unit using a pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Diagram 25] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of pre-processing a side structure unit using a pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 26] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of pre-processing a side structure unit using a pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 27] 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a structure assembling device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 28] 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a structure assembling device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 29] 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a structure assembling device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 30] 2 is a diagram for explaining a battery module assembly assembled through the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the present specification and claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but are to be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiment described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0035] Meanwhile, in this specification, directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are used merely for ease of explanation, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention that they may vary depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an assembly system for a battery module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, an assembly system 10 for a battery module assembly 1 (see FIG. 30) may include a first conveying apparatus 100, an aligning apparatus 200, and a second conveying apparatus 300.

[0038] The first conveying device 100 may convey a plurality of battery cells 3 in two rows. The first conveying device 100 may guide the plurality of battery cells 3 to an aligning device 200, which will be described later.

[0039] The alignment device 200 may align a cooling unit 5 (see FIG. 3) between two rows of battery cells 3 transported via the first transport device 100 to assemble a cell assembly 7 (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the cell assembly 7 may be formed from the battery cells 3 and the cooling unit 5.

[0040] The second conveying device 300 may convey the cell assemblies 7 assembled by the aligning device 200 to a structure assembling device 400 for assembly with side structure units 9 (see FIG. 5) covering the battery cells 3. The structure assembling device 400, which will be described later, may assemble the cell assemblies 7 conveyed via the second conveying device 300 with the side structure units 9 to manufacture a battery module assembly 1 (see FIG. 30).

[0041] In this embodiment, such an assembly system 10 can be used to realize a battery module assembly 1 (see Figure 30) provided by a cell assembly 7 formed from the battery cell 3 and a cooling unit 5, and a side structure unit 9 assembled with the cell assembly 7.

[0042] In this embodiment, the battery module assembly 1 fixes and supports the cell assemblies 7 only by the side structure units 9, so that a conventional frame structure provided as an assembly of a plurality of plate structures such as an upper plate, a lower plate, a front plate, a rear plate, and a side plate can be omitted. That is, the battery module assembly 1 according to this embodiment can be provided in a frameless structure.

[0043] Such a battery module assembly 1 may be arranged in one or more units, and by adding components for electrical connection, etc., a battery pack may be formed and installed in a vehicle such as an automobile, a mechanism or structure such as an energy storage system, etc.

[0044] In this manner, the assembly system 10 according to this embodiment can assemble such a frameless structure battery module assembly 1, thereby reducing manufacturing costs compared to the conventional cell frame structure, and simplifying the assembly process, thereby significantly improving cost competitiveness and manufacturing efficiency.

[0045] In addition, the assembly system 10 according to this embodiment forms the battery module assembly 1 having such a frameless structure, thereby realizing a structure that is smaller and thinner than the conventional cell frame structure, while ensuring high energy density.

[0046] The assembly system 10 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0047] The first conveyor 100 may include an upper conveyor 110 and a lower conveyor 130.

[0048] The upper conveyor 110 may transport the two rows of battery cells 3. For this purpose, the upper conveyor 110 may be provided with two conveyor belt lines for transporting the two rows of battery cells 3.

[0049] The lower conveyor 130 may guide the two rows of battery cells 3 to the alignment device 200. For this purpose, the lower conveyor 130 may be provided with two conveyor belt lines for transporting the two rows of battery cells 3.

[0050] The lower conveyor 130 may be disposed below the upper conveyor 110 so as to be spaced a predetermined distance from the upper conveyor 110 .

[0051] In this embodiment, by using the first conveying device 100 including the upper conveyor 110 and the lower conveyor 130 which are arranged so as to be separated vertically, the overall conveyor line can be reduced compared to a structure in which the conveyors are arranged in a long, straight line shape.

[0052] Therefore, in this embodiment, the length of the entire assembly line can be shortened and the assembly space can be minimized by using the first conveying device 100. As a result, in this embodiment, the construction cost for constructing the assembly system 10 can be reduced and the entire assembly space can be optimized.

[0053] The first conveying device 100 may include a lifting unit 150 .

[0054] The lifting unit 150 is capable of rising and lowering between the upper conveyor 110 and the lower conveyor 130, and can transport the two rows of battery cells 3 on the upper conveyor 110 to the lower conveyor 130.

[0055] The lifting unit 150 may be arranged to be slidable along a ceiling rail 600 provided on the ceiling of the assembly system 10. This allows the lifting unit 150 to be arranged to be movable both horizontally and vertically within the assembly system 10.

[0056] The alignment device 200 may be installed in the assembly system 10 of the battery module assembly 1 (see FIG. 30) to assemble two rows of battery cells 3 and cooling units 5 to form a cell assembly.

[0057] Specifically, the alignment device 200 may bond the cooling unit 5 between the two rows of battery cells 3 to form the cell assembly 7. In this embodiment, the cell assembly 7 may be provided as an assembly of the battery cells 3 and the cooling unit 5 via the alignment device 200.

[0058] The alignment apparatus 200 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an alignment device in an assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a main part of the alignment device of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the alignment device of FIG. 2.

[0060] 2 to 4 and above-mentioned FIG. 1, the alignment device 200 may include a guide jig 210, a cell spacing adjustment jig 220, and a cooling unit gripper 230.

[0061] The guide jig 210 is for supporting the two rows of battery cells 3 and may be provided in a pair. The pair of guide jigs 210 may be provided to support the battery cells 3 in each row.

[0062] The cell interval adjusting jig 220 may be connected to the pair of guide jigs 210 and adjust the interval between each row of battery cells 3. The cell interval adjusting jig 220 may be provided in a pair and slidably mounted on each guide jig 210.

[0063] The cooling unit gripper 230 may position the cooling unit 5 between the pair of guide jigs 210. Such cooling unit grippers 230 may be provided in a pair and may support both ends of the cooling unit 5.

[0064] The alignment device 200 according to this embodiment can adjust the spacing between the two rows of battery cells 3 by sliding the guide jig 210 and the cell spacing adjustment jig 220 while the two rows of battery cells 3 are arranged in an upright state with the cooling unit 5 sandwiched therebetween.

[0065] Specifically, the pair of guide jigs 210 may be disposed to be slidable along a direction facing the cooling unit gripper 230 and an opposite direction to the cooling unit gripper 230. That is, the pair of guide jigs 210 may be disposed to be slidable along a direction facing the cooling unit 5 and an opposite direction to the cooling unit 5 while supporting the battery cells 3 of each row.

[0066] Here, the pair of guide jigs 210 may be able to press the battery cells 3 in each row by sliding as described above, thereby closely adhering the battery cells 3 in each row to both side surfaces of the cooling unit 5.

[0067] The cell spacing adjustment jig 220 is arranged in a pair and slidably attached to one side of the pair of guide jigs 210, and during the sliding movement, at least a portion of the cell spacing adjustment jig 220 penetrates the pair of guide jigs 210 and slides between the battery cells 3 in each row, thereby adjusting the spacing between the battery cells 3 in each row.

[0068] Each of the pair of cell interval adjustment jigs 220 may include an adjustment jig body 222 and an interval adjustment portion 226 .

[0069] The adjustment jig body 222 may be slidably mounted on one side of each guide jig 210. The adjustment jig body 222 may be disposed to face the battery cell 3 with the guide jig 210 interposed therebetween.

[0070] The spacing adjustment portions 226 are provided in multiple numbers, protrude from the adjustment jig main body 222 by a predetermined length, and during the above-mentioned sliding, penetrate each guide jig 210 and slide between the battery cells 3 in each row, thereby widening the spacing between the battery cells 3 in each row to a predetermined spacing.

[0071] The plurality of interval adjustment parts 226 may be disposed at equal intervals from each other by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the adjustment jig body 222. As a result, the intervals between the battery cells 3 in each row can be adjusted to equal intervals as the plurality of interval adjustment parts 226 slide.

[0072] The alignment apparatus 200 may include a cell support 240 .

[0073] The cell support parts 240 may be disposed on the pair of guide jigs 210 and support the battery cells 3. The cell support parts 240 may guide the battery cells 3 placed on the pair of guide jigs 210 to be supported more stably.

[0074] The cell support 240 may be provided as a magnetic member. A plurality of such cell supports 240 may be provided. The plurality of cell supports 240 may be provided at positions facing the battery cells 3 when the battery cells 3 are placed on the guide jig 210.

[0075] The aligning device 200 may include an aligning gripper 250 .

[0076] The align gripper 250 is disposed above the pair of guide jigs 210 and can press and fix upper ends of two rows of battery cells 3 arranged with the cooling unit 5 in between.

[0077] The align gripper 250 can further increase the connection robustness between the battery cell 3 and the cooling unit 5 at the upper portion during assembly of the cell assembly 7.

[0078] In addition, the align gripper 250 can guide the transportation of the battery cell 3 and the cell assembly 7 provided by the cooling unit 5 to subsequent processes.

[0079] The alignment device 200 can align and attach the cooling unit 5 between the two rows of battery cells 3 to form the cell assembly 7.

[0080] Returning to FIG. 1, the second conveying device 300 can be arranged to be movable along the ceiling of the assembling system 10 of the battery module assembly 1 (see FIG. 30).

[0081] Specifically, the second conveyance device 300 may be slidably mounted on the ceiling rail 600, similar to the lifting unit 150 of the first conveyance device 100. In addition, the second conveyance device 300 may be arranged to be vertically movable, similar to the lifting unit 150 of the first conveyance device 100.

[0082] Meanwhile, the second conveying device 300 may be provided integrally with the lifting unit 150. That is, the second conveying device 300 may be provided as a lifting body integrated with the lifting unit 150 of the first conveying device 100.

[0083] During the above-mentioned transportation, the second transport device 300 may harden the cell assembly 7 at room temperature. For this purpose, the second transport device 300 may be provided with components for hardening the cell assembly 7 at room temperature.

[0084] In this embodiment, the hardening process of the cell assembly 7 can be performed while the second conveying device 300 arranged on the ceiling rail 600 is being conveyed, thereby eliminating the space required for the hardening process and shortening the assembly process takt time, thereby further shortening the assembly process time.

[0085] During the above-mentioned transportation, the second transfer device 300 may lift and transport the cell assembly 7 from the aligner 200 without changing the direction of the cell assembly 7. As a result, in this embodiment, a separate rotation process for adjusting the insertion direction of the battery cells 3 of the cell assembly 7 is not required during the above-mentioned transportation, so that the process efficiency can be further improved.

[0086] The structure assembly device 400 may form the battery module assembly 1 by placing multiple side structure units 9 between the battery cells 3 of at least one cell assembly 7 transported via the second transport device 300.

[0087] Specifically, the structure assembling apparatus 400 can form the battery module assembly 1 by bonding the multiple side structure units 9 and the at least one cell assembly 7 together.

[0088] In this embodiment, the structure assembling apparatus 400 can be used to assemble the battery module assembly 1 provided by the battery cells 3, the cooling units 5 and the side structure units 9.

[0089] The structure assembling device 400 will be described in more detail below.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a structure assembling device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5 and the above-mentioned FIG. 1, the structure assembling apparatus 400 may include an assembly base 410 and a sliding jig 430.

[0092] The assembly base 410 may guide the alignment between at least one of the cell assembly 7 and at least one of the side structure units 9 to form the battery module assembly 1 .

[0093] The sliding jig 430 is slidably arranged on the assembly base 410, and the above-mentioned sliding may make it possible to bring at least one of the cell assemblies 7 and at least one of the side structure units 9 into close contact with each other.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pre-processing device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 6 and the above-mentioned FIG. 1, the pre-processing device 500 may perform pre-treatment processes of the cooling unit 5 and the side structure unit 9 prior to the assembly of the cell assembly 7 using the alignment device and the assembly process of the battery module assembly 1 using the structure assembly device 400.

[0096] The pre-processing device 500 may include a plasma processing unit 510 , an adhesive processing unit 530 , and a direction switching unit 550 .

[0097] The plasma processing unit 510 is for performing plasma P processing on the cooling unit 5 side, and can be provided so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the cooling unit 5.

[0098] The adhesive processing section 530 is for applying adhesive G to the cooling unit 5 and the side structure unit 9, and can be provided so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the cooling unit 5 and the side structure unit 9.

[0099] The direction switching unit 550 guides the plasma P treatment and the application of the adhesive G, and can support the cooling unit 5 or the side structure unit 9 during the plasma P treatment or the application of the adhesive G.

[0100] Such a direction switching section 550 can switch the direction of the cooling unit 5 or the side structure unit 9 so that the plasma P treatment or the application of the adhesive G can be performed on both side surfaces of the cooling unit 5 or the side structure unit 9.

[0101] Meanwhile, the assembly system 10 may include the ceiling rail 600 .

[0102] Returning to FIG. 1, the ceiling rail 600 is provided on the ceiling of the assembly system 10 and can guide the sliding motion of the lifting unit 150 of the first conveying device 100 and the second conveying device 300.

[0103] In the assembly system 10 according to this embodiment, the ceiling rail 600 for guiding the transport, etc. is installed on the ceiling of the system, thereby maximizing the space utilization of the entire system and reducing the space required for constructing the system equipment.

[0104] Hereinafter, the assembly process of the battery module assembly 1 using the assembly system 10 of the battery module assembly 1 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0105] 7 and 8 are views for explaining the operation of the first conveyor device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG.

[0106] 7 and 8, the lifting device 150 of the first transport device 100 may transport the two rows of battery cells 3 on the first conveyor 110 to the second conveyor 130 side.

[0107] Here, the lifting device 150 may lift the two rows of battery cells 3 on the first conveyor 110 by suction, move them a predetermined distance along the ceiling rail 600 toward the second conveyor 130, and then descend to place them on the second conveyor 130.

[0108] 9 to 13 are views for explaining the operation of the aligning device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG.

[0109] 9 to 13, the alignment device 200 may dispose a cooling unit 5 between the two rows of battery cells 3 transported from the first transport device 100, and bring the two rows of battery cells 3 and the cooling unit 5 into close contact with each other to form the cell assembly 7.

[0110] 9 to 11, the pair of guide jigs 210 may press the battery cells 3 in each row so as to be in close contact with the cooling unit 5. Here, the pair of cell spacing adjustment jigs 220 may adjust the spacing between the battery cells 3 in each row while being slidably inserted through the guide jigs 210.

[0111] Since the adhesive G is applied to both side surfaces of the cooling unit 5 via the pre-processing device 500, the battery cell 3 and the cooling unit 5 can be bonded together during the above-mentioned close contact. By bonding the battery cell 3 and the cooling unit 5 together in this manner, the cell assembly 7 can be formed.

[0112] 12 and 13, the pair of guide jigs 210 may be slid in a direction away from the cell assembly 7, and the align gripper 250 may press both sides of the upper end of the cell assembly 7. This may further increase the connection robustness between the battery cells 3 and the cooling unit 5 at the upper end of the cell assembly 7. Then, the align gripper 250 may lift up the cell assembly 7 and guide the cell assembly 7 to a subsequent process.

[0113] 14 to 16 are views for explaining the operation of an aligning device according to another embodiment of the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG.

[0114] Since the alignment device 200 of this embodiment is similar to the alignment device 205 of the above-mentioned embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those of the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0115] 14 to 16, the alignment device 205 may include a pair of guide jigs 215 arranged to sandwich the cooling unit gripper 230 and be tiltable at a predetermined angle.

[0116] The pair of guide jigs 215 are arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle before the two rows of battery cells 3 and the cooling unit 5 are brought into close contact with each other, thereby more stably supporting the battery cells 3 in each row.

[0117] The pair of guide jigs 215 may be tilted at the predetermined angle and press the battery cells 3 in each row against the cooling unit 5 so as to be in close contact with each other.

[0118] In this way, the pair of guide jigs 215 are arranged to enable both sliding and tilting movements, and can more stably support the two rows of battery cells 3 during the above-mentioned alignment and pressing movements.

[0119] 17 and 18 are views for explaining the operation of the second conveyor device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG.

[0120] 17 and 18, the second transfer device 300 may lift the cell assembly 7 from the alignment device 200 and transfer it to the structure assembling device 400 side.

[0121] During such a transport operation, the second transport device 300 hardens the cell assembly 7 at room temperature, thereby further enhancing the bonding robustness of the cell assembly 7. In this manner, in this embodiment, the cell assembly 7 can be hardened during transport by the second transport device 300, thereby further improving the efficiency of the assembly process.

[0122] 19 to 23 are diagrams for explaining the operation of pre-processing a cooling unit using the pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG.

[0123] 19 to 23, the pre-processing device 500 can perform a pre-processing step before the cooling unit 5 is transported to the aligner 200 side.

[0124] First, the plasma processing section 510 of the pre-processing device 500 may perform plasma P processing on one of both side surfaces of the cooling unit 5 while sliding along the longitudinal direction of the cooling unit 5 .

[0125] Next, the adhesive processing section 530 of the pre-processing device 500 can apply the adhesive G to one of both side surfaces of the cooling unit 5 while being slid along the longitudinal direction of the cooling unit 5 .

[0126] When the treatment of the plasma P and the application of the adhesive G to one of the two sides of the cooling unit 5 are completed, the direction switching unit 550 may switch the direction of the cooling unit 5 .

[0127] Next, the plasma processing unit 510 of the pre-processing device 500 can perform plasma P processing on the other of the two side surfaces of the cooling unit 5 while being slid along the longitudinal direction of the cooling unit 5 .

[0128] The adhesive processing section 530 of the pre-processing device 500 can apply the adhesive G to the other of the two side surfaces of the cooling unit 5 while being slid along the longitudinal direction of the cooling unit 5 .

[0129] Next, the pre-processing device 500 can transport the cooling unit 5, both sides of which have been subjected to the plasma P treatment and the application of the adhesive G, to the alignment device 200 side.

[0130] 24 to 26 are views for explaining the operation of pre-processing a side structure unit using the pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1.

[0131] 24 to 26, the pre-processing device 500 can perform a pre-processing process before the side structure unit 9 is transported to the structure assembling device 400 side.

[0132] First, the adhesive processing section 530 of the pre-processing device 500 can apply the adhesive G to one of the two side surfaces of the side structure unit 9 while being slid along the longitudinal direction of the side structure unit 9.

[0133] When application of the adhesive G to one of the two side surfaces of the side structure unit 9 is completed, the direction switching section 550 can switch the direction of the side structure unit 9.

[0134] Next, the adhesive processing section 530 of the pre-processing device 500 can apply the adhesive G to the other of the two side surfaces of the side structure unit 9 while being slid along the longitudinal direction of the side structure unit 9.

[0135] Next, the pre-processing device 500 can transport the side structure unit 9, on both sides of which the adhesive G has been applied, to the structure assembling device 400 side.

[0136] 27 to 29 are views for explaining the operation of the structure assembling device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG.

[0137] 27 to 29, in the structure assembling device 400, the assembly base 410 can align the side structure units 9 and the cell assemblies 7 so that they are alternately arranged.

[0138] The sliding jig 430 may bring the side structure unit 9 and the cell assembly 7 into close contact with each other while sliding along the assembly base 410. Thus, the side structure unit 9 and the cell assembly 7 may be attached to each other while being in close contact with each other to form the battery module assembly 1.

[0139] Hereinafter, a method for assembling the battery module assembly 1 of the present invention using the assembly process using the above-mentioned assembly system 10 will be described in detail.

[0140] In this embodiment, a method of assembling the battery module assembly 1 (see FIG. 30 ) may include the steps of transporting a plurality of battery cells 3 in two rows, aligning a cooling unit 5 between the battery cells 3 transported in the two rows to assemble a cell assembly 7, transporting the cell assembly 7 to a side structure unit 9 that covers the battery cells 3 of the cell assembly 7, and covering the battery cells 3 of the cell assembly 7 with the side structure unit 9 to assemble the battery module assembly 1.

[0141] Here, the step of transporting the multiple battery cells 3 in two rows may include a step of transporting the two rows of battery cells 3 via the upper conveyor 110, and a step of transporting the two rows of battery cells 3 on the upper conveyor 110 to a lower conveyor 130 for assembling the cell assembly 7.

[0142] Here, the cell assembly 7 may be formed by attaching the cooling unit 5, which is aligned between the two rows of battery cells 3, to the two rows of battery cells 3 using an adhesive G.

[0143] The battery module assembly 1 may be formed by bonding the battery cells 3 of the cell assembly 7 to the side structure unit 9 using an adhesive G.

[0144] Meanwhile, the cell assembly 7 may be hardened at room temperature when it is transported to the side structure unit 9. This allows the battery cell 3 and the cooling unit 5 of the cell assembly 7 to be more firmly bonded to each other before assembling with the side structure unit 9. In addition, when the cell assembly is transported to the side structure unit 9, it may be transported to the side structure unit 9 along the ceiling.

[0145] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining a battery module assembly assembled using the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 30 , the battery module assembly 1 according to this embodiment may include a plurality of cell assemblies 7 having cooling units 5 between battery cells 3, and a plurality of side structure units 9 disposed between the plurality of cell assemblies 7 and forming both outermost side surfaces of the battery module assembly 1.

[0147] Since the battery module assembly 1 is formed only from a plurality of cell assemblies 7 and a plurality of side structure units 9, a frameless structure unlike the conventional frame structure can be realized.

[0148] The battery module assembly 1 manufactured using the assembly system 10 according to this embodiment is provided in a frameless structure, and therefore is thinner than a conventional frame structure, and can ensure a relatively high energy density.

[0149] According to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an alignment device 200 capable of realizing a frameless structure, and an assembly system 10 for a battery module assembly 1 including the alignment device 200.

[0150] In addition, according to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an aligning apparatus 200 capable of reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing assembly space, and an assembling system 10 for a battery module assembly including the aligning apparatus 200.

[0151] Although the present invention has been described above using limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1 Battery module assembly 3 Battery Cells 5 Cooling unit 7. Cell Assembly 9 Side structure unit 10. System 100 First conveying device 110 First conveyor, upper conveyor 130 Second conveyor, lower conveyor 150 Lifting device, lifting unit 200 Alignment device 205 Alignment Device 210 Guide jig 215 Guide jig 220 Cell spacing adjustment jig 222 Adjustment jig body 226 Spacing adjustment section 230 Cooling Unit Gripper 240 Cell support 250 Align Gripper 300 Second conveying device 400 Structure Assembly Equipment 410 Base 430 Sliding jig 500 Pre-processing equipment 510 Plasma processing section 530 Adhesive Processing Section 550 Direction change section 600 Ceiling rail

Claims

1. An aligning device that is provided in an assembly system for a battery module assembly and assembles two rows of battery cells and a cooling unit to form a cell assembly, A pair of guide jigs for supporting the two rows of battery cells; a cell spacing adjustment jig connected to the pair of guide jigs and configured to adjust a spacing between the battery cells in each row; a cooling unit gripper that disposes the cooling unit between the pair of guide jigs; An aligning device comprising:

2. The pair of guide jigs are The alignment device of claim 1 , wherein the alignment device is arranged to be slidable along a direction toward the cooling unit gripper and a direction opposite to the cooling unit gripper.

3. The pair of guide jigs are The alignment device according to claim 2 , wherein the pair of guide jigs slide to press the battery cells in each row and bring the battery cells in each row into close contact with both side surfaces of the cooling unit.

4. The cell interval adjustment jig is 4. The alignment device according to claim 1, wherein the alignment device is slidably attached to one side of the pair of guide jigs, and when the cell spacing adjustment jig slides, at least a portion of the cell spacing adjustment jig penetrates the pair of guide jigs and slides between the battery cells in each row, thereby adjusting the spacing between the battery cells in each row.

5. The cell interval adjustment jig is an adjustment jig body slidably attached to one side of each of the guide jigs; a plurality of interval adjustment parts that protrude from the adjustment jig main body by a predetermined length, penetrate through the respective guide jigs when the adjustment jig main body slides, and slide between the battery cells in each row to widen the intervals between the battery cells in each row to a predetermined interval; The alignment apparatus of claim 4 , comprising:

6. The plurality of interval adjustment units include The alignment device according to claim 5 , wherein the alignment devices are disposed at equal intervals and at predetermined distances from each other along the longitudinal direction of the adjustment jig body.

7. The alignment device according to claim 1 , further comprising a cell support portion disposed on the pair of guide jigs and supporting the battery cell.

8. The cell support portion is 8. The alignment device of claim 7, provided as a magnetic member.

9. The alignment device according to claim 1 , further comprising an align gripper disposed above the pair of guide jigs and configured to press and fix upper ends of two rows of battery cells arranged on either side of the cooling unit.

10. The pair of guide jigs are The alignment device according to claim 1 , which is arranged so as to be tiltable at a predetermined angle while sandwiching the cooling unit gripper.

11. The alignment device of claim 1 , further comprising: a cooling unit laminated between the two rows of battery cells to form the cell assembly.

12. A system for assembling a battery module assembly, comprising the alignment device of claim 1 .

13. a first conveying device that conveys the plurality of battery cells in two rows and guides them to the aligning device; a second conveying device that conveys the cell assembly assembled by the aligning device to a structure assembling device side for assembly with a side structure unit that covers the battery cell; the structure assembling device disposing a plurality of side structure units between the battery cells of at least one cell assembly transported via the second transport device to form the battery module assembly; The battery module assembly assembly system of claim 12 , comprising:

14. The second conveying device is The system for assembling a battery module assembly according to claim 13 , wherein the cell assembly is cured at room temperature during transportation of the cell assembly.

15. The structure assembling device includes: The assembly system for a battery module assembly according to claim 13 , further comprising: laminating the plurality of side structure units and the at least one cell assembly.

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