welding equipment

Abstract

A welding apparatus for welding a plurality of materials arranged in contact with each other includes a scanner configured to deflect light, a welding laser configured to emit light toward the scanner, a galvo module configured to deflect light toward the scanner, a scanning laser configured to emit light toward the galvo module, and a processor configured to control at least one of the scanner and the galvo module to scan an interface of the plurality of materials.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to welding equipment.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0084675 filed on July 8, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0082154 filed on June 26, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in their specification and drawings. [Background technology]

[0003] Welding technology is widely used in various industrial fields. For example, in the battery field, welding technology is applied to join battery module cases or leads and bus bars.

[0004] Welding is the process of joining two or more members or parts, and a certain level of welding quality must be ensured to ensure a stable connection. However, with conventional welding methods, it is often difficult to ensure stable welding quality.

[0005] In particular, the electrode leads and bus bars of a battery cell can be joined by laser welding. Also, the frame and end plate of a battery module or the case of a battery module can be joined by laser welding. However, if the workpieces to be welded are not properly placed in the welding device or are misaligned, the welding line may be misaligned. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately correct or realign the welding line before welding to improve welding accuracy. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0007] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a welding device that can improve welding accuracy.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a welding apparatus that allows real-time inspection of the quality of the weld while the weld is in progress. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a welding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is a welding apparatus for welding multiple materials arranged in contact with each other, and includes a scanner configured to deflect light, a welding laser configured to emit light toward the scanner, a galvo module configured to deflect light toward the scanner, a scanning laser configured to emit light toward the galvo module, and a processor configured to control at least one of the scanner and the galvo module to scan the boundary between the multiple materials.

[0010] The processor may also be configured to measure the distance between the scanner and a focal point at which the scanner is aimed.

[0011] The processor can also correct the preset welding line based on coordinate information obtained by scanning the boundaries of the plurality of materials.

[0012] The processor may also be configured to control the welding laser and the scanner to form a keyhole, and to control the scanning laser and the galvo module to scan around the keyhole.

[0013] Also, at least one of the plurality of materials may be a frame of a battery module.

[0014] The plurality of materials may include a first material and a second material stacked on top of the first material and exposing a portion of the top surface of the first material, and the welding apparatus may further include a jig for adhering the second material to the first material.

[0015] Also, the first material may be a bus bar, and the second material may be an electrode lead of a battery cell.

[0016] The jig may be configured to apply pressure to the electrode lead, have a hole formed therethrough in the vertical direction, and be configured to expose at least a portion of the electrode lead and at least a portion of the bus bar.

[0017] The processor may also be configured to correct a pre-set welding line based on coordinate information obtained by scanning the boundary between the bus bar and the electrode lead.

[0018] The jig may include a first part that applies pressure to the electrode lead, and a second part that faces the first part.

[0019] The processor can also correct a preset welding work line based on coordinate information obtained by scanning the first part and the second part.

[0020] The battery cells according to the present invention are welded together by the welding device according to the present invention.

[0021] The battery module according to the present invention is welded and joined by the welding device according to the present invention.

[0022] Also, a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes the welding apparatus according to the present invention.

[0023] Also, a battery module manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes the welding apparatus according to the present invention.

[0024] The welding method according to the present invention also uses the welding device according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, welding accuracy can be improved.

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, even if the position of the workpiece to be welded is shifted, the welding accuracy can be improved by appropriately correcting or updating the welding work line.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, weld defects can be detected quickly and accurately.

[0028] 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 only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an optical configuration of a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing an isolated partial configuration of one battery module to be welded by a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the battery module of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating, in isolation, a partial configuration of another battery module welded by a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the battery module of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention scans a battery module. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the welding device according to the embodiment of the present invention corrects a weld line. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention welds a battery module. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention inspects a welded portion; [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing a bus bar and an electrode lead welded by a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing a bus bar and an electrode lead aligned by a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a bus bar and an electrode lead scanned by a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the welding device according to the embodiment of the present invention corrects a weld line. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing bus bars and electrode leads scanned by a welding device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which a welding apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention corrects a weld line. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating bus bars and electrode leads scanned by a welding apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which a welding apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention corrects a weld line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] 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 describe the invention.

[0031] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most desirable 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.

[0032] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic optical configuration of a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a welding apparatus for welding a plurality of materials 60 arranged so as to be in contact with each other. The welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a scanner 500, a welding laser 600, a galvo module 300, a scan laser 100, and a processor 400.

[0033] The materials 60 may be arranged to contact for butt welding, corner welding, edge welding, lap welding, etc. "Contact" refers to the positional relationship of the materials 60 for welding and does not limit the type of weld joint.

[0034] The scanner 500 may be configured to deflect light. The scanner 500 may include a scan mirror 510 therein. The scan mirror 510 can deflect light incident on the scanner 500. The scan mirror 510 may also be configured to be rotatable. The scan mirror 510 may be configured to be able to deflect light in various directions.

[0035] Welding laser 600 can output light 12. Welding laser 600 can emit light 12 toward scanner 500. Light 12 emitted by welding laser 600 can have a high intensity enough to weld multiple materials 60 together.

[0036] The galvo module 300 may be configured to deflect light. The galvo module 300 may include a galvo mirror 310 therein. The galvo mirror 310 can deflect light incident on the galvo module 300. The galvo mirror 310 may be configured to be rotatable. The galvo mirror 310 may be configured to deflect light in various directions. The galvo module 300 may be configured to deflect the incident light toward the scanner 500. The galvo module 300 may be configured to be fastened, coupled, fixed, or assembled to one side of the scanner 500.

[0037] The scanning laser 100 can output light l1. The scanning laser 100 can emit the light l1 toward the galvo module 300. The light l1 emitted by the scanning laser 100 can have a weaker intensity than the light l2 emitted by the welding laser 600. The scanning laser 100 can also output light l1 with a wavelength different from that of the welding laser 600. For example, the scanning laser 100 can output visible light. The scanning laser 100 can output light l1 for scanning the shapes, positions, surfaces, boundaries, etc. of the multiple materials 60. The scanning laser 100 can also be configured to scan around the focal point of the light l2 emitted by the welding laser 600.

[0038] The processor 400 may be configured to include a first control computer 410 and a second control computer 420. The first control computer 410 may be physically, electrically, or optically connected to at least one of the scanner 500, the welding laser 600, the scanning laser 100, and the galvo module 300. The first control computer 410 may be configured to monitor or control at least one of the scanner 500, the welding laser 600, the scanning laser 100, and the galvo module 300. The second control computer 420 may be physically, electrically, or optically connected to the first control computer 410. The second control computer 420 may be configured to monitor or control the first control computer 410. The second control computer 420 may also include an interface unit through which commands are input by a user. The term "processor 400" may be used to refer to the first control computer 410 and the second control computer 420.

[0039] The processor 400 may be configured to control at least one of the scanner 500 and the galvo module 300 to scan the boundary of the plurality of materials 60. At this time, the processor 400 may turn off the output of the welding laser 600 and turn on the output of the scanning laser 100. The processor 400 may scan the boundary of the plurality of materials 60 before welding the plurality of materials 60.

[0040] This configuration of the present invention allows the processor 400 to scan, locate, sense, or recognize the weld line prior to welding. By scanning the boundaries of multiple materials 60, the processor 400 can perform more sophisticated welding operations.

[0041] 1 and 2, a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include an optical module 200 or a light collecting module 700.

[0042] The scanning laser 100 may be configured to emit light l1 toward the optical module 200. The optical module 200 may output, deflect, or pass at least a portion of the incident light toward the galvo module 300. The optical module 200 may be configured to include a beam splitter 210, a reference mirror 220, and a detector (not shown). The beam splitter 210 may output, deflect, or pass at least a portion of the light incident on the optical module 200 toward the galvo mirror 310. The beam splitter 210 may also output, deflect, or pass at least a portion of the light incident on the optical module 200 toward the reference mirror 220. The reference mirror 220 may be configured to reflect the incident light toward the detector. The processor 400 may be configured to acquire optical coherence tomography (OCT) images using the optical module 200.

[0043] The light focusing module 700 may be configured to be fastened, coupled, fixed, or assembled to one side of the scanner 500. The light focusing module 700 may be configured to include a first focusing lens 710 and a second focusing lens 720. The light focusing module 700 may be configured to focus light deflected by the scanner 500 toward the plurality of materials. The light l2 output from the welding laser 600 and the light l1 output from the scanning laser 100 may be focused onto the plurality of materials 60 by the light focusing module 700.

[0044] Fig. 3 is an isolated view showing a partial configuration of one battery module 50 to be welded by the welding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the battery module 50 of Fig. 3. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, one battery module 50 to be welded by the welding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a frame 51, an end plate 52, and a plurality of battery cells 53.

[0045] The frame 51 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is open in the vertical direction, the front-rear direction, or the Y-axis direction. The frame 51 may also have a space inside. The frame 51 may be made of a metal material.

[0046] The end plate 52 may be fastened, joined, or fixed to the frame 51 at the front and rear sides, respectively. The end plate 52 and the frame 51 may be joined by welding. A weld line wb or weld wb may be formed along the periphery of the end plate 52, the periphery of the front side of the frame 51, or the periphery of the rear side of the frame 51.

[0047] The plurality of battery cells 53 may be housed in the internal space of the frame 51. The plurality of battery cells 53 may represent secondary batteries. The plurality of battery cells 53 may be pouch-shaped secondary batteries. The plurality of battery cells 53 may be configured to be stacked inside the frame 51.

[0048] A welding device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to form a weld line wb or a weld wb of a battery module 50.

[0049] Fig. 5 is an isolated view showing a partial configuration of another battery module 50 to be welded by the welding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the battery module 50 of Fig. 5. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, one battery module 50 to be welded by the welding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a U-shaped frame 54, a top frame 55, and a plurality of battery cells 53.

[0050] The U-shaped frame 54 may have a U-shape. The U-shaped frame 54 may be open in the vertical direction, the front-rear direction, or the Y-axis direction. The U-shaped frame 54 may also be open upward or in the +Z-axis direction. The U-shaped frame 54 may also provide a space inside. The U-shaped frame 54 may be made of a metal material.

[0051] The top frame 55 may be fastened, coupled, or fixed to the U-shaped frame 54. The top frame 55 and the U-shaped frame 54 may be connected by welding. The top frame 55 and the U-shaped frame 54 may each have a space. Furthermore, the top frame 55 and the U-shaped frame 54 may be fastened, coupled, or fixed to form a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A weld line wb or a weld wb may be formed along an edge of the U-shaped frame 54 or along an edge of the top frame 55.

[0052] The plurality of battery cells 53 may be housed in an internal space formed by the U-shaped frame 54 and the top frame 55. The plurality of battery cells 53 may represent secondary batteries. The plurality of battery cells 53 may be pouch-shaped secondary batteries. The plurality of battery cells 53 may be configured to be stacked in the internal space formed by the U-shaped frame 54 and the top frame 55.

[0053] A welding device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to form a weld line wb or a weld wb of a battery module 50.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention scans a battery module. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the processor 400 of the welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to measure the distance between the scanner 500 and a focal point wf at which the scanner 500 aims. The welding apparatus may be configured to weld a first material 10 and a second material 20. The first material 10 and the second material 20 may be metallic materials. The first material 10 and the second material 20 may also be brought into contact for welding. For example, the first material 10 and the second material 20 may be the frame 51, U-shaped frame 54, top frame 55, or end plate 52 of the battery module 50.

[0055] The processor 400 can control at least one of the scanner 500 and the galvo module 300 to scan the first material 10 and the second material 20 while turning on the scan laser 100 and turning off the welding laser 600. At this time, the scan trajectory st can be formed to oscillate in the Y-axis direction around the boundary between the first material 10 and the second material 20 and progress in the +X-axis direction. The processor 400 can sense, recognize, or locate the boundary between the first material 10 and the second material 20 by measuring the distance between the focal point wf of the scanner 500 and the scanner 500. Alternatively, the processor 400 can sense, recognize, or locate a gap formed between the first material 10 and the second material 20.

[0056] According to this configuration of the present invention, the processor 400 can scan, detect, sense, or recognize the welding line before welding. The processor 400 can perform more sophisticated welding operations by scanning the boundaries or gaps between the multiple first materials 10 and the second materials 20.

[0057] 8 is a diagram showing an example of correcting a weld line by a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 8, the processor 400 of the welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to correct a preset welding work line iwb based on coordinate information obtained by scanning a plurality of boundaries between the first material 10 and the second material 20.

[0058] The processor 400 may be configured to include preset, stored, and set welding work line iwb information. In this case, the welding work line iwb information may be coordinate information on the XY plane. The processor 400 may also be configured to correct or update the preset, stored, and set welding work line iwb based on coordinate information obtained by scanning a plurality of boundaries between the first material 10 and the second material 20. For example, the processor 400 may correct or update the existing welding work line iwb to a center line gc of the gap or boundary between the first material 10 and the second material 20. The processor 400 may also be configured to perform welding along the corrected or updated welding work line gc.

[0059] According to this configuration of the present invention, the processor 400 can correct or update the welding line iwb to improve the quality of the welding and reduce welding defects.

[0060] 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention welds a battery module 50. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, the processor 400 of the welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to control the welding laser 600 and the scanner 500 to form a keyhole k, and to control the scanning laser 100 and the galvo module 300 to scan the periphery of the keyhole k.

[0061] The processor 400 can turn on the welding laser 600 and control the scanner 500 to weld the first material 10 and the second material 20. At this time, the processor 400 can control the welding laser 600 and the scanner 500 so that welding is performed along the corrected or updated welding work line g. The processor 400 can form a welding spot, joint, weld, or keyhole k in the gap or boundary between the first material 10 and the second material 20.

[0062] According to this configuration of the present invention, the processor 400 corrects or updates the welding line iwb before welding, thereby improving the quality of the welding and reducing welding defects.

[0063] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention inspecting a weld. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 10, a processor 400 of a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to perform welding and simultaneously inspect the quality of the weld.

[0064] The processor 400 can turn on the scanning laser 100 while welding is in progress and scan by oscillating it in the Y-axis direction around the welding spot, joint, welded portion, or keyhole k. At this time, the processor 400 can deflect the light l1 emitted from the scanning laser 100 by controlling the galvo module 300. The processor 400 can be configured to control at least one of the scanning laser 100 and the galvo module 300 to sense or measure the penetration depth of the welding spot, joint, welded portion, or keyhole k. The quality inspection of the welding can be performed along the direction of welding progress.

[0065] According to this configuration of the present invention, the processor 400 can quickly detect a welding defect by inspecting the quality of the welding while welding, thereby quickly correcting the welding defect or quickly correcting the settings of the welding device.

[0066] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a bus bar 30 and an electrode lead 40 welded by a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the bus bar 30 may be physically and electrically coupled or connected to one or more electrode leads 40. The bus bar 30 may be configured to be included in a battery module 50. The electrode leads 40 may be configured to be included in a battery cell 53. The bus bar 30 and the electrode leads 40 may be coupled by welding. The electrode leads 40 may be bent after passing through holes 31 in the bus bar 30 and coupled or connected to the bus bar 30. The bus bar 30 and the electrode leads 40 may be coupled or connected by a plurality of welding spots w, joints w, or welds w.

[0067] In accordance with this configuration of the present invention, a welding device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to weld one or more electrode leads 40 to a bus bar 30 .

[0068] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a bus bar 30 and an electrode lead 40 aligned by a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12(a) is a diagram illustrating a jig 800 closely contacting the electrode lead 40 to the bus bar 30. FIG. 12(b) is a top view illustrating the jig 800 closely contacting the electrode lead 40 to the bus bar 30. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 12, a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a jig 800. The jig 800 may refer to a masking jig 800. In this case, the multiple materials welded by the welding apparatus of the present invention may include a first material and a second material stacked on the first material, exposing a portion of the top surface of the first material. For example, the first material may be the bus bar 30, and the second material may be the electrode lead 40. Furthermore, the jig 800 may closely contact the second material 20 to the first material 10. For example, the jig 800 may closely contact the electrode lead 40 to the bus bar 30. At this time, the electrode lead 40 may be bent and tightly attached to the bus bar 30. The processor 400 may be configured to control the movement of the jig 800. The processor 400 may also form a weld w, a welding spot w, or a joint w that connects or joins the bus bar 30 and the electrode lead 40.

[0069] In this case, the boundary between the first material 10 and the second material 20 may refer to the periphery or edge of the second material 20 that is overlapped or laminated on the first material 10. For example, the boundary between the bus bar 30 and the electrode lead 40 may be the periphery or edge of the portion of the electrode lead 40 that is overlapped or laminated on the bus bar 30. The processor 400 can scan the periphery or edge of the portion of the electrode lead 40 that is overlapped or laminated on the bus bar 30.

[0070] According to this configuration of the present invention, the processor 400 can scan, locate, sense, or recognize the welding line before welding. By scanning the boundary between the bus bar 30 and the electrode lead 40, the processor 400 can perform a more precise welding operation.

[0071] 13 is a diagram showing the bus bar 30 and the electrode lead 40 scanned by the welding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1, 12, and 13, a jig 800 of the welding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to apply pressure to the electrode lead 40 and may be configured to have a hole 801 formed therethrough in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the hole 801 may be configured to expose at least a portion of the electrode lead.

[0072] The processor 400 can control at least one of the scanner 500 and the galvo module 300 to scan around the jig 800 while turning on the scan laser 100 and turning off the welding laser 600. In this case, the scan trajectory st can be formed to oscillate in the X-axis direction and progress in the -Y-axis direction around the longitudinal direction of the jig 800, or a line of symmetry with respect to the longitudinal direction of the jig 800, or an axis parallel to the Y-axis. The processor 400 can sense, recognize, or locate the surroundings and position of the jig 800 by measuring the distance between the focal point of the scanner 500 and the scanner 500.

[0073] This configuration of the present invention allows the processor 400 to perform a more sophisticated welding operation by scanning, detecting, sensing or recognizing the fixture 800 prior to welding.

[0074] 1 and 13 , a jig 800 of a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a first part 810 that applies pressure to the electrode lead 40 and a second part 820 that faces the first part 810. The jig 800 may further include a third part 830 that connects the first part 810 and the second part 820, and a fourth part 840 that connects the first part 810 and the second part 820 and faces the third part 830. The first part 810 to the fourth part 840 may be configured to form a hole 801. The first part 810 to the fourth part 840 may be configured to form a rectangular shape. The first part 810 to the fourth part 840 may be configured to apply pressure to at least one of the electrode lead 40 or the bus bar 30.

[0075] According to this configuration of the present invention, the jig 800 can stably pressurize the electrode lead 40 and prevent the scattering and dispersion of powder generated by the welding operation.

[0076] 1 and 13, the processor 400 of the welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to correct a preset welding work line based on coordinate information obtained by scanning the first part 810 and the second part 820. In this case, the processor 400 may be configured to correct the preset welding work line to a center line between the first part 810 and the second part 820.

[0077] Furthermore, the processor 400 may be configured to correct the preset welding work line based on coordinate information obtained by scanning the third part 830 and the fourth part 840. In this case, the processor 400 may be configured to correct the preset welding work line based on a center line between the third part 830 and the fourth part 840.

[0078] According to this configuration of the present invention, the processor 400 can correct or update the welding work line based on the first part 810 to the fourth part 840 of the jig 800. Because the first part 810 to the fourth part 840 form a quadrangle, the center line between the first part 810 and the second part 820 or the center line between the third part 830 and the fourth part 840 can improve the accuracy of the correction or update.

[0079] 14 is a diagram showing an example of how a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention corrects a welding line. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 14, the processor 400 of the welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to correct or update a previously set, stored, or configured welding line iw by scanning, detecting, sensing, or recognizing the jig 800. For example, the processor 400 may correct or update the existing welding line iw to the center line jc or symmetric line jc of the jig 800. Alternatively, the processor 400 may correct or update the existing welding line iw to the center line jc or symmetric line jc between the first part 810 and the second part 820. The processor 400 may also be configured to form a welding spot w, a joint w, or a weld w along the corrected or updated welding line jc.

[0080] According to this configuration of the present invention, the processor 400 can improve the quality of welding and reduce welding defects by correcting or updating the welding work line iw.

[0081] 15 is a diagram showing a bus bar 30 and an electrode lead 40 scanned by a welding apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 15, a jig 800 of a welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to apply pressure to the electrode lead 40 and may be configured to have a hole 801 formed therethrough in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the hole 801 may be configured to expose at least a portion of the electrode lead 40 and at least a portion of the bus bar 30.

[0082] The processor 400 can control at least one of the scanner 500 and the galvo module 300 to scan around the jig 800 while turning on the scan laser 100 and turning off the welding laser 600. In this case, the scan trajectory st can be formed to oscillate in the X-axis direction and progress in the −Y-axis direction around the longitudinal direction of the jig 800, or a line of symmetry with respect to the longitudinal direction of the jig 800, or an axis parallel to the Y-axis. The processor 400 can sense, recognize, or locate the periphery and position of the jig 800 by measuring the distance between the focal point of the scanner 500 and the scanner. The processor 400 can also sense, recognize, or locate the boundary between the electrode lead 40 and the bus bar 30, or the edge or periphery of the electrode lead 40 exposed by the jig 800.

[0083] This configuration of the present invention allows the processor 400 to perform a more sophisticated welding operation by scanning, detecting, sensing or recognizing the fixture 800 prior to welding.

[0084] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a welding apparatus correcting a welding line according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 16, the processor 400 of the welding apparatus may be configured to correct or update a previously established, stored, or set welding work line iw by scanning, detecting, sensing, or recognizing the jig 800. For example, the processor 400 may correct or update the existing welding work line iw to the center line jc or symmetric line jc of the jig 800 in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the processor 400 may correct or update the existing welding work line iw to the center line jc or symmetric line jc between the first part 810 and the second part 820. The processor 400 may also be configured to form a welding spot w, a joint w, or a weld w along the corrected or updated welding work line jc. In this case, the processor 400 may correct or update the welding work line iw in the X-axis direction.

[0085] According to this configuration of the present invention, the processor 400 can improve the quality of welding and reduce welding defects by correcting or updating the welding work line iw.

[0086] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a bus bar 30 and an electrode lead 40 scanned by a welding apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 17 , a processor 400 of a welding apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention can control at least one of the scanner 500 and the galvo module 300 to scan around the jig 800 while turning on the scan laser 100 and turning off the welding laser 600. In this case, the scan trajectory st can be formed to oscillate in the Y-axis direction around the longitudinal direction of the jig 800, a line of symmetry perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the jig 800, or an axis parallel to the X-axis, and progress in the +X-axis direction. The processor 400 can sense, recognize, or locate the periphery and position of the jig 800 by measuring the distance between the focal point of the scanner 500 and the scanner 500. The processor 400 can also sense, recognize, or locate the boundary between the electrode lead 40 and the bus bar 30, or the edge or periphery of the electrode lead 40 exposed by the jig 800.

[0087] This configuration of the present invention allows the processor 400 to perform a more sophisticated welding operation by scanning, detecting, sensing or recognizing the fixture 800 prior to welding.

[0088] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of correcting a welding line in a welding apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The processor 400 of the welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to correct a previously set welding work line iw based on coordinate information obtained by scanning the boundary between the bus bar 30 and the electrode lead 40. For example, the processor 400 may correct or update the existing welding work line iw to the center line jc or symmetric line jc of the jig 800 in the X-axis direction. Alternatively, the processor 400 may correct or update the existing welding work line iw around the center line jc or symmetric line jc between the third part 830 and the fourth part 840. The processor 400 may also be configured to form a welding spot w, a joint w, or a weld w along the corrected or updated welding work line jc. In this case, the processor 400 may correct or update the welding work line iw in the Y-axis direction.

[0089] According to this configuration of the present invention, the processor 400 can improve the quality of welding and reduce welding defects by correcting or updating the welding work line iw.

[0090] A battery cell according to one aspect of the present invention includes a weld spot, weld joint, or weld formed by a welding apparatus according to the present invention.

[0091] Furthermore, a battery module according to an aspect of the present invention includes a weld spot, weld joint, or weld formed by the welding device according to the present invention.

[0092] Also, a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes the welding apparatus according to the present invention.

[0093] Furthermore, a battery module manufacturing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes the welding apparatus according to the present invention.

[0094] A welding method according to one aspect of the present invention uses the welding device according to the present invention.

[0095] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention that these terms may change depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0096] 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 a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10 1st material 20 Second material 30 Busbar 31 holes 40 electrode leads 50 Battery Module 51 frames 52 End plate 53 battery cells 54 frames 55 Top Frame 60 materials 100 Scan Laser 200 Optical Module 210 Beam Splitter 220 Reference Mirror 300 Galvo Module 310 Galvo Mirror 400 processors 410 First Control Computer 420 Second Control Computer 500 scanner 510 Scan Mirror 600 Welding Laser 700 Concentrator Module 710 First condenser lens 720 Second focusing lens 800 Jig (Masking Jig) 801 holes 810 Part 1 820 Part 2 830 Part 3 840 Part 4

Claims

1. 1. A welding apparatus for welding a plurality of materials arranged in contact with each other, comprising: a scanner configured to deflect light; a welding laser configured to emit light toward the scanner; a galvo module configured to deflect light towards the scanner; a scanning laser configured to project light toward the galvo module; a processor configured to control at least one of the scanner and the galvo module to scan the boundary between the materials to scan, locate, sense or recognize a weld line prior to welding, and to control the welding laser and the scanner to form a keyhole and to control the scanning laser and the galvo module to scan around the keyhole to perform welding and simultaneously inspect the quality of the weld.

2. The processor: The welding device of claim 1 , configured to measure a distance between the scanner and a focal point at which the scanner is aimed.

3. The processor:

2. The welding device according to claim 1, wherein a preset welding line is corrected based on coordinate information obtained by scanning the boundaries of a plurality of said materials.

4. The welding device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of materials is a frame of a battery module.

5. The plurality of materials are A first material; a second material laminated on the first material and exposing a portion of the top surface of the first material; The welding device is The welding apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a fixture for adhering the second material to the first material.

6. the first material is a bus bar; The welding device of claim 5 , wherein the second material is an electrode lead of a battery cell.

7. the jig is configured to apply pressure to the electrode lead, and a hole is formed to penetrate the jig in the vertical direction; The hole is The welding device of claim 6 configured to expose at least a portion of the electrode lead and at least a portion of the bus bar.

8. The processor:

8. The welding device according to claim 7, wherein a preset welding line is corrected based on coordinate information obtained by scanning the boundary between the bus bar and the electrode lead.

9. The jig is a first part that applies pressure to the electrode lead; The welding device of claim 6 , further comprising: a second part opposed to the first part.

10. The processor:

10. The welding device according to claim 9, wherein a preset welding line is corrected based on coordinate information obtained by scanning the first part and the second part.

11. A battery cell manufacturing apparatus comprising the welding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claims 5 to 10.

12. A battery module manufacturing apparatus comprising the welding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A welding method using a welding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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