Battery module assembly assembly system and assembly method

Abstract

An assembly system for a battery module assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first conveying device that transports a plurality of battery cells in two rows, an aligning device that aligns cooling units between the two rows of battery cells transported by the first conveying device to assemble a cell assembly, and a second conveying device that transports the cell assembly assembled by the aligning device toward a structural assembly device for assembly with a side structural unit that covers the battery cell.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly system and an assembly method for a battery module assembly.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0174261 filed on December 7, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0189013 filed on December 27, 2021, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of those applications are incorporated into this application in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability to various products and electrical properties such as high energy density, are commonly used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which are powered by electrical sources. These secondary batteries not only have the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also have the advantage of not producing any by-products from energy use, making them environmentally friendly and drawing attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries are widely used. The operating voltage of such unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Alternatively, a battery pack may be constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack may be variously set depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then add other components to the at least one battery module to construct the battery pack.

[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 includes 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, to house the plurality of battery cells and ensure rigidity.

[0007] However, in the case of conventional battery modules, the cell frame structure formed by assembling a plurality of plates increases manufacturing costs, complicates the assembly process, and is disadvantageous in terms of price competitiveness and manufacturing efficiency.

[0008] Furthermore, in the case of a conventional battery module, since the battery module has a cell frame structure formed by assembling a plurality of plates, the size of the entire battery module increases, which is disadvantageous in terms of energy density.

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

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for assembling a battery module assembly that can achieve a frameless structure.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for assembling a battery module assembly that can reduce manufacturing costs and minimize assembly space.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other problems will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an assembly system for a battery module assembly, including: a first conveying device that transports a plurality of battery cells in two rows; an aligning device that aligns a cooling unit between the two rows of battery cells transported by the first conveying device to assemble a cell assembly; and a second conveying device that transports the cell assembly assembled by the aligning device toward a structural assembly device for assembly with a side structural unit that covers the battery cell.

[0014] More preferably, the first transport device may include an upper conveyor that transports the two rows of battery cells, and a lower conveyor that guides the two rows of battery cells to the aligning device.

[0015] More preferably, the first conveying device may include a lifting unit that is capable of moving up and down between the upper conveyor and the lower conveyor and that transports the two rows of battery cells on the upper conveyor to the lower conveyor.

[0016] More preferably, the aligning device may adhere the cooling unit between the two rows of battery cells to form the cell assembly.

[0017] More preferably, the second conveying device may be provided to be movable along a ceiling of the assembly system for the battery module assemblies.

[0018] More preferably, the second transport device can harden the cell assembly at room temperature during transport.

[0019] More preferably, the second transport device can lift and transport the cell assembly without changing the direction of the cell assembly.

[0020] More preferably, the battery module assembly assembly system may further include the structural assembly device that arranges a plurality of side structural units between the battery cells of at least one cell assembly transported by the second transport device to form the battery module assembly.

[0021] More preferably, the structural assembly device is capable of bonding a plurality of the side structural units and at least one of the cell assemblies together.

[0022] The present invention also provides a method for assembling a battery module assembly, including the steps of transporting a plurality of battery cells in two rows; assembling a cell assembly by aligning cooling units between the battery cells transported in the two rows; transporting the cell assembly toward a side structural unit that covers the battery cells of the cell assembly; and assembling the battery module assembly by covering the battery cells of the cell assembly with the side structural unit.

[0023] More preferably, the step of transporting the plurality of battery cells in two rows may include the steps of transporting the two rows of battery cells by an upper conveyor, and transporting the two rows of battery cells on the upper conveyor to a lower conveyor for assembling the cell assemblies.

[0024] More preferably, the cell assembly may be formed by adhering the cooling unit, which is arranged between the two rows of battery cells, to the two rows of battery cells using an adhesive.

[0025] More preferably, the battery module assembly may be formed by adhering the battery cells of the cell assembly to the side structural unit using an adhesive.

[0026] More preferably, the cell assembly can be hardened at room temperature when being transported to the side structural unit.

[0027] More preferably, the cell assembly can be transported toward the side structural unit along the ceiling when being transported toward the side structural unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a system and method for assembling a battery module assembly that can achieve a frameless structure.

[0029] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a system and method for assembling a battery module assembly that can reduce manufacturing costs and minimize assembly space.

[0030] In addition, various embodiments of the present invention provide other additional effects. Such various effects of the present invention will be described in detail through the embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation 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. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an aligning device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a main part of the aligning device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aligning device of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a structure assembling device in the assembling system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a first conveyance device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a first conveyance device in the assembly 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. FIG. [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. FIG. [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. FIG. [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. FIG. [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. FIG. [Figure 14] 1. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the operation of an aligning device according to another embodiment of the assembly system for the battery module assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 15]1. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the operation of an aligning device according to another embodiment of the assembly system for the battery module assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 1. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the operation of an aligning device according to another embodiment of the assembly system for the battery module assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 17] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a second conveying device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 18] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a second conveying device in the assembly 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 structural unit using a pre-processing device in the assembly system for the battery module assembly of FIG. [Figure 25] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of pre-processing a side structural 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 structural 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. FIG. [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. FIG. [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. FIG. [Figure 30] 2 is a diagram illustrating a battery module assembly assembled through the battery module assembly assembly system of FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but should 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 explain the invention.

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

[0035] Meanwhile, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification merely for the convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position of the object or the position of the observer.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic view 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 toward an aligning device 200, which will be described later.

[0039] The aligning device 200 may align a cooling unit 5 (see FIG. 3) between two rows of battery cells 3 transported by the first transport device 100, and 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 toward a structural assembling device 400 for assembly with side structural units 9 (see FIG. 5) that cover the battery cells 3. The structural assembling device 400, which will be described later, may assemble the cell assemblies 7 conveyed by the second conveying device 300 with the side structural units 9 to manufacture a battery module assembly 1 (see FIG. 30).

[0041] In this embodiment, through such an assembly system 10, a battery module assembly 1 (see Figure 30) can be realized which is formed from a cell assembly 7 formed from the battery cell 3 and the cooling unit 5, and a side structural 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 using the side structural 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 as a frameless structure.

[0043] Such battery module assemblies 1 may be provided in one or more units, and by adding a configuration for electrical connection, a battery pack may be formed, which may be attached to a vehicle such as an automobile, or a mechanism or structure such as an energy storage device.

[0044] As described above, the assembly system 10 according to the present embodiment assembles the battery module assembly 1 with a frameless structure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the assembly process compared to the conventional cell frame structure, thereby significantly improving price competitiveness and manufacturing efficiency.

[0045] In addition, the assembly system 10 according to this embodiment forms a battery module assembly 1 with a frameless structure, thereby realizing a slimmer and more compact structure compared to 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. Therefore, 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 aligning device 200. Therefore, 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 at a predetermined distance therefrom.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first conveying device 100 including the upper conveyor 110 and the lower conveyor 130, which are separated and arranged vertically, can reduce the overall conveyor line compared to a structure in which conveyors are arranged in a long, linear fashion.

[0052] Therefore, in this embodiment, the length of the entire assembly line can be shortened and the assembly space can be minimized through the first conveyance 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 transport device 100 may include a lifting unit 150 .

[0054] The lifting unit 150 can move up and down 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] Such a lifting unit 150 may be provided slidably along a ceiling rail 600 provided on the ceiling of the assembly system 10. This allows the lifting unit 150 to be provided movable in both horizontal and vertical directions within the assembly system 10.

[0056] The aligning device 200 is provided in the assembly system 10 of the battery module assembly 1 (see FIG. 30), and can assemble two rows of battery cells 3 and cooling units 5 to form a cell assembly.

[0057] Specifically, the aligning device 200 may adhere 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 through the aligning device 200.

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

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

[0060] 2 to 4 and 1, the aligning 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 may be provided in pairs to support the two rows of battery cells 3. A pair of the guide jig 210 may be provided to support the battery cells 3 in each row.

[0062] The cell spacing adjusting jig 220 is connected to the pair of guide jigs 210 and can adjust the spacing between each row of battery cells 3. Such cell spacing adjusting jig 220 can be provided in pairs and slidably attached to each guide jigs 210.

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

[0064] The aligning 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 position with the cooling unit 5 sandwiched between them.

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

[0066] Here, the pair of guide jigs 210 slide to press the battery cells 3 in each row, thereby making the battery cells 3 in each row tightly contact both side surfaces of the cooling unit 5 .

[0067] The cell spacing adjustment jig 220 is provided in a pair and slidably attached to one side of the pair of guide jigs 210, and when sliding, at least a portion thereof 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 spacing adjustment jigs 220 may include an adjustment jig body 222 and a spacing adjustment portion 226 .

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

[0070] The gap adjusting portions 226 are provided in plurality, protruding from the adjustment jig body 222 by a predetermined length, and when sliding, penetrating the respective guide jigs 210 and sliding between the battery cells 3 in each row, thereby widening the gap between the battery cells 3 in each row by a predetermined interval.

[0071] The plurality of spacing adjustment portions 226 may be disposed at equal intervals and spaced apart by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the adjustment jig body 222. Thus, the spacing between the battery cells 3 in each row may be adjusted to be equal intervals by the sliding motion of the plurality of spacing adjustment portions 226.

[0072] The aligning device 200 may include a cell support 240 .

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

[0074] The cell support 240 may be provided as a magnetic member. A plurality of such cell support parts 240 may be provided. The plurality of cell support parts 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 aligning gripper 250 is provided on the upper side of the pair of guide jigs 210 and can press and fix the upper ends of the two rows of battery cells 3 arranged with the cooling unit 5 between them.

[0077] The aligning gripper 250 can further increase the coupling strength of the battery cell 3 and the upper portion of the cooling unit 5 when the cell assembly 7 is assembled.

[0078] Furthermore, the aligning gripper 250 can guide the transport of the cell assembly 7 formed from the battery cell 3 and the cooling unit 5 to a subsequent process.

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

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

[0081] Specifically, the second conveyance device 300 may be slidably attached to the ceiling rail 600, similar to the lifting unit 150 of the first conveyance device 100. Furthermore, the second conveyance device 300 may be provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction, similar to the lifting unit 150 of the first conveyance device 100.

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

[0083] The second transfer device 300 may harden the cell assembly 7 at room temperature during the transfer. Therefore, the second transfer 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 provided on the ceiling rail 600 is transporting the cell assembly 7, thereby saving space for the hardening process and shortening the takt time of the assembly process, thereby further shortening the assembly process time.

[0085] During transportation, the second transfer device 300 may lift and transfer the cell assembly 7 from the aligning device 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 transportation, thereby further improving process efficiency.

[0086] The structural assembly device 400 may form the battery module assembly 1 by arranging a plurality of side structural units 9 between the battery cells 3 of at least one cell assembly 7 transported by the second transport device 300.

[0087] Specifically, the structural assembly device 400 may bond a plurality of the side structural units 9 and at least one of the cell assemblies 7 to form the battery module assembly 1 .

[0088] In this embodiment, the battery module assembly 1 formed from the battery cells 3, the cooling units 5, and the side structural units 9 can be assembled through the structural assembly device 400.

[0089] Such a 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] 5 and 1, the structural assembly device 400 may include an assembly base 410 and a sliding jig 430.

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

[0093] The sliding jig 430 is slidably provided on the assembly base 410, and can bring at least one of the cell assemblies 7 and at least one of the side structural units 9 into close contact with each other by sliding.

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

[0095] 6 and 1, the pre-processing device 500 may perform pre-processing processes for the cooling unit 5 and the side structural unit 9 before the assembly of the cell assembly 7 using the aligning device and the assembly process of the battery module assembly 1 using the structural assembly device 400.

[0096] Such a pre-processing device 500 may include a plasma treatment section 510, an adhesive treatment section 530, and a redirection section 550.

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

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

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

[0100] Such a direction changer 550 can change the direction of the cooling unit 5 or the side structural unit 9 so that the plasma P can be treated or the adhesive G can be applied to both sides of the cooling unit 5 or the side structural unit 9.

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

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

[0103] In the assembly system 10 according to the present embodiment, the ceiling rail 600 for guiding the transport is installed on the ceiling of the system, thereby maximizing the utilization of the space 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 for the battery module assembly 1 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail.

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

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

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

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

[0109] 9 to 13, the aligning device 200 may position a cooling unit 5 between the two rows of battery cells 3 transferred from the first transfer 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 closely contact the cooling unit 5. Here, the pair of cell spacing adjustment jigs 220 may slide through the guide jigs 210 to adjust the spacing between the battery cells 3 in each row.

[0111] Since the adhesive G is applied to both sides of the cooling unit 5 by the pre-processing device 500, the battery cell 3 and the cooling unit 5 can be bonded together when they are brought into close contact. The cell assembly 7 can be formed by bonding the battery cell 3 and the cooling unit 5 together.

[0112] 12 and 13, the pair of guide jigs 210 may slide away from the cell assembly 7, and the aligning grippers 250 may press both sides of the upper end of the cell assembly 7. This may further increase the firmness of the connection between the battery cells 3 and the cooling unit 5 at the upper end of the cell assembly 7. Then, the aligning grippers 250 may lift 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 shown in FIG.

[0114] The aligning device 205 according to this embodiment is similar to the aligning device 200 according to the above-described embodiment, and therefore, the description will be omitted for the configurations that are substantially the same as or similar to those of the above-described embodiment, and the description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

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

[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 can press the battery cells 3 in each row so as to come into close contact with the cooling unit 5 while tilting at a predetermined angle.

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

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

[0120] 17 and 18, the second transfer device 300 can lift the cell assembly 7 from the aligning device 200 and transfer it toward the structural assembly device 400.

[0121] During this transport operation, the second transport device 300 hardens the cell assembly 7 at room temperature, thereby further increasing the bonding strength 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 the 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 aligning device 200.

[0124] First, the plasma processing unit 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 treatment section 530 of the pre-processing device 500 may apply the adhesive G to one of both side surfaces of the cooling unit 5 while sliding 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 changer 550 may change the direction of the cooling unit 5 .

[0127] Thereafter, the plasma processing unit 510 of the pre-processing device 500 may perform plasma P processing on the other side of the cooling unit 5 while sliding along the longitudinal direction of the cooling unit 5 .

[0128] The adhesive treatment 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 sliding 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 adhesive G application, toward the aligning device 200.

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

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

[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 structural unit 9 while sliding along the longitudinal direction of the side structural unit 9 .

[0133] When application of the adhesive G to one of the two sides of the side structural unit 9 is completed, the direction changing unit 550 may change the direction of the side structural unit 9 .

[0134] Thereafter, 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 structural unit 9 while sliding along the longitudinal direction of the side structural unit 9 .

[0135] Next, the pre-processing device 500 can transport the side structural unit 9, both of whose sides have been coated with the adhesive G, towards the structural assembling device 400.

[0136] 27 to 29 are diagrams 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 structural assembling device 400, the assembly base 410 can be aligned so that the side structural units 9 and the cell assemblies 7 are alternately arranged.

[0138] The sliding jig 430 may slide along the assembly base 410 to bring the side structural unit 9 and the cell assembly 7 into close contact with each other. As a result, the side structural unit 9 and the cell assembly 7 may be bonded to each other while being in close contact with each other, thereby forming the battery module assembly 1.

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

[0140] In this embodiment, the 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 cooling units 5 between the battery cells 3 transported in two rows to assemble a cell assembly 7, transporting the cell assembly 7 toward a side structural 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 structural unit 9 to assemble the battery module assembly 1.

[0141] Here, the step of transporting the plurality of battery cells 3 in two rows may include the step of transporting the two rows of battery cells 3 by the upper conveyor 110, and the 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 adhering the cooling unit 5, which is arranged 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 adhering the battery cells 3 of the cell assembly 7 to the side structural unit 9 using an adhesive G.

[0144] Meanwhile, the cell assembly 7 may be hardened at room temperature when being transported to the side structural unit 9. This allows the battery cells 3 and the cooling unit 5 of the cell assembly 7 to be more firmly bonded to each other before being assembled with the side structural unit 9. Furthermore, the cell assembly may be transported toward the side structural unit 9 along the ceiling when being transported toward the side structural unit 9.

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

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

[0147] Such a battery module assembly 1 is formed only from a plurality of cell assemblies 7 and a plurality of side structural units 9, and therefore can achieve a frameless structure that does not have a conventional frame structure.

[0148] The battery module assembly 1 manufactured using the assembly system 10 according to the present embodiment has a frameless structure, and is therefore slimmer 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 assembly system 10 and an assembly method for a battery module assembly 1 that can realize a frameless structure.

[0150] Furthermore, through the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an assembly system 10 and an assembly method for a battery module assembly 1 that can reduce manufacturing costs and minimize assembly space.

[0151] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings, but 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 technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1 Battery module assembly 3 battery cells 5 Cooling unit 7. Cell Assembly 9 Side structural unit 10 Assembly System 100 First conveying device 110 First conveyor, upper conveyor 130 Second conveyor, lower conveyor 150 Lifting Unit 200 Aligning Device 205 Aligning 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 Aligning Gripper 300 Second conveying device 400 Structural Assembly Equipment 410 Assembly Base 430 Sliding jig 500 Pre-processing equipment 510 Plasma processing section 530 Adhesive Processing Section 550 Turning point 600 Ceiling Rail

Claims

1. An assembly system for a battery module assembly, comprising: a first conveying device that conveys a plurality of battery cells in two rows; an aligning device that aligns a cooling unit between the two rows of battery cells transported by the first transporting device to assemble a cell assembly; a second conveying device that conveys the cell assembly assembled by the aligning device toward a structural assembling device for assembling the cell assembly with a side structural unit that covers the battery cell; the structural assembly device that arranges a plurality of side structural units between the battery cells of at least one cell assembly transported by the second transport device to form the battery module assembly; Including, an assembly system for a battery module assembly, wherein the cell assembly is formed by adhering the cooling unit, which is aligned between the two rows of battery cells, to the two rows of battery cells using an adhesive;

2. The first conveying device is an upper conveyor that transports the two rows of battery cells; a lower conveyor that guides the two rows of battery cells to the aligning device; The battery module assembly assembly system according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. 3. The battery module assembly assembling system according to claim 2, wherein the first transport device includes a lifting unit that is capable of rising and lowering between the upper conveyor and the lower conveyor and transports the two rows of battery cells on the upper conveyor to the lower conveyor.

4. The assembly system for a battery module assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the aligning device bonds the cooling unit between the two rows of battery cells to form the cell assembly.

5. The battery module assembly assembling system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second conveying device is provided to be movable along a ceiling of the battery module assembly assembling system.

6. The system for assembling a battery module assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the second conveying device hardens the cell assemblies at room temperature during conveyance.

7. The system for assembling a battery module assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the second transport device lifts and transports the cell assembly without changing the direction of the cell assembly.

8. The battery module assembly assembly system according to claim 1 , wherein the structural assembly device bonds the plurality of side structural units and the at least one cell assembly to each other.

9. A method for assembling a battery module assembly, comprising: conveying a plurality of battery cells in two rows; aligning a cooling unit between the battery cells transported in two rows to form a cell assembly; transporting the cell assembly toward a side structural unit that covers the battery cells of the cell assembly; assembling the battery module assembly by covering the battery cells of the cell assembly with the side structural unit; Including, the cell assembly is formed by adhering the cooling unit, which is aligned between the two rows of battery cells, to the two rows of battery cells using an adhesive.

10. The step of transporting the plurality of battery cells in two rows includes: conveying two rows of battery cells by an upper conveyor; conveying the two rows of battery cells on the upper conveyor to a lower conveyor for assembling the cell assemblies; The method for assembling a battery module assembly according to claim 9, comprising:

11. The method of assembling a battery module assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the battery module assembly is formed by adhering the battery cells of the cell assembly to the side structural unit using an adhesive.

12. The method of assembling a battery module assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the cell assemblies are cured at room temperature when transported to the side structural unit.

13. The method for assembling a battery module assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the cell assemblies are transported toward the side structural unit along a ceiling when transporting the cell assemblies toward the side structural unit.

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