Bus bar automatic assembly jig and method for manufacturing battery module using the same

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a bus bar automatic assembly jig that can block adhesion contamination from the beginning and always assemble a bus bar in place, and a method for manufacturing a battery module using the same. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a top frame provided with a plurality of insertion holes into which a bus bar is inserted, and a slide portion that is arranged to be slidably moved below the top frame to support and release the support of the bus bar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bus bar automatic assembly jig, and more particularly, to a jig capable of automatically assembling a bus bar during the manufacture of a battery module and a method for manufacturing a battery module using the same.

Background Art

[0002] A secondary battery means a rechargeable battery, which is different from a non-rechargeable primary battery, and is applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), etc. driven by an electric drive source.

[0003] Currently widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, nickel zinc batteries, etc. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell, i.e., a unit battery cell, is about 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a large number of battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. In addition, depending on the charge and discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a large number of battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack is variously set according to the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

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

[0005] A battery module is constructed by electrically connecting a plurality of cells, and at this time, a busbar is used to connect the plurality of cells.

[0006] During the manufacture of a battery module, the busbar is adhered to a self-frame made of plastic injection using an adhesive such as glue. However, during this adhesion process, it consists of a process of being manually assembled one by one passively by an operator, and there is a high possibility that the busbar will be contaminated by the adhesive, and there is also a possibility that the parts of other modules will be contaminated.

[0007] In addition, there is a quality problem that the busbar to be assembled in a fixed position cannot be assembled in a fixed position depending on the skill level of the operator. Such human errors may lead to unexpected defects and safety problems during mass production because the assembly quality is not constant, and the electrical connection between cells may not work properly, resulting in the loss of the function of the battery module. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a busbar automatic assembly jig that can always block the contamination of the adhesive from the beginning and assemble the busbar in position, and a method for manufacturing a battery module using the same.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to the present invention includes a top frame provided with a number of insertion holes into which the bus bar is inserted, and a slide portion that is slid downward and disposed below the top frame to support and release the bus bar disposed on the top frame.

[0010] Further, in the top frame, the insertion holes are formed to extend in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the bus bar.

[0011] Further, a number of the insertion holes in the top frame are spaced apart along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0012] Further, both side surfaces extending from the insertion holes of the top frame in the first direction of the insertion holes are formed to be inclined downward so that they go downward.

[0013] Further, both end portions connecting both side surfaces of the insertion holes in the insertion holes of the top frame are formed to be inclined downward so that they go downward.

[0014] Further, corner grooves are arranged at each corner in the insertion holes of the top frame.

[0015] Further, the slide portion includes a first slide tray that is slidably disposed on one side of the top frame and supports and releases one end of the bus bar by sliding movement, and a second slide tray that is slidably disposed on the other side of the top frame and supports and releases the other end of the bus bar by sliding movement.

[0016] Further, the first slide tray includes an end support portion that supports one end of the bus bar, and the second slide tray includes an end support portion that supports the other end of the bus bar.

[0017] Further, the top frame includes a number of guide grooves extending in the first direction, and the first slide tray and the second slide tray each include a guide block inserted into the guide grooves to guide movement.

[0018] It further includes a bottom frame disposed below the top frame.

[0019] Further, the bottom frame includes a through hole inside, and when the support of the slide portion is released, the bus bar disposed on the top frame falls downward through the through hole.

[0020] Further, the first slide tray includes an outer protrusion on the lower outer side that contacts the outer surface of the bottom frame when the first slide tray moves toward the top frame. The second slide tray includes an outer protrusion on the lower outer side that contacts the outer surface of the bottom frame when the second slide tray moves toward the top frame.

[0021] Further, the second slide tray includes a lower protrusion at the lower part, and when the second slide tray moves in a direction away from the top frame, the lower protrusion contacts the bottom frame to limit the movement of the second slide tray.

[0022] Further, the first slide tray and the second slide tray each include a landing guide member for guiding the bus bar to fall from the insertion hole when the support of the bus bar is released.

[0023] It further includes a drive unit for sliding the first slide tray and the second slide tray respectively.

[0024] Moreover, the method for manufacturing a battery module according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing a battery module including a cell top frame in which a bus bar is disposed on the upper part, the method comprising: disposing a bus bar in an insertion hole of the top frame; disposing the bus bar automatic assembly jig on the upper part of the cell top frame; sliding the slide part in the bus bar automatic assembly jig to release the support of the bus bar; and allowing the bus bar to be seated on the cell top frame away from the top frame by releasing the support of the bus bar.

[0025] Moreover, in the step of releasing the support of the bus bar, after releasing the support of one end portion of the bus bar by sliding the first slide tray, the support of the other end portion of the bus bar is released by sliding the second slide tray.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] Therefore, according to the present invention, during the manufacture of a battery module, it is possible to prevent contamination of the glue adhesive from the beginning and always assemble the bus bar at a fixed position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] The advantages, features, and the methods for achieving them of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be realized in various different forms. Merely, the present embodiment is provided to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the present invention. The present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known element structures, and well-known technologies are not specifically described in order to avoid the present invention being ambiguously interpreted. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0029] In the drawings, the thickness can be enlarged to clearly represent a plurality of layers and regions. The same reference numerals are used throughout the specification for similar parts. When a part such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is "immediately above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Note that when a part such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is "below" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "immediately below" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is "immediately below" another part, it means that there is no other part in between.

[0030] Before describing the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 according to the present invention, the structure of the battery module 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the battery module. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a part of the cell top frame of FIG. 1.

[0032] The battery module 1 can include a number of battery cells 10, a module housing 20, and a number of bus bars 30, and may further include a sensing plate 40 connected to the bus bar 30 for sensing the voltage of each cell.

[0033] The battery cell 10 can be a cylindrical battery cell 10 in which an electrode assembly is built into a metal can. The cylindrical battery cell 10 mainly includes a battery can 11 made of a lightweight conductive metal material such as aluminum in a cylindrical shape, a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly housed inside the battery can 11, and a top cap coupled to the upper part of the battery can 11. The top cap is connected to the positive electrode tap of the electrode assembly and functions as a positive electrode terminal, and the battery can 11 can be connected to the negative electrode tap of the electrode assembly and function as a negative electrode terminal.

[0034] The cylindrical battery cell 10 may be inserted and arranged in the module housing 20, and the cylindrical battery cells 10 may be connected in series and / or in parallel to each other by wire bonding in a predetermined pattern to the bus bar 30 in advance.

[0035] On the other hand, the present invention should not necessarily be construed as being limited to the battery module 1 applying the cylindrical battery cell 10. For example, the battery module 1 according to the present invention can also be configured using a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped or other form of can-type battery cell in which the shape of the battery can 11 is not cylindrical.

[0036] The module housing 20 is a structure for housing and fixing the battery cell 10 inside to protect the battery cell 10 from external impact and vibration. In the case of the present embodiment, it may be configured to include a cell bottom frame 22 and a cell top frame 21.

[0037] The cell bottom frame 22 is in the shape of a square box and has a cell insertion port inside the outer frame, and is configured such that the battery cells 10 can be inserted one by one into the cell insertion port. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the battery cells 10 may be inserted and arranged in each cell insertion port such that the top cap faces upward and the lower region thereof, that is, the bottom of the battery can 11 faces downward. Here, the cell insertion port may be configured to penetrate the bottom surface of the cell bottom frame 22, and the bottom of the battery can 11 of the battery cell 10 may be exposed below the bottom surface of the cell bottom frame 22. Although not shown in the figure, a heat conductive pad having insulation may be attached to the bottom surface of the cell bottom frame 22, and a cooling plate or a heat sink (including a refrigerant inside) may be attached to the other surface of the heat conductive pad so as to be able to absorb the heat of the cylindrical battery cell 10.

[0038] The cell bottom frame 22 may be firmly coupled to the cell top frame 21 by hook fastening and a long bolt (not shown) or the like.

[0039] The cell top frame 21 covers the upper region of the battery cell 10 and can be configured to be mutually coupled with the cell bottom frame 22.

[0040] For example, the cell top frame 21 can be provided with a cell socket (not shown) that vertically coincides with the cell insertion opening of the cell bottom frame 22. When the cell top frame 21 and the cell bottom frame 22 are coupled, the battery cell 10 can be drawn into the cell socket from the top cap, and the upper regions of all the battery cells 10 can be configured to be covered by the cell top frame 21.

[0041] Also, the cell top frame 21 can have an upper surface portion that covers the upper sides of all the battery cells 10 and four side surface portions that form a wall body surrounding the outside of all the battery cells 10 together with the cell bottom frame 22. The upper surface portion of the cell top frame 21 includes a large number of holes 21a and seating grooves 21b as shown in FIG. 5. A side plate 23 can be coupled to the side surface portion of the cell top frame 21.

[0042] The hole 21a is configured by partially perforating the cell top frame 21 so that the top cap of the battery cell 10 or the upper end of the battery can 11 can be partially exposed to the outside.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, when inserting the battery cell 10, the cell bottom frame 22 may be configured such that the battery cells 10 form a number of columns in the X-axis or Y-axis direction of the module housing 20. When such battery cells 10 are covered with the cell top frame 21, the top caps of each battery cell 10 or the upper ends of the battery cans 11 are configured to be exposed to the outside.

[0044] Such a hole 21a is used as a passage that enables a battery cell 10 located inside the module housing 20 to be connected to a bus bar 30 located outside the module housing 20 by a metal wire. For example, the bus bar 30 is connected to the top cap or the upper end of the battery can 11 exposed through the hole 21a by a metal wire. For example, a wire bonding method may be adopted in which one end of the metal wire is ultrasonically welded to the upper end of the top cap or the battery can 11, and the other end of the metal wire is ultrasonically welded to the bus bar 30.

[0045] The seating groove 21b is a place where the bus bar 30 is seated and fixed. It extends along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the module housing 20 and is provided at predetermined intervals along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the module housing 20. A bus bar 30, which is a linear metal conductor with the same left and right widths, may be arranged in each such seating groove 21b.

[0046] The bus bar 30 has approximately the same width as the seating groove 21b, and the flow in the width direction (X-axis direction) is blocked.

[0047] Note that pins or columns protruding in the (Z-axis direction) may be provided on the surface of the seating groove 21b, and pin holes into which the pins of the seating groove 21b are inserted may be arranged in the bus bar 30. Therefore, the pins of the seating groove 21b are inserted into the pin holes of the bus bar 30 to block the flow.

[0048] Such a bus bar 30 is to be adhered to the seating groove 21b of the cell top frame 21 using an adhesive such as glue. However, during this adhesion process, since it consists of a process of being manually assembled one by one by an operator, the bus bar 30 is highly likely to be contaminated by the adhesive, and other module components may also cause contamination.

[0049] In order to solve such problems, the present invention intends to provide a bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 that can automatically assemble the bus bar 30 to the cell top frame 21.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bus bar automatic assembly jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the bus bar automatic assembly jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a view showing the operation of the first slide tray and the second slide tray in the bus bar automatic assembly jig of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a view showing the process of assembling a bus bar to a cell top frame using the bus bar automatic assembly jig of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a detailed plan view of the bus bar automatic assembly jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a partial detailed view of FIG. 8, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are partial detailed views showing before and after the sliding of the slide tray in the bus bar automatic assembly jig of FIG. 4.

[0051] A bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a top frame 100 and a slide portion 200. The bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 further includes a bottom frame 300.

[0052] The top frame 100 is disposed above the bottom frame 300 and the slide portion 200, and a plurality of insertion holes 110 are arranged at regular intervals.

[0053] The insertion holes 110 of the top frame 100 may be the same size as or slightly larger than the size of the bus bar 30.

[0054] The bus bar 30 is inserted into the insertion holes 110 of the top frame 100. In the battery module 10, the seating groove 21b extends along the first direction (Y-axis direction) of the cell top frame 21 from the cell top frame 21, and is provided at predetermined intervals along the second direction (X-axis direction) of the cell top frame 21. Similarly, in the top frame 100, the insertion holes 110 may extend along the first direction (Y-axis direction) of the top frame 100 and be provided at predetermined intervals along the second direction (X-axis direction) of the top frame 100. The second direction (X-axis direction) can be orthogonal to the first direction (Y-axis direction).

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, both side surfaces 111 extending in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the insertion hole 110 from the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 are formed to be inclined downward so that they become more inclined downward as they go toward the lower part. Both end surfaces 112 of the insertion hole 110 connecting both ends of both side surfaces 111 are formed to be inclined downward so that they become more inclined downward as they go toward the lower part. In this way, both side surfaces 111 and both end surfaces 112 of the insertion hole 110 are formed to be inclined downward, so that the bus bar 30 can be stably positioned in the insertion hole 110.

[0056] Therefore, the upper area of the insertion hole 110 on the plane may be larger than the lower area, and the lower area of the insertion hole 110 may be the same as or larger than the bus bar 30.

[0057] Also, in the insertion hole 110, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, corner grooves 113 recessed inward are formed at four corner portions of the insertion hole 110.

[0058] By forming the corner grooves 113 at the four corner portions of the insertion hole 110 in this way, when the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 falls onto the upper part of the cell top frame 21 for assembly with the battery module 1, the assembly process can be smoothly performed without being caught by the corner portions of the insertion hole 110.

[0059] Also, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, guide grooves 120 may be formed on both sides of the edge where the first slide tray 210 is arranged and on both sides of the edge where the second slide tray 220 is arranged in the top frame 100, respectively.

[0060] Each guide groove 120 is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the insertion hole 110 at the edge end of the top frame 100.

[0061] Each guide groove 120 receives the guide blocks 217 of the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220. By inserting the guide blocks 217 of the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 into the respective guide grooves 120 and guiding the movement, the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 can move stably without twisting during the sliding movement. As another example, guide blocks may be arranged on the top frame 100, and guide grooves may be arranged on the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220.

[0062] The slide portion 200 is disposed below the top frame 100 and supports the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100, and is for slidingly moving to release the support of the bus bar 30, and includes a first slide tray 210 and a second slide tray 220.

[0063] The first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 are arranged on the left and right sides of the top frame 100 and support the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100.

[0064] The first slide tray 210 is arranged at the lower left side of the top frame 100 in the drawing and supports one end of the bus bar 30 respectively inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100. The first slide tray 210 extends in the X direction along the edge at the lower left side of the top frame 100 in the drawing and includes an end support portion 211 that supports one end of the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 inside.

[0065] Further, on both sides of the inner surface of the first slide tray 210, inner protrusions 213 protruding in the direction of the top frame 100 are provided. The inner protrusions 213 are inserted into a groove (not shown) formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the insertion hole 110 on the lower surface of the top frame 100. When the first slide tray 210 is moved forward in the direction of the top frame 100 to a state where it can support the bus bar 30, it can come into contact with the end of the groove and function as a stopper.

[0066] And, an outer protrusion 215 is disposed at the lower outer part of the first slide tray 210. The outer protrusion 215 is formed to extend along the X direction of the first slide tray 210.

[0067] The first slide tray 210 is slidably disposed between the top frame 100 and the bottom frame 300. As shown in FIG. 6, when the first slide tray 210 moves forward in the direction of the top frame 100 and the end support portion 211 of the first slide tray 210 is disposed below one end of the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100, the first slide tray 210 can support one end of the bus bar 30. At this time, the outer protrusion 215 can move forward to one side surface of the bottom frame 300, and the outer protrusion 215 can function as a stopper when the first slide tray 210 moves forward.

[0068] The second slide tray 220 is disposed on the lower right side of the top frame 100 in the drawing and supports the other ends of the bus bars 30 respectively inserted into the insertion holes 110 of the top frame 100.

[0069] The second slide tray 220 is formed to extend in the X direction along the edge on the lower right side of the top frame 100 in the drawing and includes an end support portion 221 that supports the other ends of the bus bars 30 inserted into the insertion holes 110 on the inside.

[0070] Further, on both sides of the inner surface of the second slide tray 220, inner protrusions 223 protruding in the direction of the top frame 100 are provided. The inner protrusions 223 are inserted into a groove (not shown) formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the insertion hole 110 on the lower surface of the top frame 100. When the second slide tray 220 is moved forward in the direction of the top frame 100 and can support the bus bar 30, it can come into contact with the end of the groove and function as a stopper.

[0071] And, an outer protrusion 225 is disposed at the lower outer part of the second slide tray 220. The outer protrusion 225 is formed to extend along the X direction of the second slide tray 220.

[0072] Also, a lower protrusion 222 is disposed inside the outer protrusion 225 at the lower outer part of the second slide tray 220. The lower protrusion 222 can be formed to extend along the X direction of the second slide tray 220.

[0073] The second slide tray 220 is disposed between the top frame 100 and the bottom frame 300 so as to be slidable. As shown in FIG. 6, when the second slide tray 220 moves forward in the direction of the top frame 100 and the end support portion 221 of the second slide tray 220 is disposed below the other end of the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100, the second slide tray 220 can support the other end of the bus bar 30. At this time, the outer protrusion 225 can move forward to one side surface of the bottom frame 300, and the outer protrusion 225 can function as a stopper when the second slide tray 220 moves forward.

[0074] In this way, with the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 supporting both ends of the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100, as shown in FIG. 6, when the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 move backward in the direction away from the top frame 100 and both ends of the bus bar 30 are completely separated from the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220, the bus bar 30 will fall due to its own weight. When the second slide tray 220 moves backward in the direction away from the top frame 100, the lower protrusion 222 can move to the step portion 310 of the bottom frame 300, and the lower protrusion 222 can serve as a stopper when the second slide tray 220 moves backward.

[0075] In the drawing, the inner protrusion 222 is shown on the second slide tray 220, but the inner protrusion 222 may also be provided on the first slide tray 210.

[0076] In this way, the bus bar 30 falls from the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 due to its own weight and is seated in the seating groove 21b of the cell top frame 21 disposed below the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000, whereby the bus bar 30 is assembled to the battery module 1.

[0077] When the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 move backward, the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 can be moved backward simultaneously, or after the first slide tray 210 is moved backward, the second slide tray 220 may be moved backward. In this case, one end of the bus bar 30 supported by the first slide tray 210 is first seated in the seating groove 21b of the cell top frame 21 due to the backward movement of the first slide tray 210, and then the other end of the bus bar 30 supported by the second slide tray 220 is seated in the seating groove 21b of the cell top frame 21 due to the backward movement of the second slide tray 220.

[0078] In this way, by sequentially moving the first and second slide trays 210 and 220, one end and the other end of the bus bar 30 are sequentially seated in the seating grooves 21b of the cell top frame 21, so that the bus bar 30 can be more stably seated on the cell top frame 21.

[0079] Guide blocks 217 inserted into the guide grooves 120 of the top frame 100 may be disposed on the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220, respectively.

[0080] Further, seating guide members 216 are provided on the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 so that the bus bar 30 is always assembled in a fixed position while falling due to its own weight.

[0081] Similar to FIGS. 10 and 11, the seating guide member 216 is coupled to the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220, and is for guiding so as to be assembled in a fixed position when the bus bar 30 falls from the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 and seats on the cell top frame 21. The seating guide member 216 is disposed below each insertion hole 110 in the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220, and the inner end portion protruding in the direction of the insertion hole 110 from the seating guide member 216 can protrude inside the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220.

[0082] Therefore, when the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 move backward in a direction away from the top frame 100, the seating guide members 216 also move together. When the bus bar 30 falls from the insertion hole of the top frame 100, the end portion of the bus bar 30 rides on the inner end face of the seating guide member 216 and seats on the cell top frame 21, so that the bus bar 30 is assembled in a fixed position.

[0083] A bottom frame 300 may be disposed below the top frame 100, the first slide tray 210, and the second slide tray 220.

[0084] The bottom frame 300 supports the top frame 100, the first slide tray 210, and the second slide tray 220 below them, is in the form of a roughly square frame, and has a square through hole 320 formed inside.

[0085] The through hole 320 may be the same as or larger than the area where the insertion hole 110 into which the bus bar 30 is inserted in the top frame 100 is located on a plane.

[0086] With the bus bar 30 inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 supported by the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220, when the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 move backward and the support is released, the bus bar 30 will be seated in the seating groove 21b of the cell top frame 21 through the through hole 320 of the bottom frame 300.

[0087] Further, a step portion 310 for restricting the backward movement of the inner protrusion 222 of the first slide tray 210 and / or the second slide tray 220 may be formed on the bottom frame 300.

[0088] The bottom frame 300 can be coupled to the top frame 100 by various coupling means such as bolts and pins.

[0089] Next, a method for manufacturing a battery module using the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 according to the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0090] First, as shown in FIG. 2, a large number of battery cells 10 are arranged inside the cell bottom frame 22. The battery cells 10 are inserted one by one into the cell insertion openings provided inside the outer frame of the cell bottom frame 22, and the battery cells 10 are arranged in the cell bottom frame 22.

[0091] Then, the bus bar 30 is assembled on the upper part of the cell top frame 21. The assembly of the bus bar 30 is performed using the aforementioned bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000.

[0092] In the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000, the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 are moved forward toward the top frame 100 so that the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 can support both ends of the bus bar 30.

[0093] In this way, with the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 being able to support both ends of the bus bar 30, the bus bar 30 is inserted into the insertion holes 110 of the top frame 100 respectively.

[0094] Next, the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 is placed on the upper side of the cell top frame 21 of the battery module 1. At this time, the seating groove 21b of the cell top frame 21 is positioned directly below the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 or the bus bar 30 in the insertion hole 110. Therefore, the seating groove 21b of the cell top frame 21 overlaps with the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 on a plane.

[0095] As described above, before placing the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 on the upper side of the cell top frame 21, the bus bar 30 can also be placed in the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100. As another example, after placing the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 on the upper side of the cell top frame 21, the bus bar 30 can also be placed in the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100.

[0096] In this way, with the cell top frame 21 of the battery module 1 placed below the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 into which the bus bar 30 is inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100, the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 are manually grasped by the operator and moved backward in a direction away from the top frame 100.

[0097] Until both ends of the bus bar 30 are completely disengaged from the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220, move the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 backward, so that the bus bar 30 falls onto the cell top frame 21 below through the through hole 320 of the bottom frame 300 due to its own weight.

[0098] At this time, move the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 backward sequentially, so that one end and the other end of the bus bar 30 can be sequentially seated in the seating groove 21b of the cell top frame 21.

[0099] The bus bar 30 falls from the insertion hole 110 of the top frame 100 due to its own weight and is seated in the seating groove 21b of the cell top frame 21 arranged below the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000, so that the bus bar 30 is assembled to the battery module 1.

[0100] In this way, the battery module 1 is manufactured including steps such as coupling the cell top frame 21 to which the bus bar 30 is assembled to the cell bottom frame 22 and connecting each battery cell 10 to the bus bar 30 with a metal wire.

[0101] However, as another example, after coupling the cell top frame 21 to the cell bottom frame 22, the bus bar 30 can also be assembled to the cell top frame 21.

[0102] Therefore, in the present invention, by assembling the bus bar 30 to the battery module 1 as described above, unexpected defects and safety problems caused by the operator manually assembling the bus bar are solved, and the bus bar can be assembled at a fixed position.

[0103] Then, after an adhesive such as glue is sprinkled or applied to the seating groove 21b of the cell top frame 21, the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 is placed on the upper part of the cell top frame 21, and the bus bar 30 is assembled to the cell top frame 21 by the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000, so that there is no risk of the operator or the bus bar being contaminated by the adhesive, or other parts of the module being contaminated by the adhesive.

[0104] On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows the bus bar automatic assembly jig 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that a drive unit 400 for sliding the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 is provided.

[0105] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 are manually slid by an operator, but in this embodiment, the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 are slid by the drive unit 400.

[0106] In this embodiment, the drive unit 400 may include a cylinder as an example. In this case, the piston rod is retracted / extended from the cylinder, and the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220 connected to the piston rod can be slid.

[0107] Further, the drive unit 400 may be configured to include a linear motor, an actuator for sliding the first slide tray 210 and the second slide tray 220, and the like.

[0108] The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the previous embodiment.

[0109] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, but it is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the technical idea of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0110] The present invention provides a bus bar automatic assembly jig that blocks contamination of the glue from the beginning during the manufacture of a battery module and always assembles the bus bar in a fixed position.

Explanation of Signs

[0111] 30 Bus bar 100 Top frame 110 Insertion hole 200 Slide part 1000 Bus bar automatic assembly jig

Claims

1. a top frame having a large number of insertion holes for arranging bus bars; a slide portion disposed below the top frame so as to be slidably moved, for supporting and releasing the bus bar; An automatic bus bar assembly jig comprising:

2. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 1 , wherein the insertion holes are formed in the top frame so as to extend in a first direction along a longitudinal direction of the bus bars.

3. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 2 , wherein in the top frame, the multiple insertion holes are arranged at intervals along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 1 , wherein both side surfaces extending from the insertion hole of the top frame in a first direction of the insertion hole are inclined downward toward the lower portion.

5. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 4 , wherein both end portions of the insertion hole of the top frame that connect both side surfaces of the insertion hole are formed to be inclined downward as they extend toward the lower portion.

6. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 1 , wherein each corner of the insertion hole of the top frame has a corner groove.

7. The slide portion is a first slide tray slidably disposed on one side of the top frame and configured to support and release one end of the bus bar by sliding; a second slide tray that is slidably disposed on the other side of the top frame and supports and releases the other end of the bus bar by sliding; The bus bar automated assembly tool according to claim 1 .

8. the first slide tray includes an end support portion that supports one end of the bus bar, The bus bar automatic assembly tool according to claim 7 , wherein the second slide tray includes an end support portion that supports the other end of the bus bar.

9. The top frame includes a plurality of guide grooves extending in a first direction, The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 7 , wherein the first slide tray and the second slide tray each include a guide block that is inserted into the guide groove to guide the movement of the guide block.

10. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 1 , further comprising a bottom frame disposed below the top frame.

11. The bottom frame includes a through hole therein, The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 10 , wherein the bus bar arranged on the top frame falls downward through the through hole when the support of the sliding portion is released.

12. A bottom frame is further provided below the top frame, the first slide tray includes an outer protrusion on an outer side of a lower portion thereof that contacts an outer surface of the bottom frame when the first slide tray moves toward the top frame; 8. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 7, wherein the second slide tray includes an outer protrusion on an outer side of a lower portion thereof that contacts an outer surface of the bottom frame when the second slide tray moves toward the top frame.

13. A bottom frame is further provided below the top frame, the second slide tray includes a lower protrusion on a lower portion thereof; 8. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 7, wherein when the second slide tray moves in a direction away from the top frame, the lower protrusion comes into contact with the bottom frame to limit the movement of the second slide tray.

14. The bus bar automatic assembly tool according to claim 7 , wherein the first slide tray and the second slide tray each include a seating guide member that guides the bus bar so that the bus bar does not fall out of the insertion hole when the support of the bus bar is released.

15. The bus bar automatic assembly jig according to claim 7 , further comprising a drive unit for slidingly moving each of the first slide tray and the second slide tray.

16. A method for manufacturing a battery module including a cell top frame having a bus bar disposed thereon, comprising: In an automatic bus bar assembly jig including a top frame having a number of insertion holes and a slide section arranged so as to slide under the top frame for supporting and releasing the bus bar, the jig includes: placing the bus bar in the insertion hole of the top frame; placing the bus bar automatic assembly jig on top of the cell top frame; a step of sliding the slide portion in the bus bar automatic assembly jig to release the support of the bus bar; the bus bar is released from the top frame and is seated on the cell top frame; A method for manufacturing a battery module comprising:

17. The slide portion is a first slide tray slidably disposed on one side of the top frame and configured to support and release one end of the bus bar by sliding; a second slide tray that is slidably disposed on the other side of the top frame and supports and releases the other end of the bus bar by sliding; The method for manufacturing the battery module according to claim 16, comprising:

18. 18. The method of manufacturing a battery module according to claim 17, wherein, in releasing the support of the bus bar, one end of the bus bar is released by sliding the first slide tray, and then the other end of the bus bar is released by sliding the second slide tray.

19. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 16 , wherein the bus bar automatic assembly jig further comprises a bottom frame disposed below the top frame.

Images