Battery module transfer method and transfer head

Abstract

A battery module transfer method and transfer head are disclosed. The battery module transfer method comprises: a first connection step of connecting a first arm of a transfer head to a first grip unit of a battery module; a second connection step of connecting a second arm of the transfer head to a second grip unit of the battery module; and a step of moving the transfer head so as to move the battery module. The connection direction of the first arm with respect to the first grip unit crosses the connection direction of the second arm with respect to the second grip unit.

Description

Battery module transfer method and transfer head

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for transporting a battery module and a transport head used therefor.

[0002]

[0003] Secondary batteries are widely used as a power source for mobile devices. They are also attracting attention as a power source for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0004] The basic unit of a secondary battery is the battery cell. While small mobile devices use one or two battery cells, medium- to large-sized devices like automobiles use battery packs. A battery pack electrically connects multiple battery modules to achieve high output and large capacity. A battery module is a single block made up of multiple battery cells connected together.

[0005] To assemble battery modules into a battery pack, each module must be transported. Depending on how the transport device's arms connect to the battery module's grip structure, significant space may be required.

[0006] The background technology described above is technical information that the inventor possessed for the purpose of deriving embodiments of the present invention or acquired during the derivation process, and cannot necessarily be said to be publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the present application.

[0007]

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a battery module transfer method and transfer head capable of minimizing the space required to connect an arm of a transfer head to a grip structure of a battery module for transferring the battery module.

[0009]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described task, a battery module transport method includes a first connecting step of connecting a first arm of a transport head to a first grip unit of a battery module; a second connecting step of connecting a second arm of the transport head to a second grip unit of the battery module; and a step of moving the transport head to move the battery module, wherein a connection direction of the first arm to the first grip unit may be a direction intersecting a connection direction of the second arm to the second grip unit.

[0011] Here, the connection direction of the first arm to the first grip unit may be perpendicular to the connection direction of the second arm to the second grip unit.

[0012] Here, the connection direction of the second arm to the second grip unit may be along the longitudinal direction of the battery module, and the connection direction of the first arm to the first grip unit may be along the width direction of the battery module intersecting the longitudinal direction.

[0013] Here, the connection direction may be a direction in which one of the first arm and the second arm is inserted into a corresponding one of the first grip unit and the second grip unit.

[0014] Here, the first connecting step includes a step of connecting the 1-1 arm to the 1-1 grip unit; and a step of connecting the 1-2 arm to the 1-2 grip unit, wherein the connecting direction of the 1-1 arm to the 1-1 grip unit may be different from the connecting direction of the 1-2 arm to the 1-2 grip unit.

[0015] Here, the connection direction of the 1-1 arm to the 1-1 grip unit may be opposite to the connection direction of the 1-2 arm to the 1-2 grip unit.

[0016] Here, the first connecting step includes a step of approaching the first arm toward the first grip unit before connecting to the first grip unit, and the second connecting step includes a step of approaching the second arm toward the second grip unit before connecting to the second grip unit, and the approaching direction of the first arm toward the first grip unit may be the same direction as the approaching direction of the second arm toward the second grip unit.

[0017] A battery module transport method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a step of connecting a first arm of a transport head to a first grip unit of a battery module; a step of connecting a first arm of the transport head to a first grip unit of the battery module; and a transport step of moving the transport head to move the battery module, wherein a connection direction of the first arm to the first grip unit may be opposite to a connection direction of the first arm to the first grip unit.

[0018] Here, the first-first arm and the first-second arm can move along a width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the battery module for connection to a corresponding one of the first-first grip unit and the first-second grip unit.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery module transfer head comprises: a body; a first arm movably installed on the body and positioned to correspond to a first grip unit of a battery module; a first connection unit formed to move the first arm and connect it to the first grip unit; a second arm movably installed on the body and positioned to correspond to a second grip unit of the battery module; and a second connection unit formed to move the second arm and connect it to the second grip unit, wherein a connection direction in which the first connection unit connects the first arm to the first grip unit may intersect a connection direction in which the second connection unit connects the second arm to the second grip unit.

[0020] Here, the first grip unit includes a 1-1 grip unit and a 1-2 grip unit that are arranged to face each other, the first arm includes a 1-1 arm formed to correspond to the 1-1 grip unit; and a 1-2 arm formed to correspond to the 1-2 grip unit, the first connection unit includes a 1-1 connection unit that connects the 1-1 arm to the 1-1 grip unit; and a 1-2 connection unit that connects the 1-2 arm to the 1-2 grip unit, and a connection direction in which the 1-1 connection unit connects the 1-1 arm to the 1-1 grip unit may be opposite to a connection direction in which the 1-2 connection unit connects the 1-2 arm to the 1-2 grip unit.

[0021] Here, the second grip unit includes a 2-1 grip unit and a 2-2 grip unit, the second arm includes a 2-1 arm formed to correspond to the 2-1 grip unit, and a 2-2 arm formed to correspond to the 2-2 grip unit, and the second connection unit can be configured to move the 2-1 arm and the 2-2 arm along the same direction.

[0022] Here, the second connecting unit may include a mounting frame on which the second-1 arm and the second-2 arm are installed; and an actuator that drives the mounting frame in a straight direction.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery module transfer head comprises: a body; a 1-1 arm movably installed on the body and positioned to correspond to a 1-1 grip unit of a battery module; a 1-1 connection unit formed to move the 1-1 arm and connect it to the 1-1 grip unit; a 1-2 arm movably installed on the body and positioned to correspond to a 1-2 grip unit of the battery module; and a 1-2 connection unit formed to move the 1-2 arm and connect it to the 1-2 grip unit, wherein a connection direction in which the 1-1 connection unit connects the 1-1 arm to the 1-1 grip unit may be opposite to a connection direction in which the 1-2 connection unit connects the 1-2 arm to the 1-2 grip unit.

[0024] Here, the first-first arm and the first-second arm may be formed to move along a width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the battery module for connection to a corresponding one of the first-first grip unit and the first-second grip unit.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery module transfer head comprises: a body; a first arm movably installed on the body along a first direction and positioned to correspond to a first grip unit of a battery module; and a second arm movably installed on the body along a second direction and positioned to correspond to a second grip unit of the battery module, wherein the first arm includes a first finger connected to the first grip unit as it moves along the first direction, and the second arm includes a second finger connected to the second grip unit as it moves along the second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are

[0026] They can be set to intersect each other.

[0027] Here, one of the first finger and the second finger may be formed to be inserted into one of the first grip unit and the second grip unit for connection with one of the first grip unit and the second grip unit.

[0028] Here, a stopping unit may be further included that is installed on the body and is formed to stop the body at a set position for the battery module.

[0029] Here, the stopping unit may include an insertion rod that is inserted into a receiving hole of a fixing bracket of the battery module as the body moves toward the battery module.

[0030] Here, the stopping unit may include a position detector configured to detect whether the body has reached the set position while moving toward the battery module.

[0031]

[0032] According to the battery module transfer method and transfer head according to the present invention configured as described above, before moving the transfer head to transfer the battery module, the first arm of the transfer head is connected to the first grip unit of the battery module, and the second arm is connected to the second grip unit, and the connection directions of the first arm and the second arm intersect each other, so that the space required for connection between the transfer head and the battery module can be minimized.

[0033]

[0034] FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 1.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a partially assembled perspective view showing the coupling relationship between the left grip unit and the first bus bar block in Fig. 1.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a partial cutaway perspective view showing the left grip unit in Fig. 1.

[0038] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the left grip unit of Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the left grip unit of Figure 5 viewed from another direction.

[0040] Figure 7 is an assembled perspective view of the battery module of Figure 1 viewed from another direction.

[0041] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 7 with the second mounting cover removed.

[0042] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view showing an enlarged view of the left grip unit of Figure 8.

[0043] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the left grip unit of Figure 9 viewed from a different angle.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery module transfer head connected to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the battery module and transfer head from a different direction than Fig. 11.

[0046] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a combined state of a battery module and a transfer head according to a modified example of Fig. 12.

[0047] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing a battery module transport method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram showing one connection method of a transfer head to a battery module.

[0049] Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram showing another method of connecting a transfer head to a battery module.

[0050] Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a case where the transfer head is separated from the battery module after the battery modules are arranged in series.

[0051]

[0052] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms and with various modifications. However, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substitutions or additions of the components of one embodiment with those of another embodiment.

[0054] The attached drawings are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, but should be understood to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the components may be expressed in exaggerated sizes or thicknesses for ease of understanding, but the scope of protection of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereby.

[0055] The terminology used in this specification is only used to describe specific implementations or examples and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the specification, terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification. In other words, it should be understood that terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0056] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0057] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0058] When a component is referred to as being "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only positioned directly above that other component, but that there may also be other components intervening there.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0060] The battery module in the embodiment may generally have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Accordingly, among the outer surfaces of the battery module, the upper side in the drawing is referred to as the upper surface, and the lower side is referred to as the lower surface. The surface visible from the front of the battery module is referred to as the front surface, and the surface visible from the rear is referred to as the rear surface. The remaining two side surfaces are referred to as the left side located to the left of the front surface, and the right side located to the right of the front surface. The direction connecting the front surface and the rear surface may be referred to as the length direction, and the direction connecting the upper surface and the lower surface may be referred to as the height direction. The direction connecting the left surface and the right surface may be referred to as the width direction. The length direction, the width direction, and the height direction may have a perpendicular relationship to each other.

[0061] FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 1.

[0062] Referring to these drawings, the battery module (100) may include a battery cell (110), a cover unit (120, 130, 140, 150), an output terminal (160), and a grip unit (170).

[0063] A battery cell (110) is the smallest unit for storing electrical energy. The battery cell (110) may have an overall flat rectangular shape. The battery cell (110) may also be formed to extend along the length direction (L). A plurality of battery cells (110) may be provided and arranged to overlap each other along the width direction (W). The plurality of battery cells (110) thus overlapped may form a block shape corresponding to the exterior of the battery module (100). The plurality of battery cells (110) are electrically connected to each other in series or parallel.

[0064] The cover unit (120, 130, 140, 150) is configured to surround a plurality of battery cells (110). The cover unit (120, 130, 140, 150) may surround all surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (110). Specifically, the upper surface, the left surface, and the right surface may be covered by the top cover (120). The front surface and the rear surface may be covered by the bus bar block (130) and the mounting cover (140). The lower surface may be partially covered by the strap (150). The bottom surface may be arranged to be in contact with a cooling plate (not shown) in the battery pack. Some of the top cover (120), the bus bar block (130), the mounting cover (140), and the strap (150), for example, the strap (150) may not be provided as needed.

[0065] After the busbar block (130) is combined with a plurality of battery cells (110) and surrounds them, the mounting cover (140) is positioned further from the battery cells (110) than the busbar block (130). If the busbar block (130) is made of a combination of an injection-molded material (block body) and metal (connecting busbar), the mounting cover (140) may be formed of a metal material.

[0066] The busbar block (130) may have a first busbar block (131) positioned on the front side and a second busbar block (136) positioned on the rear side. The first busbar block (131) has a connecting busbar (133) that connects electrode leads (115) of adjacent battery cells (110) to each other. The second busbar block (136) may have substantially the same configuration as the first busbar block (131). The first busbar block (131) and the second busbar block (136) may further have a circuit board (135) that is connected to each other by a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or the like, and may further have a configuration for measuring voltage, temperature, etc. of the battery cell (110). The configuration for measuring may also be electrically connected to the circuit board (135). The busbar block (130) may also be called a connecting block in that it connects a plurality of battery cells (110).

[0067] The mounting cover (140) may have a first mounting cover (141) that surrounds the first busbar block (131) and a second mounting cover (146) that surrounds the second busbar block (130). The first mounting cover (141) may have an exposed portion (143) that exposes the output terminal (160). The exposed portion (143) may be positioned in an upper corner region corresponding to the output terminal (160). A fixing bracket (144) may be installed on the first mounting cover (141). The fixing bracket (144) is used to fix the battery module (100) to a frame (not shown) of the battery pack. The second mounting cover (146) may have a configuration substantially the same as the first mounting cover (141).

[0068] The output terminal (160) is a configuration for extracting power stored in a plurality of battery cells (110) to the outside. The output terminal (160) is electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells (110). To this end, the output terminal (160) may be coupled to or integrated with one of the connection bus bars (133). The output terminals (160) may be generally arranged along the longitudinal direction (L) and exposed to the outside through the exposed portions (143). The output terminals (160) may be arranged one by one in the exposed portions (143) on both sides of the upper portion of the first mounting cover (141). The output terminals (160) and the bus bar block (130) may be collectively referred to as a connection-output unit in that they electrically connect the plurality of battery cells (110) to output power therefrom.

[0069] The grip unit (170) is configured to be connected to the arm (230, see FIG. 11 above) of the transfer head (200) so that the transfer head (200) can be used to transfer the battery cell (110). The grip unit (170) can be coupled to the first mounting cover (141). The grip unit (170) can also be arranged to overlap the connection bus bar (133) when the bus bar block (130) is viewed from the first mounting cover (141). The grip unit (170) can be formed to protrude outward from the first mounting cover (141) along the longitudinal direction (L) together with the output terminal (160). The grip unit (170) can be provided with a left grip unit (170A) and a right grip unit (170B) corresponding to a pair of output terminals (160).

[0070] The left grip unit (170A) may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with the left output terminal (160). The left grip unit (170A) may be positioned facing the output terminal (160). In the present embodiment, the left grip unit (170A) is positioned to correspond to the lower surface and the right surface of the output terminal (160).

[0071] The right grip unit (170B) may have a structure substantially identical to that of the left grip unit (170A). They may be arranged to face each other. Specifically, they may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line (along the height direction (H)) of the first mounting cover (141).

[0072] Fig. 3 is a partially assembled perspective view showing the coupling relationship between the left grip unit and the first bus bar block in Fig. 1.

[0073] Referring to this drawing, a catch plate (174), which is a part of the left grip unit (170A), can be arranged to catch on the first mounting cover (141). Specifically, the catch plate (174) is supported on one end of the first mounting cover (141) forming the exposed portion (143). As a result, the catch plate (174) can be restricted from moving to the right along the width direction (W).

[0074] The retaining plate (174) can also be coupled to the first busbar block (131). Specifically, the first busbar block (131) has a fixing groove (132). The retaining plate (174) can be inserted into the fixing groove (132) along the longitudinal direction (L). As a result, the retaining plate (174) can be restricted from moving along the height direction (H), the width direction (W), or further along the longitudinal direction (L) with respect to the first busbar block (131).

[0075] The above-described coupling relationship between the catch plate (174) and the first bus bar block (131), and further, the first mounting cover (141), can assist the main coupling by the fusion projection (179, FIG. 6) between the left grip unit (170A) and the first mounting cover (141), which will be described later.

[0076] Fig. 4 is a partial cutaway perspective view showing the left grip unit in Fig. 1.

[0077] Referring to this drawing, the left grip unit (170A) may have a support portion (171) and a receiving portion (173).

[0078] The support member (171) supports the connection between the output terminal (160) and the power take-off bus bar (PB). The power take-off bus bar (PB) electrically connects the battery module (100) to another battery module or a power distribution assembly (Power Relay Assembly). The power take-off bus bar (PB) may be bent while connected to the output terminal (160) and may be arranged to extend along the length direction (L) adjacent to the left or right side of the battery module (100). In this drawing, for the sake of simplicity, the power take-off bus bar (PB) is simply expressed as only the portion corresponding to the upper part of the output terminal (160).

[0079] The support member (171) may be positioned below the output terminal (160). The support member (171) may be coupled with a coupling member that couples the power take-off bus bar (PB) and the output terminal (160). For example, when the coupling member is a bolt (B), the support member (171) is coupled with the bolt (B). For this purpose, the support member (171) may be provided with a nut (172) that is screw-coupled with the bolt (B). When the body of the support member (171) is an injection-molded product, the nut (172) may be a metal member inserted into the body.

[0080] The receiving portion (173) is configured to receive the arm for connection with the arm. The receiving portion (173) has an insertion space (173') into which the arm is inserted. Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 , a pair of receiving portions (173) may be formed such that their facing surfaces are open. This allows the pair of insertion spaces (173') to be open to each other.

[0081] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the left grip unit of Fig. 1, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the left grip unit of Fig. 5 from a different direction.

[0082] Referring to the drawings, the receiving portion (173) may have a larger size along the height direction (H) than the support portion (171). Specifically, even if they start at the same level (H0), the level (H1) at which the support portion (171) extends along the height direction (H) may be lower than the level (H2) at which the receiving portion (173) extends. Accordingly, the output terminal (160) and the power take-off bus bar (PB) arranged on the upper side of the support portion (171) may be structurally insulated from the arm entering the receiving portion (173).

[0083] The receiving portion (173), specifically the insertion space (173'), may have a cross-sectional structure that restricts the arm from moving radially from the central axis of the receiving portion (173) when the arm is inserted into the receiving portion (173). In the present embodiment, the cross-section of the receiving portion (173) (cut along a plane formed by the length direction (L) and the height direction (H)) may have a square shape. However, the cross-section of the receiving portion (173) is not limited to a square shape, and may also have a circular shape, a triangular shape, or other polygonal shapes. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion (173) may not be a continuous shape, but may have a partially removed portion. The receiving portion (173) may have an overall square or triangular shape, but its bottom surface may be completely removed.

[0084] The insertion space (173') of the receiving portion (173) may have a size that allows the arm to be easily inserted. Since the receiving portion (173) is located in an area that does not interfere with the power take-off bus bar (PB), there is little restriction on its size. In addition, since the receiving portion (173) utilizes the space secured by the already protruding output terminal (160), the extent to which the volume of the space occupied by the battery module (100) increases due to the size of the receiving portion (173) is minimal. This is especially true because the receiving portion (173) is arranged between a pair of output terminals (160) and the degree of protrusion of the receiving portion (173) along the longitudinal direction (L) is within the protrusion limit of the output terminal (160).

[0085] The receiving portion (173) may have a front wall (175), a rear wall (176), and an upper wall (177). The front wall (175) and the rear wall (176) are arranged to face each other. The upper wall (177) is a portion that connects the front wall (175) and the rear wall (176).

[0086] The front wall (175) and the rear wall (176) are sequentially arranged along the approach direction of the arm. The approach direction may be a direction from the front toward the rear along the longitudinal direction (L). Along the insertion direction of the arm, the front wall (175) may have a shorter width than the rear wall (176). The insertion direction refers to a direction in which the arm is inserted into the insertion space (173') along the width direction (W). As the arm is inserted into the receiving portion (173) and connected to the grip unit (170), the insertion direction may also be referred to as a connection direction. The insertion direction may be generally perpendicular to the approach direction. According to this structure, the possibility that the front wall (175) interferes with the arm while the arm moves along the approach direction and is aligned along the insertion direction is reduced.

[0087] A reinforcing rib (178) may be formed protrudingly on the outer surface of the receiving portion (173). Specifically, the reinforcing rib (178) may be formed on the upper wall (177). Since the greatest load is applied to the upper wall (177) when the arm is inserted into the insertion space (173') and raised, it is useful to reinforce the strength of the upper wall (177).

[0088] The grip unit (170) may also have a fusion protrusion (179). The fusion protrusion (179) may be formed not only in the receiving portion (173) but also in the support portion (171). The fusion protrusion (179) may be melted and attached to the first mounting cover (141) while being inserted into an insertion hole (not shown) of the first mounting cover (141).

[0089] In the above, the grip unit (170) located on the front side of the battery cell (110) has been described. Hereinafter, the grip unit (180) located on the rear side of the battery cell (110) will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. To distinguish between the two, the former (170) may be referred to as the front or first grip unit, and the latter (180) may be referred to as the rear or second grip unit.

[0090] Fig. 7 is an assembled perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 1 viewed from a different direction, and Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 7 with the second mounting cover removed.

[0091] Referring to the drawings, the battery cell (110) may further include a (rear) grip unit (180) located on the rear side. The grip unit (180) may be connected to the arm together with the grip unit (170) so that the transport device may be used to transport the battery cell (110).

[0092] The grip unit (180) can be coupled to the second bus bar block (136). The grip unit (180) is positioned so as not to overlap with the internal connecting bar (138) of the second bus bar block (136). The internal connecting bar (138) connects adjacent electrode leads (115, FIG. 2) of the battery cell (110) to each other on the rear side.

[0093] The grip unit (180), similar to the front grip unit (170), may be provided as a pair (180A and 180B). These may be referred to as the left grip unit (180A) and the right grip unit (180B), respectively, with reference to FIG. 7.

[0094] The left grip unit (180A) and the right grip unit (180B) may be positioned at the upper corner areas of the second busbar block (136), respectively. They are coupled to the second busbar block (136), but may be connected to the arm via a connecting channel (148) of the second mounting cover (146). Since their configurations are generally the same, they will be described below based on the left grip unit (180A).

[0095] The connecting channel (148) allows the arm to approach the grip unit (180) along the longitudinal direction (L) and be connected to the grip unit (180). The connecting channel (148) may be, for example, a removed portion (partial cutout, or opening) of the second mounting cover (146).

[0096] In this embodiment, the connecting channel (148) is formed by removing the corner region of the second mounting cover (146). Specifically, the connecting channel (148) may have a shape cut only along two cutting planes (148a, 148b). Here, if one cutting plane (148a) is aligned with a first plane containing straight lines along the length direction (L) and the width direction (W), the other cutting plane (148b) may be aligned with a second plane containing straight lines along the height direction (H) and the length direction (L). The two cutting planes (148a, 148b) may intersect each other, for example, have a perpendicular relationship. Since the connecting channel (148) is formed in the corner region of the second mounting cover (146), there is no significant limitation in forming the laser-welded weld (147) for joining the second mounting cover (146) to the top cover (120). The weld (147) ensures sufficient bonding strength between the second mounting cover (146) and the top cover (120) even when located near the corner area. Alternatively, the connecting channel (148) may be a portion made of a material having a closed configuration or flexibility (e.g., a film).

[0097] According to the above configuration, the arm can be coupled to the front grip unit (170) and the rear grip unit (180). For the coupling, the direction in which the arm is inserted into the front grip unit (170) and the direction in which the arm is inserted into the rear grip unit (180) can be different.

[0098] Unlike the above, the arm may be connected only to one of the front grip unit (170) and the rear grip unit (180), and may be connected to a fixed bracket (144, 149) or the like on the side opposite to the one (the front or the rear).

[0099] In an alternative embodiment, the grip unit (170) {or grip unit (180)} may be integrally formed on both the front and the rear. In another alternative embodiment, the grip unit (170 and 180) may be combined to form the grip unit, for example, the grip unit (180) may be disposed on the left side of the front and the grip unit (170) may be disposed on the right side of the front. In another alternative embodiment, when the left grip unit (170A, 180A) is the first grip unit, the right grip unit (170B, 180B) may be the second grip unit. In that case, the first grip unit and the second grip unit may be positioned only on the front or the rear, or may be positioned separately on the front and the rear.

[0100] The specific shape of the grip unit (180) will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the left grip unit of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the left grip unit of FIG. 9 viewed from a different angle.

[0101] Referring to the drawings, the left grip unit (180A) may be formed integrally with, for example, the second busbar block (136). Specifically, the left grip unit (180A) may be injection-molded integrally with the block body (137) of the second busbar block (136). In this case, there is no need to separately manufacture the left grip unit (180A) and then combine it with the block body (137). The left grip unit (180A) may be formed to protrude along the longitudinal direction (L) from the main surface (137a) of the block body (137). The protrusion amount of the left grip unit (180A) may be determined within a range that does not increase the size of the battery module (100) along the longitudinal direction (L). Specifically, the protrusion amount may be determined within a range in which the end of the left grip unit (180A) does not extend beyond the mounting cover (146).

[0102] The size restrictions for the left grip unit (180A), and further for the grip units (170 and 180), have an important meaning for assembling the battery pack. When assembling the battery pack by arranging the battery modules (100) in series, the free space between the battery modules or between the battery module (100) and the frame of the battery pack is very limited. For example, the fixing brackets (144, 149) have a pair of brackets spaced apart from the center by different distances along the width direction (W), and the brackets of the battery modules arranged in series may be arranged staggered along the width direction (W). In that case, the thickness of the frame of the battery pack along the length direction (L) may be approximately the same as the thickness of the fixing brackets (144, 149). In a preferred embodiment, the arm may be configured to move in a free space approximately the thickness of the fixing brackets (144, 149) between the battery modules arranged in series.

[0103] The left grip unit (180A) may have a receiving portion (181) for receiving the arm for connection with the arm. The receiving portion (173) may have a shape that is open toward the outside along the protruding direction of the left grip unit (180A), specifically, the longitudinal direction (L). Accordingly, the arm may approach in a direction toward the main surface (137a) along the longitudinal direction (L) and be inserted into the receiving portion (181). The approach direction and insertion direction of the arm with respect to the receiving portion (181) may be the same along the longitudinal direction (L).

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, the insertion space (181') of the receiving portion (181) may be formed to have a depth that exceeds the main surface (137a) of the block body (137) in the longitudinal direction (L), more specifically, in the direction toward the front. In this case, the force that lifts the receiving portion (181) by inserting the arm into the insertion space (181') can be effectively distributed to the block body (137). In addition, a stroke that allows the arm to sufficiently move into the insertion space (181') can be secured without the receiving portion (181) protruding significantly along the longitudinal direction (L). This configuration allows the overall size of the battery module (100) to be further reduced, thereby improving the energy density of the battery module (100).

[0105] The receiving portion (181) may have a cross-sectional shape that restricts the movement of the arm in a radial direction from its central axis (along the longitudinal direction (L)). In the present embodiment, the cross-section of the receiving portion (181) is exemplified as a square shape. The cross-section of the receiving portion (181) is not limited to a square shape, and may also have a circular or other polygonal shape, such as a triangle. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion (181) may not be a continuous shape, but may have a partially removed portion. The receiving portion (181) may have an overall square or triangular shape, but the bottom surface along the height direction (H) of the receiving portion (181) may be completely removed.

[0106] In order to reinforce the receiving portion (181), a reinforcing loop (183) and / or a reinforcing rib (185) may be formed. When the reinforcing loop (183) is positioned below the receiving portion (181), the reinforcing rib (185) may be positioned above the receiving portion (181). As a result, the reinforcing loop (183) and the reinforcing rib (185) are positioned on opposite sides along the height direction (H) with respect to the receiving portion (181).

[0107] The reinforcing loop (183) is connected to the receiving portion (181). Specifically, the lower wall (182a) of the receiving portion (181) may be the upper wall of the reinforcing loop (183). The space defined by the cross-section of the reinforcing loop (183) may be smaller than the space defined by the cross-section of the receiving portion (181). The length of the reinforcing loop (183) along the width direction (W) may be substantially the same as that of the receiving portion (181).

[0108] A reinforcing rib (185) is formed on the outer surface of the receiving portion (181). Specifically, it may be formed to protrude on the outer surface of the upper wall (182b) of the receiving portion (181). The reinforcing rib (185) may be formed to extend along the longitudinal direction (L).

[0109] The left grip unit (180A) may also further have a stop rib (187). The stop rib (187) is formed to protrude from the side surface (137b) of the block body (137). The stop rib (187) is formed to extend across two adjacent outer surfaces in the corner region of the block body (137). Accordingly, the stop rib (187) may have a section extending along the width direction (W) and a section extending along the height direction (H). The stop rib (187) prevents the left grip unit (180A) from entering the space defined by the top cover (120) while a portion of the block body (137) is inserted into the space. Accordingly, the stop rib (187) allows the block body (137) and the left grip unit (180A) to be accurately positioned at a set position along the length direction (L).

[0110] Now, referring to FIGS. 11 to 17, a transfer head (200) and a transfer method for transferring a battery module will be described.

[0111] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a battery module transfer head is connected to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a battery module and a transfer head from a different direction from FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a battery module and a transfer head are coupled according to a modified example of FIG. 12.

[0112] Referring to these drawings, the transfer head (200) is connected to the battery module (100) to move the battery module (100). The battery modules (100) can be assembled into a battery pack. Specifically, the transfer head (200) may include a body (210), a first arm (230), a first connection unit (240), a stopping unit (250), a second arm (270), and a second connection unit (280).

[0113] The body (210) is a configuration on which the first arm (230), etc. are installed. Specifically, the body (210) may have a main frame (211) and sub-frames (213, 215). The main frame (211) may have a shape extending along the longitudinal direction (L). The sub-frames (213, 215) may be installed at both ends of the main frame (211) along the longitudinal direction (L). One (213) of the sub-frames (213, 215) may be positioned corresponding to the front of the battery module (100), and the other (215) may be positioned corresponding to the rear of the battery module (100). The sub-frames (213, 215) may be formed to extend along the width direction (W). The body (210) may have a size generally corresponding to the size of the battery module (100).

[0114] The first arm (230) is configured to be connected to the first grip unit (170). The first arm (230) is movably installed on the first sub-frame (213) and positioned corresponding to the first grip unit (170). Specifically, the first arm (230) may be configured with a 1-1 arm (231) connected to the left or 1-1 grip unit (170A), and a 1-2 arm (235) connected to the right or 1-2 grip unit (170B). The 1-1 arm (231) may have, for example, a (first) finger (233) inserted into the 1-1 grip unit (170A). The configuration of the 1-2 arm (235) is generally the same as that of the 1-1 arm (231), but may be arranged to face a different direction from the 1-1 arm.

[0115] The first connection unit (240) is configured to connect the first arm (230) to the first grip unit (170). To this end, the first connection unit (240) is installed in the body (210) and formed to move the first arm (230) toward the first grip unit (170), for example, along the width direction (W). The first connection unit (240) may specifically include a 1-1 connection unit (241) that moves the 1-1 arm (231) relative to the 1-1 grip unit (170A), and a 1-2 connection unit (245) that moves the 1-2 arm (235) relative to the 1-2 grip unit (170B). The 1-1 connection unit (241) is connected to the 1-1 arm (231) via a connection shaft (242), thereby allowing the 1-1 arm to move linearly. The first-first connecting unit (241) may be, for example, a hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder, a linear motor, etc. A support shaft (243) may be arranged parallel to the connecting shaft (242). The support shaft (243) may be installed movably with respect to the body (210) while being connected to the first-first arm (231). The first-second connecting unit (245) may be configured substantially the same as the first-first connecting unit (241).

[0116] The stopping unit (250) is configured to stop the body (210) at a set position along the height direction (H) with respect to the battery module (100). Specifically, the stopping unit (250) may include a position detector (251) and a position regulator (255).

[0117] The position sensor (251) is configured to detect whether the body (210) has reached the set position while descending in the height direction (H). The position sensor (251) may have a displacement rod (251a) that is compressed when in contact with the battery module (100). The displacement rod (251a) is installed in a position regulator (255) to be described later, and may be arranged to extend along the height direction (H). Alternatively, the displacement rod (251a) may be installed in the body (210), specifically, in the main frame (211). The displacement rod (251a) is restored to its pre-compressed state by a spring (251b) when it is not in contact with the battery module (100). When the position sensor (251) detects the set position, the transport device may slow down the speed of the transport head (200) moving toward the battery module (100) and finally stop it at the set position. In contrast to the above, a sensor that measures the distance to the battery module (100) without contact with the battery module (100), such as an optical sensor, may be employed as the position detector (251).

[0118] The position regulator (255) is configured to maintain the body (210) at the set position. The position regulator (255) may include a first regulator (256) and a second regulator (257). The first regulator (256) prevents the body (210) from descending from the set position along the height direction (H). To this end, the first regulator (256) may be coupled to the body (210) and formed to support a corner portion of the battery module (100). The first regulator (256) may have a form in which both ends of the body extending along the width direction (W) are bent and extended along the height direction (H). The first regulators (256) may be arranged to correspond to each other on both sides of the main frame (211). In the present embodiment, the first regulators (256) may be provided in two pairs corresponding to each other based on the main frame (211). Furthermore, a first regulator (256) may be additionally provided between the first-first arm (231) and the first-second arm (235). A second regulator (257) may be coupled to the second sub-frame (215). The second regulator (257) may include an insertion rod (257a) that is inserted into the receiving hole (149a) of the fixing bracket (149) as the transfer head (200) moves along the height direction (H). By inserting the insertion rod (257a) into the receiving portion (181), the body (210) will not move along the length direction (L) and the width direction (W) with respect to the battery module (100). The insertion rods (257a) may also be provided as a pair corresponding to a pair of fixing brackets (149). Both the first regulator (256) and the second regulator (257) can be employed, or alternatively, only one of them can be employed.

[0119] The second arm (270) is configured to be connected to the second grip unit (180). The second arm (270) is movably installed on the second sub-frame (215) and is specifically positioned to correspond to the second grip unit (180). The second arm (270) may specifically be configured with a 2-1 arm (271) connected to the left or 2-1 grip unit (180A), and a 2-2 arm (275) connected to the right or 2-2 grip unit (180B). The 2-1 arm (271) may have, for example, a (second) finger (273) inserted into the 2-1 grip unit (180A). The configuration of the 2-2 arm (275) may be substantially the same as the configuration of the 2-1 arm (271).

[0120] The second connecting unit (280) is configured to connect the second arm (270) to the second grip unit (180). To this end, the second connecting unit (280) is installed in the body (210) and is formed to move the second arm (270) toward the second grip unit (180), for example, along the longitudinal direction (L). Unlike the first connecting unit (240), the second connecting unit (280) may have one actuator (281). The actuator (281) may be installed with respect to the body (210). The actuator (281) is connected to a mounting frame (285), and the second-first arm (271) and the second-second arm (275) are connected to the mounting frame (285). The actuator (281) moves the mounting frame (285) linearly, so that the second-first arm (271) and the second-second arm (275) move together with the mounting frame (285). The actuator (281) may be, for example, a hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder, a linear motor, etc. The mounting frame (285) may also be connected to a guide shaft (287) and supported by the guide shaft (287) when moving along the longitudinal direction (L). The guide shaft (287) may be movably inserted into the sub-frame (215).

[0121] Here, the second sub-frame (215) can be positioned so as not to extend beyond the end of the battery module (100) along the longitudinal direction (L). With this configuration, even when the mounting frame (285) is positioned at its furthest distance from the battery module (100), the end of the mounting frame (285) may not extend beyond the fixing bracket (149).

[0122] In the above, the first connection unit (240) and the second connection unit (280) may not be employed in the transfer head (200). In that case, the first arm (230) and the second arm (270) may be moved by the operator relative to the grip units (170 and 180).

[0123] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing a battery module transport method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Referring to this drawing, for transporting the battery module (100), the first arm (230) of the transport head (200) is connected to the first grip unit (170) according to the operation of the first connection unit (240). This process may be referred to as the first connection step (S1).

[0125] The second arm (270) of the transfer head (200) is connected to the second grip unit (180) according to the operation of the second connection unit (280). This process may be referred to as the second connection step (S3).

[0126] Thereafter, the transfer device moves the transfer head (200) to transfer the battery modules (100) to another location. A plurality of battery modules (100) can be transferred to one location and assembled into a battery pack.

[0127] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram showing one connection method of a transfer head to a battery module.

[0128] Referring to this drawing (and FIGS. 11 and 12), the connection direction (first direction) of the first arm (230) to the first grip unit (170) may be along the width direction (W). In contrast, the connection direction (second direction) of the second arm (270) to the second grip unit (180) may be along the length direction (L). As a result, the connection direction of the first arm (230) may be along a direction intersecting, specifically perpendicular to, the connection direction of the second arm (270).

[0129] The connection direction (C1) of the 1-1 arm (231) to the 1-1 grip unit (170A) is a direction toward the left in the drawing in the width direction (W). In contrast, the connection direction (C2) of the 1-2 arm (235) to the 1-2 grip unit (170B) is a direction toward the right in the drawing in the width direction (W). As a result, the connection direction (C1) of the 1-1 arm (231) may be in a different direction from the connection direction (C2) of the 1-2 arm (235), specifically, in opposite directions.

[0130] The connection direction (C3) of the 2-1 arm (271) to the 2-1 grip unit (180A) and the connection direction (C4) of the 2-2 arm (275) to the 2-2 grip unit (180B) can both be along the longitudinal direction (L). The connection directions (C3 and C4) of the grip units (180A and 180B) can be in the same direction among the longitudinal directions (L), specifically, in the direction approaching the rear of the battery module (100).

[0131] In the first connection step (S1) and the second connection step (S3, see also FIG. 13), the arms (230, 270) must approach the grip unit (170, 180) before being connected to the grip unit (170, 180). The approach direction (A) of the arms (230, 270) may be a direction along the height direction (H), which may be a direction facing downward in the drawing. This direction may be a direction in which the transfer head (200) descends toward the battery module (100). Consequently, the approach direction (A) may be the same direction for both the first arm (230) and the second arm (270).

[0132] Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram showing another method of connecting a transfer head to a battery module.

[0133] Referring to this drawing (and FIGS. 11 and 12), the battery module (100') may, unlike the previous battery module (100), have the 1-1 grip unit (170A) positioned on the front side and the 1-2 grip unit (170B) positioned on the rear side.

[0134] In this case, the first-first arm (231) can move along the connection direction (C1) on the front side, and the first-second arm (235) can move along the connection direction (C2) on the rear side. The connection directions (C1 and C2) still follow the width direction (W). In addition, the connection directions (C1) and (C2) still point in opposite directions.

[0135] Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a case where the transfer head is separated from the battery module after the battery modules are arranged in series.

[0136] Referring further to this drawing, even if the battery modules (100A, 100B) are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction (L) when assembling the battery pack, the battery module (100A) arranged in front may not restrict the movement of the first arm (230) with respect to the battery module (100B) arranged behind. This is because, as the first arm (230) moves (C1', C2') along the width direction (W) to disconnect the first grip unit (170) of the battery module (100B), the movement of the first arm (230) may not be restricted by the adjacent battery module (100A) along the longitudinal direction (L).

[0137] In order to disconnect the second grip unit (180) of the battery module (100B), the second arm (270) must move along the longitudinal direction (L). The range of movement (C3', C4') of the second arm (270) moving along the longitudinal direction (L) at the rear of the battery module (100B) can substantially correspond to the thickness of the fixed bracket along the longitudinal direction (L) as described above, and therefore is not restricted by other battery modules or frames arranged around it.

[0138]

[0139] The present invention has industrial applicability in the field of battery module transport.

Claims

1. A first connecting step of connecting the first arm of the transfer head to the first grip unit of the battery module; A second connecting step for connecting the second arm of the transfer head to the second grip unit of the battery module; and A step of moving the transfer head to move the battery module is included, The connection direction of the first arm to the first grip unit is: A method for transporting a battery module, the method being in a direction intersecting with the connection direction of the second arm to the second grip unit.

2. In paragraph 1, The connection direction of the first arm to the first grip unit is: A method for transporting a battery module, the method being perpendicular to the connection direction of the second arm to the second grip unit.

3. In paragraph 1, The connection direction of the second arm to the second grip unit is: Following the longitudinal direction of the above battery module, The connection direction of the first arm to the first grip unit is: A method for transporting a battery module, the method comprising: transporting the battery module along a width direction intersecting the length direction of the battery module.

4. In paragraph 1, The above connection direction is, A battery module transport method, wherein one of the first arm and the second arm is inserted into a corresponding one of the first grip unit and the second grip unit.

5. In paragraph 1, The above first connection step is, A step of connecting the first-first arm to the first-first grip unit; and Including a step of connecting the first-second arm to the first-second grip unit, The connection direction of the above 1-1 arm to the above 1-1 grip unit is, A method for transporting a battery module, wherein the direction of connection of the first-second arm to the first-second grip unit is different from that of the first-second arm.

6. In paragraph 5, The connection direction of the above 1-1 arm to the above 1-1 grip unit is, A method for transporting a battery module, the direction being opposite to the connection direction of the first-second arm to the first-second grip unit.

7. In paragraph 1, The above first connection step is, A step of approaching the first arm toward the first grip unit prior to connection to the first grip unit, The second connection step is: A step of approaching the second arm toward the second grip unit prior to connection to the second grip unit, The direction of approach of the first arm toward the first grip unit is: A method for transporting a battery module, the method being in the same direction as the approach direction of the second arm toward the second grip unit.

8. Step of connecting the 1-1 arm of the transfer head to the 1-1 grip unit of the battery module; A step of connecting the first and second arms of the transfer head to the first and second grip units of the battery module; and A transfer step for moving the battery module by moving the transfer head is included. The connection direction of the above 1-1 arm to the above 1-1 grip unit is, A method for transporting a battery module, the direction being opposite to the connection direction of the first-second arm to the first-second grip unit.

9. In paragraph 8, The above 1-1 cancer and the above 1-2 cancer, A battery module transport method, wherein the battery module is moved along a width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the battery module for connection to a corresponding one of the first-first grip unit and the first-second grip unit.

10. Body; A first arm movably installed on the above body and positioned to correspond to the first grip unit of the battery module; A first connecting unit formed to move the first arm and connect it to the first grip unit; A second arm movably installed on the body and positioned to correspond to the second grip unit of the battery module; and A second connecting unit is formed to move the second arm and connect it to the second grip unit, The connection direction in which the first connection unit connects the first arm to the first grip unit is: A battery module transfer head, wherein the second connecting unit intersects the connecting direction connecting the second arm to the second grip unit.

11. In paragraph 10, The above first grip unit, Includes a first-first grip unit and a first-second grip unit arranged to face each other, The above first cancer is, A first-first arm formed to correspond to the first-first grip unit; and Including a first-second arm formed to correspond to the first-second grip unit, The above first connecting unit, A 1-1 connecting unit connecting the 1-1 arm to the 1-1 grip unit; and Including a first-second connecting unit that connects the first-second arm to the first-second grip unit, The connection direction in which the above 1-1 connection unit connects the above 1-1 arm to the above 1-1 grip unit is, A battery module transfer head, wherein the first-second connecting unit is connected in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first-second arm is connected to the first-second grip unit.

12. In paragraph 10, The above second grip unit, Includes a 2-1 grip unit and a 2-2 grip unit, The second cancer is, A second-1 arm formed to correspond to the second-1 grip unit; and Including a 2-2 arm formed to correspond to the above 2-2 grip unit, The above second connecting unit, A battery module transfer head configured to move the second-1 arm and the second-2 arm along the same direction.

13. In paragraph 12, The above second connecting unit, A mounting frame on which the above 2-1 arm and the above 2-2 arm are installed; and A battery module transfer head comprising an actuator that drives the mounting frame in a straight direction.

14. Body; A first-first arm movably installed on the above body and positioned to correspond to the first-first grip unit of the battery module; A 1-1 connecting unit formed to move the 1-1 arm and connect it to the 1-1 grip unit; A first-second arm movably installed on the body and positioned to correspond to the first-second grip unit of the battery module; and Including a first-second connecting unit formed to move the first-second arm and connect it to the first-second grip unit, The connection direction in which the above 1-1 connection unit connects the above 1-1 arm to the above 1-1 grip unit is, A battery module transfer head, wherein the first-second connecting unit is connected in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first-second arm is connected to the first-second grip unit.

15. In paragraph 14, The above 1-1 cancer and the above 1-2 cancer, A battery module transfer head formed to move along a width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the battery module for connection to a corresponding one of the first-first grip unit and the first-second grip unit.

16. Body; A first arm movably installed in the first direction on the body and positioned to correspond to the first grip unit of the battery module; and A second arm is installed in the body so as to be movable along a second direction and is positioned to correspond to a second grip unit of the battery module, The above first cancer is, comprising a first finger connected to the first grip unit as it moves along the first direction; The second cancer is, comprising a second finger connected to the second grip unit as it moves along the second direction; The above first direction and the above second direction are, Battery module transfer heads set to intersect each other.

17. In paragraph 16, One of the first finger and the second finger, A battery module transfer head formed to be inserted into one of the first grip unit and the second grip unit for connection with one of the first grip unit and the second grip unit.

18. In paragraph 16, A battery module transfer head further comprising a stopping unit installed on the body and formed to stop the body at a set position for the battery module.

19. In paragraph 18, The above stopping unit is, A battery module transfer head comprising an insertion rod that is inserted into a receiving hole of a fixing bracket of the battery module as the body moves toward the battery module.

20. In paragraph 18, The above stopping unit is, A battery module transfer head comprising a position detector configured to detect whether the body has reached the set position while moving toward the battery module.

Images