Battery cell tray

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell tray and, more specifically, to a battery cell tray for storing and transferring stacked battery cells. The battery cell tray according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell fixing unit in which battery cells are fixed; a position measuring unit that measures the positions of the individual battery cells inserted into the cell fixing unit; and a processor that calculates the fixed positions of the individual battery cells fixed in the cell fixing unit through data measured by the position measuring unit. Accordingly, the positions of the battery cells inserted into the cell fixing unit are automatically measured so that the fixed positions at which the battery cells are fixed in the cell fixing unit can be identified.

Description

Battery cell tray

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0131081, filed September 27, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery cell tray, and more particularly, to a battery cell tray for storing and transporting loaded battery cells.

[0005] Secondary batteries (rechargeable batteries) are rechargeable and dischargeable, unlike primary batteries, which are non-rechargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small, portable electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and camcorders, while high-capacity batteries are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid vehicles and other vehicles.

[0006] Secondary batteries can be utilized in the form of battery cells. These cells consist of multiple electrodes alternately stacked within an outer shell, separated by a separator, and the internal space of the outer shell is filled with an electrolyte. Once assembled, the battery cells are stored in battery trays until they are shipped as quality products, and can be transported while still loaded on the trays.

[0007] In conventional battery trays, fixing plates that fix the inserted battery cells are injected, and in order to distinguish the battery cells, the worker separately recorded the ID of the battery cell and the location of each fixing plate on which the battery cell is fixed.

[0008] In this case, the worker had to separately record the ID of the battery cells as many times as the number of battery cells fixed to the fixed plate, which resulted in an increase in work load and a decrease in productivity.

[0009] Additionally, there was a problem that battery cell management errors occurred because workers could incorrectly enter the ID of a battery cell or omit entering the ID of a battery cell.

[0010] The present invention has been conceived in recognition of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell tray capable of automatically identifying the position of each loaded battery cell.

[0011] A battery cell tray according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a cell fixing portion to which battery cells are fixed; a position measuring portion for measuring the positions of each battery cell inserted into the cell fixing portion; and a processor for calculating the fixing positions of each battery cell fixed to the cell fixing portion based on data measured by the position measuring portion.

[0012] The battery cell tray may further include a frame spaced apart from the cell fixing portion and through which the battery cells inserted into the cell fixing portion pass; and a connecting member connecting the cell fixing portion and the frame.

[0013] The frame may include a pair of inner surfaces facing each other with the battery cells interposed therebetween.

[0014] The position measuring unit may include a barcode scanner that reads the barcode of the battery cell inserted into the cell fixing unit; and a position measuring sensor that measures the position of the battery cell inserted into the cell fixing unit.

[0015] The above position measuring sensor may be a LiDAR sensor that measures the distance to a battery cell inserted into the cell fixing unit.

[0016] The above barcode scanner and the position measurement sensor can be installed in the frame.

[0017] The above barcode scanner and the position measuring sensor may be installed at a position higher than the upper part of the battery cell fixed to the cell fixing part on the inner surface of the frame.

[0018] The processor can calculate the fixed position of each battery cell fixed to the cell fixing unit by comparing the distance from the position measuring sensor to the battery cell inserted into the cell fixing unit with a preset reference distance.

[0019] The above reference distance may be the distance between the position measuring sensor attached to the first inner surface of the frame and the second inner surface facing the first inner surface.

[0020] Meanwhile, in the battery cell tray according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the cell fixing unit includes a fixing unit having a plurality of coupling grooves formed to fit the battery cells; and a base plate on which the fixing unit is installed.

[0021] The above plurality of coupling grooves can be formed in a row along the length direction of the fixed unit.

[0022] A lead movement line through which the electrode leads of the battery cell pass may be formed on each of one side and the other side of the above-mentioned joining groove.

[0023] The above fixed unit can be installed and attached to the surface of the base plate.

[0024] A battery cell tray according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a cell fixing portion to which battery cells are fixed, a position measuring portion for measuring the positions of battery cells inserted into the cell fixing portion, and a processor for calculating the fixing positions of each of the battery cells fixed to the cell fixing portion based on data measured by the position measuring portion, thereby having the advantageous effect of automatically measuring the positions of the battery cells inserted into the cell fixing portion and identifying the fixing positions of the battery cells fixed within the cell fixing portion.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell tray according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which the ID and position of a battery cell into which a position measuring unit is inserted are measured in a battery cell tray according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 is a plan view of a battery cell tray according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a right side view of a battery cell tray according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0029] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0030] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0031] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0032] Hereinafter, a battery cell tray according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0033]

[0034] Example 1

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell tray according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which an ID and position of a battery cell into which a position measuring unit is inserted are measured in a battery cell tray according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery cell tray (1) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a cell fixing unit (100) to which battery cells (10) are fixed, a position measuring unit (400) that measures the positions of the battery cells (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100), and a processor (500) that calculates the fixing positions of each of the battery cells (10) fixed to the cell fixing unit (100) using data measured by the position measuring unit (400). In this case, the position measuring unit (400) automatically measures the positions of the battery cells (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100), and the processor (500) uses the measured position data to determine the positions of the battery cells (10) fixed to the cell fixing unit (100), thereby having the advantageous effect of automatically determining the fixing positions of each of the battery cells (10) fixed to the battery cell tray (1).

[0037] The battery cell (10) is a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged, and may include an electrode assembly in which electrodes are alternately laminated with a separator in between, an outer material (11) that surrounds the electrode assembly, and a pair of electrode leads (12) that are connected to the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly and protrude outward from the outer material (11).

[0038] A sealing member is interposed between the outer material (11) and the electrode lead (12), and the interior of the outer material (11) can be filled with an electrolyte. In this case, the electrode assembly can be accommodated in the outer material (11) while being impregnated with the electrolyte.

[0039] The outer case (11) may have various structures. For example, the outer case (11) may be a hollow rectangular metal case having a space formed therein to accommodate an electrode assembly. In this case, the battery cell (10) may be a square battery cell. In addition, a barcode (13) containing the ID of the battery cell (10) may be formed on the outer case (11).

[0040] The electrode lead (12) is connected to the electrode tab of the electrode assembly and can electrically connect the electrode inside the battery cell (10) to the outside. The electrode lead (12) is composed of a positive lead connected to the positive tab and a negative lead connected to the negative tab, and a portion of the electrode lead (12) can protrude to the outside of the outer material (11).

[0041] Meanwhile, the battery cell (10) may be a bidirectional battery cell or a unidirectional battery cell. If the battery cell (10) is a bidirectional battery cell, the electrode lead (12) may protrude from one side and the other side of the outer material (11), respectively. In addition, if the battery cell (10) is a unidirectional battery cell, the electrode lead (12) may protrude from only one side of the outer material (11).

[0042] The battery cell tray (1) is a carrier that stores and transports assembled battery cells (10) until shipment, and the battery cell tray (1) may include a battery cell fixing member (100) that fixes and supports the inserted battery cells (10).

[0043] The cell fixing unit (100) fixes and supports battery cells (10) inserted into a battery cell tray (1). The cell fixing unit (100) may include a fixing unit (110) that fixes battery cells (10) inserted into the battery cell tray (1) and a base plate (120) on which the fixing unit (120) is installed.

[0044] The fixing unit (110) fixes a plurality of battery cells (10) and may be configured in various ways. For example, the fixing unit (110) may be formed with a plurality of distinct cell insertion spaces in which each of the inserted battery cells (10) is seated, and the fixing unit (110) may include a clamping member that clamps and fixes each of the battery cells (10) inserted into the battery cell tray (1).

[0045] The base plate (120) is an installation plate on which the fixing unit (110) is installed, and may be configured in various ways. For example, the base plate (120) may include a flat stage on which the fixing unit (110) is installed and an upwardly protruding wall portion surrounding the edge of the stage.

[0046] The position measuring unit (400) measures the positions of each of the battery cells (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100), and can automatically measure the insertion positions of each of the battery cells (10) at the moment each of the battery cells (10) is inserted into the cell fixing unit (100). Specifically, the position measuring unit (400) can automatically determine the insertion positions of each type of battery cell (10) by measuring the type of battery cell (10) being inserted and the insertion position into which the corresponding battery cell (10) is inserted.

[0047] The processor (500) calculates the fixing position of each of the battery cells (10) fixed to the cell fixing unit (100) through the data measured by the position measuring unit (400), and can automatically calculate the fixing position at which each of the battery cells (10) is completely inserted and fixed to the cell fixing unit (100) from the position at the moment when each of the battery cells (10) is inserted into the cell fixing unit (100). In this case, since the fixing position of each of the battery cells (10) loaded in the battery cell tray (1) can be automatically calculated, there is an advantageous effect of automatically being able to determine at which position of the battery cell tray (1) a specific battery cell (10) is fixed.

[0048] Meanwhile, the battery cell tray (1) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a frame (200) that is spaced apart from the cell fixing unit (100) and through which battery cells (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100) pass, and a connecting member (300) that connects the cell fixing unit (100) and the frame (200).

[0049] The frame (200) is a member spaced upwardly from the cell fixing unit (100) and may be configured in various ways. For example, the frame (200) may have a square or circular ring shape spaced upwardly from the cell fixing unit (100). In this case, the battery cells (10) may pass through the ring-shaped frame (200) and be inserted into the cell fixing unit (100) located at the bottom of the frame (200).

[0050] The connecting member (300) connects the cell fixing unit (100) and the frame (200) and can be configured in various ways. For example, the connecting member (300) may have a square plate shape extending upward from the cell fixing unit (100) to the frame (200). In addition, the connecting member (300) may have a rod shape extending upward from the cell fixing unit (100) to the frame (200).

[0051] The battery cell tray (1) may be composed of various materials. In this case, the cell fixing member (100), frame (200), and connecting member (300) constituting the battery cell tray (1) may all be composed of the same material. For example, the cell fixing member (100), frame (200), and connecting member (300) may be composed of a metal such as aluminum or a plastic material such as synthetic resin.

[0052] Meanwhile, when the frame (200) has a rectangular ring shape, the frame (200) may include a pair of inner surfaces (210, 220) facing each other with the inserted battery cells (10) interposed therebetween. At this time, a position measuring unit (400) may be installed on the first inner surface (210), and a reference surface (220a) which is a position measuring reference of the position measuring unit (400) may be formed on the second inner surface.

[0053] Specifically, the position measuring unit (400) may include a barcode scanner (410) that reads the barcode (13) of a battery cell (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100) and a position measuring sensor (420) that measures the position of the battery cell (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100).

[0054] The barcode scanner (410) identifies the ID of the battery cell (10) through the barcode (13) written on the surface of the outer material (11) at the moment the battery cell (10) is inserted into the cell fixing member (100), and can be configured in various ways. For example, the barcode scanner (410) can include a laser diode that acts as a light source and a prism that scans the information of the barcode (13) by scanning a laser beam that has passed through the barcode (13).

[0055] The position measurement sensor (420) measures the insertion position at the moment when the battery cell (10) is inserted into the cell fixing unit (100), and can be configured in various ways. For example, the position measurement sensor (420) may be a LiDAR sensor that measures the distance to the battery cell (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100). In this case, the position measurement sensor (420) can measure the insertion position of the battery cell (10) through a pulse laser that is reflected and returned by the battery cell (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100).

[0056] Meanwhile, a barcode scanner (410) and a position measurement sensor (420) may be installed in the frame (200). Specifically, the barcode scanner (410) and the position measurement sensor (420) may be installed in parallel on the first inner surface (210) of the rectangular ring-shaped frame (200).

[0057] At this time, there is no particular limitation on the method by which the barcode scanner (410) and the position measurement sensor (420) are installed on the first inner surface (210). For example, the barcode scanner (410) and the position measurement sensor (420) may be installed by being attached to the first inner surface (210) using an adhesive or adhesive tape. In addition, the barcode scanner (410) and the position measurement sensor (420) may be fixedly installed on the first inner surface (210) using a fixing member such as a bolt.

[0058] In addition, the barcode scanner (410) and the position measuring sensor (420) may be installed at a position higher than the upper end of the battery cell (10) fixed to the cell fixing part (100) among the inner surfaces of the frame (200). Specifically, the barcode scanner (410) and the position measuring sensor (420) may be installed side by side at a position higher than the upper end of the battery cell (10) fixed to the cell fixing part (100) among the first inner surfaces (210) of the frame (200).

[0059] In this case, the ID and insertion position of the battery cell (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100) are measured at a position higher than the upper end of the battery cells (10) already fixed to the cell fixing unit (100), so that even when a plurality of battery cells (10) are fixed to the cell fixing unit (100), the ID and insertion position of the newly inserted battery cell (10) can be identified.

[0060] Meanwhile, the processor (500) can calculate the fixed position of each of the battery cells (10) fixed to the cell fixing unit (100) by comparing the distance (D2) from the position measurement sensor (420) to the battery cell (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100) with a preset reference distance (D1). Specifically, the position measurement sensor (420) can measure the distance (D2) between the position measurement sensor (420) and the battery cell (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100) by irradiating a laser to the battery cell (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100).

[0061] At this time, the reference distance (D1) may be the distance between the position measurement sensor (420) attached to the first inner surface (210) of the frame (200) and the second inner surface (220) facing the first inner surface (210). Specifically, the reference distance (D1) is the distance between the position measurement sensor (420) and the reference surface (220a) formed on the second inner surface (220), which may be measured in advance by the position measurement sensor (420) and input to the processor (500).

[0062] The processor (500) can compare a preset reference distance (D1) with a distance (D2) between the position measuring sensor (420) and the battery cell (10) inserted into the cell fixing unit (100) to calculate at what position of the cell fixing unit (100) the inserted battery cell (10) is fixed. Specifically, the processor (500) calculates a ratio of the preset reference distance (D1) and the insertion distance (D2) measured at the moment the battery cell (10) is inserted into the cell fixing unit (100), and can calculate in advance the fixed position of the battery cell (10) in the cell fixing unit (100) based on the size of the calculated ratio.

[0063] In this case, the processor (500) records the ID information of all battery cells (10) fixed to the cell fixing unit (100), so that the user can determine at which fixing position of the cell fixing unit (100) a specific battery cell (10) is fixed.

[0064]

[0065] Example 2

[0066] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a battery cell tray according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a right side view of a battery cell tray according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0067] The battery cell tray according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention differs from Embodiment 1 in that a joining groove is formed in the fixing unit of the cell fixing portion. Common contents with Embodiment 1 will be omitted as much as possible, and Embodiment 2 will be described focusing on the differences. In other words, it is self-evident that contents not described in Embodiment 2, if necessary, may be considered as contents of Embodiment 1.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the battery cell tray (1) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the cell fixing unit (100) includes a fixing unit (110) having a plurality of coupling grooves (112) formed therein in which battery cells (10) are fitted and coupled, and a base plate (120) on which the fixing unit (110) is installed. In this case, the battery cells (10) are fixed while being inserted into the coupling grooves (112), so that even when the battery cells (10) are transported by the battery cell tray (1), there is an advantageous effect of being able to prevent the fixing positions of the battery cells (10) from changing.

[0069] Here, the fixed unit (110) may include a body part (111) installed on a base plate (120) and a plurality of coupling grooves (112) formed in the body part (111). At this time, the plurality of coupling grooves (112) may be arranged in a row along the length direction of the fixed unit (110).

[0070] The shape of the joining groove (112) may correspond to the shape of the battery cell (10) to be inserted. Specifically, when the battery cell (10) is a square battery cell having a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped outer material (11) and electrode leads (12) protruding from one side and the other side of the outer material (11), the joining groove (112) may include a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped main groove (112a) and lead movement lines (112b, 112c) formed on one side and the other side of the main groove (112a), respectively. At this time, the main groove (112a) may correspond to the shape of the outer material (11), and the lead movement lines (112b, 112c) may correspond to the shape of the electrode leads (12) protruding outward from the outer material (11) of the battery cell (10) so that the electrode leads (12) of the battery cell (10) being inserted pass through them.

[0071] Meanwhile, the barcode scanner (410) can identify the ID of the battery cell (10) by reading the barcode (13) of the battery cell (10) at the moment the battery cell (10) is inserted into the joining groove (112), and the position measuring unit (420) can measure the insertion position of the battery cell (10) by measuring the distance (D2) to the battery cell (10) at the moment the battery cell (10) is inserted into the joining groove (112).

[0072] At this time, the processor (500) can calculate the fixed position of the battery cell (10) inserted and fixed into the coupling groove (112) by comparing the distance (D2) between the position measuring unit (420) and the battery cell (10) inserted into the coupling groove (112) with the preset reference distance (D1).

[0073] The reference distance (D1) may be the distance between the position measurement sensor (420) attached to the first inner surface (210) of the ring-shaped frame (200) and the second inner surface (220) facing the first inner surface (210). Specifically, the reference distance (D1) is the distance between the position measurement sensor (420) and the reference surface (220a) formed on the second inner surface (220), which may be measured in advance by the position measurement sensor (420) and input to the processor (500).

[0074] The processor (500) can compare a preset reference distance (D1) with a distance (D2) between the position measuring sensor (420) and the battery cell (10) inserted into the coupling groove (112) to calculate at which position of the coupling groove (112) the inserted battery cell (10) is fixed. Accordingly, the processor (500) calculates a ratio of the preset reference distance (D1) and the insertion distance (D2) measured at the moment the battery cell (10) is inserted into the coupling groove (112), and can calculate in advance in which coupling groove (112) the battery cell (10) is inserted based on the size of the calculated ratio.

[0075] At this time, the processor (500) also records the ID information of the battery cells (10) that are inserted and fixed into the coupling groove (112), so that the user can easily determine which coupling groove (112) a specific battery cell (10) is inserted and fixed into.

[0076] Meanwhile, the fixed unit (110) can be attached and installed on the surface of the base plate (120). Specifically, the lower surface of the body portion (111) of the fixed unit (110) can be attached and installed on the upper surface of the base plate (120).

[0077] Here, the body portion (111) can be attached to the base plate (120) in various ways. For example, an adhesive layer composed of an adhesive tape or adhesive may be formed between the lower surface of the body portion (111) and the upper surface of the base plate (120). In addition, the body portion (111) may be fixed in a state of being attached to the base plate (120) by a fixing member such as a bolt.

[0078]

[0079] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope equivalent to the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0080]

[0081] [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1: Battery cell tray 10: Battery cell

[0083] 11: Outer shell 12: Electrode lead

[0084] 13: Barcode 100: Cell fixation

[0085] 110: Fixed unit 111: Body part

[0086] 112: Joint groove 120: Base plate

[0087] 200: Frame 210: First inner surface

[0088] 220: Second inner surface 300: Connecting member

[0089] 400: Position measuring unit 410: Barcode scanner

[0090] 420: Position measurement sensor 500: Processor

Claims

1. Cell fixing part where battery cells are fixed; A position measuring unit for measuring the positions of each battery cell inserted into the above cell fixing unit; and A battery cell tray including a processor that calculates the fixed position of each battery cell fixed to the cell fixing unit through data measured by the position measuring unit.

2. In claim 1, A frame spaced apart from the cell fixing portion and through which the battery cells inserted into the cell fixing portion pass; and A battery cell tray further comprising a connecting member connecting the cell fixing portion and the frame.

3. In claim 2, A battery cell tray characterized in that the frame includes a pair of inner surfaces facing each other with the battery cells interposed therebetween.

4. In claim 2, The above position measuring unit, A barcode scanner that reads the barcode of the battery cell inserted into the cell fixing unit; and A battery cell tray characterized by including a position measuring sensor that measures the position of the battery cell inserted into the cell fixing part.

5. In claim 4, A battery cell tray characterized in that the above position measuring sensor is a LiDAR sensor that measures the distance to a battery cell inserted into the cell fixing part.

6. In claim 4, A battery cell tray characterized in that the barcode scanner and the position measurement sensor are installed in the frame.

7. In claim 6, A battery cell tray characterized in that the barcode scanner and the position measuring sensor are installed at a position higher than the upper part of the battery cell fixed to the cell fixing part on the inner surface of the frame.

8. In claim 7, A battery cell tray characterized in that the processor calculates the fixed position of each battery cell fixed to the cell fixing unit by comparing the distance from the position measuring sensor to the battery cell inserted into the cell fixing unit with a preset reference distance.

9. In claim 8, A battery cell tray, characterized in that the reference distance is the distance between the position measuring sensor attached to the first inner surface of the frame and the second inner surface facing the first inner surface.

10. In claim 1, The above cell fixing part is, A fixed unit having a plurality of connecting grooves formed to fit the above battery cells; and A battery cell tray characterized by including a base plate on which the above fixing unit is installed.

11. In claim 10, A battery cell tray characterized in that the plurality of coupling grooves are formed in a row along the length direction of the fixing unit.

12. In claim 10, A battery cell tray characterized in that a lead movement line through which the electrode leads of the battery cell pass is formed on each of one side and the other side of the above-mentioned joining groove.

13. In claim 10, A battery cell tray characterized in that the above fixing unit is attached and installed on the surface of the base plate.

Images