Gripper and method for manufacturing battery pack by using same

Abstract

Provided are a gripper and a method for manufacturing a battery pack by using same. The gripper according to an embodiment, which is for transporting, to a pack housing, a battery cell stack assembly including multiple flat battery cells stacked in a horizontal first direction and side beams coupled to one side and the other side in the horizontal first direction of the multiple flat battery cells, may include: a base disposed above the battery cell stack assembly; a suction part disposed on the lower side of the central area of the base to suck onto the battery cell stack assembly; and lift pins protruding below the base and coupling to grip holes formed in the side beams in the vertical direction.

Description

Gripper and method for manufacturing a battery pack using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a gripper and a method for manufacturing a battery pack using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gripper for transporting a battery cell stack assembly, which can improve space efficiency within a pack housing by eliminating a module frame used in conventional battery modules, while simultaneously enhancing the process efficiency of battery pack manufacturing, and a method for manufacturing a battery pack using the same.

[0002] The present invention relates to a gripper and a method for manufacturing a battery pack using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gripper for transporting a battery cell stack assembly, which can improve space efficiency within a pack housing by eliminating a module frame used in conventional battery modules, while simultaneously enhancing the process efficiency of battery pack manufacturing, and a method for manufacturing a battery pack using the same.

[0003] The problem to be solved by this specification is to provide a process for mounting a battery cell stack assembly in a pressurized state within a pack housing without a module frame applied to a conventional battery module during the manufacturing process of a battery pack, thereby improving the space efficiency within the pack housing and the energy density of the battery pack, and further providing a gripper and a method for manufacturing a battery pack using the same that can improve the process efficiency of battery pack manufacturing.

[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above task, a gripper for transporting a battery cell stack assembly including a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells stacked in a first horizontal direction and side beams coupled to one side and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in the first horizontal direction to a pack housing may include a base disposed above the battery cell stack assembly, an adsorption portion disposed at a lower portion of the base in a central region of the base to adsorb the battery cell stack assembly, and a lift pin protruding from the lower portion of the base and coupled to a grip hole formed in a vertical direction on the side beam.

[0005] Through this, the internal space efficiency of the pack housing and the energy density of the battery pack can be improved, and further, the process efficiency of battery pack manufacturing can be improved.

[0006] Additionally, the lift pin can press the side beam toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells while inserted into the grip hole.

[0007] Additionally, the base includes a body portion and a moving portion arranged on one side and the other side of the body portion in the horizontal first direction, the moving portion moves away from or closer to the body portion, and the lift pin protrudes from the lower portion of the moving portion and can move together with the moving portion.

[0008] In addition, it includes a driving part fixed to the body part, and a shaft connecting the driving part and the moving part, and the moving part can be moved by the movement of the driving part.

[0009] Additionally, the grip hole may have a square shape with rounded corners, and the lift pin may have a square shape with rounded corners corresponding to the shape of the grip hole.

[0010] Additionally, the lift pins may be arranged along a horizontal second direction intersecting the horizontal first direction for each of the side beams coupled to one side and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in the horizontal first direction.

[0011] In addition, the lift pins arranged in the horizontal second direction with respect to the side beams coupled to one side of the horizontal first direction of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells and the lift pins arranged in the horizontal second direction with respect to the side beams coupled to the other side of the horizontal first direction of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells may be provided in corresponding numbers.

[0012] Additionally, the lift pins arranged in the second horizontal direction may include a first pin and a second pin having a relatively shorter length compared to the first pin.

[0013] Additionally, the first pin and the second pin may be arranged alternately in the second horizontal direction.

[0014] In addition, the lift pins arranged in the second horizontal direction with respect to the side beams coupled to one side of the first horizontal direction of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells and the lift pins arranged in the second horizontal direction with respect to the side beams coupled to the other side of the first horizontal direction of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells are configured such that each of the lift pins is arranged at a position facing each other in the first horizontal direction, and one of the lift pins facing each other in the first horizontal direction may be the first pin and the other may be the second pin.

[0015] Additionally, the adsorption portion may include a pad of elastic material.

[0016] Additionally, the adsorption unit may be provided with a wide-area foam type material.

[0017] Additionally, a number of adsorption pores can be formed in the adsorption portion.

[0018] According to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, a method for manufacturing a battery pack comprises a method for manufacturing a battery pack by assembling a battery cell stack assembly including a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells stacked in a first horizontal direction and side beams coupled to one side and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in the first horizontal direction into a pack housing through a gripper including a base and a lift pin protruding from a lower portion of the base, wherein the side beams include a plate-shaped plate portion and a mounting portion protruding from the plate portion to an opposite side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells, and the method for manufacturing a battery pack comprises the steps of: inserting a lift pin into a grip hole formed in a vertical direction in the mounting portion coupled to one side and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in the first horizontal direction; moving the lift pin toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells to press the side beam toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells with the lift pin, and adsorbing an upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly with an adsorption portion provided in the gripper; moving the battery cell stack assembly held by the gripper to place it inside the pack housing; and separating the gripper from the battery cell stack assembly. Can be.

[0019] In addition, the pack housing includes a bottom portion and a coupling portion that protrudes upwardly from the bottom portion and is disposed on a lower portion of the mounting portion when the battery cell stack assembly is placed on the pack housing, and the lift pin includes a first pin having a length such that a lower end protrudes further downward than a lower portion of the mounting portion when the gripper grips the battery cell stack assembly, and a groove may be formed in the coupling portion in which the first pin protruding further downward than a lower portion of the mounting portion can be received when the battery cell stack assembly is gripped by the gripper and placed on the pack housing.

[0020] In addition, the joint portion is arranged between two battery cell stack assemblies arranged adjacent to each other in the first horizontal direction in the pack housing, and the grooves formed corresponding to each of the two battery cell stack assemblies can be formed at positions that do not overlap each other in the first horizontal direction.

[0021] In addition, the pack housing includes a guide pin protruding upward from the bottom of the pack housing, and a guide hole into which the guide pin can be inserted is formed at the bottom of the side beam, and when the battery cell stack assembly is moved and placed inside the pack housing, the battery cell stack assembly can be placed so that the guide pin is inserted into the guide hole.

[0022] Additionally, the step of pressing the side beam toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells with the lift pin may be performed before the step of adsorbing the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly with the adsorption unit provided in the gripper.

[0023] In addition, after separating the gripper from the battery cell stack assembly, a step of connecting the connecting member to the connecting portion of the pack housing by penetrating the connecting member into a mounting hole formed vertically in the mounting portion may be further included.

[0024] The gripper according to the present specification and the method for manufacturing a battery pack using the gripper can improve the internal space efficiency of the pack housing and the energy density of the battery pack, and further improve the process efficiency of manufacturing the battery pack.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating the internal structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a front view of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating a portion of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a portion of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a process of attaching a side beam to a pressurizing unit according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating a side beam attached to a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating a side beam of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification being held by a first gripper.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a side beam of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification being held by a first gripper.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating a side beam of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification being held by a first gripper.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification mounted on a pressurized unit and a second gripper approaching the same.

[0036] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of a second gripper according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0037] FIG. 13 illustrates one side of a second gripper according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0038] FIG. 14 illustrates another side view of a second gripper according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0039] FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of a second gripper according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0040] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a portion of a second gripper according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0041] FIG. 17 is a front view of a second gripper according to one embodiment of the present specification holding a battery cell stack assembly.

[0042] FIG. 18 is a side view of a second gripper according to one embodiment of the present specification holding a battery cell stack assembly.

[0043] FIG. 19 illustrates a portion of a battery cell stack assembly gripped by a second gripper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 20 is a top view of a pack housing of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0045] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0046] FIG. 22 illustrates a portion of a pack housing and a portion of a side beam of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0047] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to various embodiments of the present specification.

[0048] Before going into the detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that the 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 with 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 in order to explain his own invention in the best way. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0049] The same reference numbers or symbols used in each drawing attached to this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used in different embodiments. In other words, even if components with the same reference numbers are depicted in multiple drawings, they do not necessarily represent a single embodiment.

[0050] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprises" or "comprises" should be understood to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0051] In addition, in the description below, expressions such as top, upper, lower, lower, side, front, and rear are expressed based on the direction shown in the drawing, and it is noted in advance that they may be expressed differently if the direction of the object in question changes.

[0052] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used in this specification and claims to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from each other, and the use of these ordinal numbers should not be interpreted in a limited manner. For example, components associated with these ordinals should not be interpreted in a restricted manner, such as in the order of use or arrangement, based on their numbers. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments. For example, those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may propose other embodiments within the spirit of the present invention by adding, modifying, or deleting components, etc., but such embodiments will also be considered within the spirit of the present invention. The shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating the internal structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a front view of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3 to 5 are a perspective view, a top view, and a side view, respectively, illustrating a portion of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] In the present invention, the horizontal second direction (y) may be defined as a direction intersecting the horizontal first direction (x). For example, the horizontal second direction (y) may mean a direction intersecting perpendicularly to the horizontal first direction (x).

[0056] Hereinafter, based on the drawing, the first horizontal direction (x) may mean the x-axis direction, and the second horizontal direction (y) may mean the y-axis direction.

[0057] A battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present specification may include a pack housing (11) and a battery cell stack assembly (100), but may be implemented excluding some of these, and additional configurations are not excluded.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack (10) may include a pack housing (11). A battery cell stack assembly (100) may be mounted on the pack housing (11). The pack housing (11) may include at least one of a coupling portion (12), a bottom portion (13), a guide pin (e.g., a guide pin (14) of FIGS. 20 and 21), a coupling hole (e.g., a coupling hole (15) of FIG. 22), and a groove (e.g., a groove (16) of FIG. 22).

[0059] The connecting portion (12) may protrude from the upper portion of the bottom portion (13). The connecting portion (12) may extend in the second horizontal direction (y). For example, the connecting portion (12) may be arranged at the lower portion of the mounting portion of the side beam (130) (e.g., the mounting portion (133) of FIG. 3) when the battery cell stack assembly (100) is arranged in the pack housing (11). The connecting portion (12) may be arranged at least between two battery cell stack assembly (100) arranged adjacent to each other along the first horizontal direction (x) in the pack housing (11).

[0060] The specific structure of the pack housing (11) will be further described later with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0061] The battery pack (10) may include a battery cell stack assembly (100). The battery cell stack assembly (100) may include a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110), a busbar frame assembly (120), and a side beam (130), but some of these may be excluded and additional configurations are not excluded.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the battery cell stack assembly (100) may include a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110). The plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) may be stacked in a horizontal first direction (x).

[0063] The battery cell stack assembly (100) may include a busbar frame assembly (120). The busbar frame assembly (120) may be coupled to one side and the other side of a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) in the second horizontal direction (y). A lead (not shown) extending from the battery cells (110) in the second horizontal direction (y) may be connected to the busbar frame assembly (120), for example, by passing through the busbar frame assembly (120) and then being bent.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the busbar frame assembly (120) may include a pin (121). The pin (121) may protrude from one side and the other side of the horizontal first direction (x) of the busbar frame assembly (120), respectively. The pin (121) may be understood to protrude in a direction toward the side beam (130). The pin (121) may be inserted into a hole (131, FIG. 5) formed in the side beam (130). The pin (121) may guide an accurate coupling position of the side beam (130).

[0065] The pin (121) may include a shape in which the corners of the end portion are chamfered. Alternatively, the pin (121) may include a portion whose cross-section becomes smaller as it moves away from the busbar frame assembly (120). For example, the end portion of the pin (121) may be formed in a tapered shape or a hemispherical shape. Through this, when attaching the side beam (130) to a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110), the pin (121) of the busbar frame assembly (120) can be easily inserted into the hole (131) of the side beam (130) even without precisely adjusting the position of the side beam (130).

[0066] The battery cell stack assembly (100) may include a side beam (130). The side beam (130) may be coupled to one side and the other side of a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) in the horizontal first direction (x). The side beam (130) may replace at least a part of the function of a module frame (e.g., a metal frame) that surrounds the battery cells and the function of a beam structure of a pack housing.

[0067] Specifically, referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 22 to be described later, the battery cell stack assembly (100) (e.g., the side beam (130) of the battery cell stack assembly (100)) can be fixedly connected to the pack housing (11) by a connecting member (140) while being placed within the pack housing (11). For example, the connecting member (140) can pass through the mounting hole (134) of the side beam (130) and be fixed to a connecting portion (12) formed in the bottom portion (13) of the pack housing (11) (e.g., a connecting hole (15) formed in the connecting portion (12)). Through this structure, it is possible to prevent a plurality of battery cell stack assembly (100) from spreading out in the horizontal first direction (x). At this time, the side beam (130) can be fixed to the coupling portion (12) in a state where it is arranged to partially overlap the coupling portion (12) of the pack housing (11) in the vertical direction (for example, the direction perpendicular to both the x-axis and the y-axis in FIG. 1). With this coupling structure, the space used for coupling the side beam (130) and the coupling portion (12) can be minimized. In addition, since only a space is secured in which the side beam (130) can be arranged without wasting space in the x-axis direction between two battery cell stacked assemblies (100) that are arranged adjacently along the first horizontal direction (x), the space efficiency inside the pack housing (11) can be improved, and thereby an advantage can be obtained in terms of the energy density of the battery pack.

[0068] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7, which will be described later, the side beam (130) may be fixed to a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) by an adhesive (A). For example, before the side beam (130) is coupled to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110), an adhesive (A) may be applied to one surface of the side beam (130) facing the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110). However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the adhesive (A) may be applied to one surface of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) facing the side beam (130) before the side beam (130) is coupled to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110).

[0069] Alternatively, the side beam (130) may be joined to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) by a separate mechanical mechanism. For example, the side beam (130) may be attached to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) by having a separate joining member (e.g., a screw) pass through the side beam (130) and be fixedly joined to the busbar frame assembly (120).

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a hole (131) into which a pin (121) of a busbar frame assembly (120) can be inserted may be formed in the side beam (130). The hole (131) may be formed in a plate portion (132) of the side beam (130). For example, the pin (121) of the busbar frame assembly (120) may be inserted into the hole (131) of the side beam (130) when the side beam (130) is attached to a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110), thereby guiding an accurate coupling position of the side beam (130). FIG. 5 illustrates a structure in which two holes (131) are formed vertically spaced apart from each other on one side of the side beam (130) into which the pins (121) of the busbar frame assembly (120) can be inserted, but the various embodiments of the present specification are not limited to this number and structure, and the hole (131) may be formed only once on one side of the side beam (130) or may be formed in three or more numbers.

[0071] Meanwhile, the side beam (130) may include a plate portion (132). The plate portion (132) may be provided in a plate shape. The plate portion (132) may have an area sufficient to cover the electrode receiving portion (a portion where the electrode assembly is received) of each plate-shaped battery cell (110). The plate portion (132) may be provided in a size and shape that can cover both the plate-shaped battery cell (110) and the busbar frame assembly (120) in the x-axis direction. The plate portion (132) may be a portion that directly presses a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) inward. In addition, the plate portion (132) may be a portion that is absorbed by an air absorption portion (230) formed in a pressurizing unit (200) to be described later.

[0072] The side beam (130) may include a mounting portion (133). The mounting portion (133) may protrude toward the opposite side (i.e., outward direction) of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) of the plate portion (132).

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3, the mounting portion (133) may extend horizontally. Specifically, the mounting portion (133) may extend in the second horizontal direction (y). Through this, the mounting portion (133) may function as a girder for the plate portion (132), thereby improving the structural rigidity of the side beam (130).

[0074] In addition, as described later, even when a mounting hole (134) and / or a grip hole (137) are formed in the mounting portion (133), stress due to each member (e.g., a joining member (140), a gripper pin (320, see FIG. 9), a lift pin (430, see FIG. 12), etc.) that can be inserted into the holes (134, 137) can be distributed, so that breakage and / or deformation of the side beam (130) due to stress concentration can be prevented.

[0075] The mounting portion (133) may be formed on the upper portion of the plate portion (132). For example, the mounting portion (133) may be formed at a position higher than at least the middle height of the plate portion (132). Specifically, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 together, in order for the pressing portion (210, see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the pressing unit (200, see FIGS. 6 and 7) to be described later to effectively press the side beam (130), it may be desirable to press the central portion based on the vertical direction of the plate portion (132), and accordingly, the upper boundary of the pressing portion (210) may need to be positioned higher than the vertical central portion of the plate portion (132). Therefore, in order for the pressurizing portion (210) to effectively pressurize the plate portion (132) without interference with the mounting portion (133), it may be desirable for the lower boundary of the mounting portion (133) to be positioned higher than the upper boundary of the pressurizing portion (210).

[0076] A mounting hole (134) may be formed in the mounting portion (133). The mounting hole (134) may be formed to penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the mounting portion (133) protrudes from the plate portion (132) (i.e., a vertical direction). A plurality of mounting holes (134) may be formed. A plurality of mounting holes (134) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the second horizontal direction (y). When the battery cell stack assembly (100) is coupled to the pack housing (11), the coupling member (140) may be coupled to the coupling hole (15, illustrated in FIG. 22) formed in the coupling portion (12) of the pack housing (11) by penetrating the mounting hole (134).

[0077] Meanwhile, the side beam (130) may include a cover portion (135). The cover portion (135) may be provided on the upper portion of the mounting portion (133). Specifically, the cover portion (135) may have a structure including at least an upper surface extending from the plate portion (132) to the opposite side (i.e., the outer side) of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110), and a side surface extending downward from an edge of the upper surface and connected to the upper surface of the mounting portion (133). The cover portion (135) may improve the structural rigidity of the side beam (130) including the mounting portion (133) and the plate portion (132) by forming a folded plate-shaped structure that reinforces the upper surface of the mounting portion (133).

[0078] An opening (136) may be formed in the cover portion (135) at a position corresponding to the mounting hole (134). For example, the opening (136) may be formed at a position vertically overlapping the mounting hole (134). Through the opening (136), a joining member (140) that fixes the side beam (130) to the joining portion of the pack housing (11) may be inserted into the mounting portion (133) without interfering with the cover portion (135).

[0079] The opening (136) may have a structure in which not only the upper surface but also the side surface of the cover portion (135) is open. Through this structure, when the battery cell stack assembly (100) is installed inside the pack housing (11) and the joining member (140) is joined to the mounting hole (134) and the joining portion (12), a joining tool (not shown) for joining the joining member (140) can easily access the joining member (140).

[0080] Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the side beam (130) may include a grip hole (137). The grip hole (137) may be formed in a vertical direction on the side beam (130). Specifically, the grip hole (137) may be formed by penetrating the upper surface of the cover portion (135). In addition, the grip hole (137) may be formed by vertically penetrating the mounting portion (133). The grip hole (137) formed by penetrating the upper surface of the cover portion (135) and the grip hole (137) formed by penetrating the mounting portion (133) may be formed at positions where they vertically overlap each other. Hereinafter, the grip hole (137) of the cover portion (135) and the grip hole (137) of the mounting portion (133), which are formed by vertically overlapping each other, may be understood to be one grip hole (137). However, it is not limited to these embodiments, and in other embodiments, the grip hole (137) may be formed by penetrating only the upper surface of the cover portion (135) and may not be formed by penetrating the mounting portion (133).

[0081] Meanwhile, a plurality of grip holes (137) may be formed. A plurality of grip holes (137) may be arranged at a predetermined interval in the second horizontal direction (y). In an embodiment, a gripper pin (320, illustrated in FIG. 9) of a first gripper (300, illustrated in FIG. 9) may be inserted into the grip hole (137). In addition, a lift pin (430, illustrated in FIG. 12) of a second gripper (400, illustrated in FIG. 12) may be inserted into the grip hole (137).

[0082] The grip hole (137) may have a square shape with a rounded apex (or corner) portion. For example, the grip hole (137) may have a filleted corner portion. The grip hole (137) may correspond to the shape of a gripper pin (320, shown in FIG. 9) of a first gripper (300, shown in FIG. 9) having a rounded cross-section and / or a lift pin (430, shown in FIG. 12) of a second gripper (400, shown in FIG. 12) having a rounded cross-section, but may be formed to have a size that is larger by a predetermined ratio than the size of each cross-section of the gripper pin (320, shown in FIG. 9) and / or the lift pin (430, shown in FIG. 12).

[0083] As the grip hole (137) is formed in a square shape with a rounded apex (or corner) portion, the side beam (130) can be stably pressed against the surface by the gripper pin (320, shown in FIG. 9) and / or the lift pin (430, shown in FIG. 12). This will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 10 and 19.

[0084] Meanwhile, the side of the grip hole (137) on the side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) may be aligned vertically with the opposite side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) of the plate portion (132). That is, at least a portion of the inner side forming the grip hole (137) may be positioned on the same plane as one side of the plate portion (132). Through this, when a specific component inserted into the grip hole (137), for example, a lift pin (430, shown in FIG. 12) of a second gripper (400, shown in FIG. 12), presses the side beam (130) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110), contact is made between the pressing component (for example, the lift pin (430, shown in FIG. 12)) and the side beam (130), so that the pressing can be performed efficiently.

[0085] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a process of attaching a side beam to a pressurizing unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a side view illustrating a process of attaching a side beam to a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figs. 8 to 10 illustrate a first gripper gripping a side beam of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a side beam (130) of a battery cell stack assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification can be coupled to a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) by a pressurizing unit (200). In addition, the pressurizing unit (200) can pressurize the battery cell stack assembly (100) until the horizontal first direction (x) length of the battery cell stack assembly (100) reaches a required value, and maintain the pressurized state.

[0087] The pressurizing unit (200) may include a pallet (220). A plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) may be mounted on the pallet (220).

[0088] The pressurizing unit (200) may include a pressurizing portion (210). Referring to FIG. 6, the pressurizing portion (210) may have a structure in which a plurality of block-shaped units are arranged in a second horizontal direction (y). The pressurizing portion (210) may be attached to a plate-shaped structure extending in a vertical direction and may be formed to protrude in a direction toward a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a single block-shaped unit may be provided as a single structure extending in the second horizontal direction (y).

[0089] Meanwhile, the pressing unit (210) (e.g., a plate-shaped structure and block-shaped unit(s) protruding therefrom) may be provided in two units. The two pressing units (210) may be respectively arranged on one side and the other side in the horizontal first direction (x) of a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) arranged on the pallet (220). The two pressing units (210) may be arranged to face each other and move in opposite directions. For example, the two pressing units (210) may be arranged to face each other in the horizontal first direction (x) and move toward or away from each other.

[0090] In the manufacturing process of the battery cell stack assembly (100), when the side beam (130) is supplied to the pressurizing unit (200), the side beam (130) may be arranged so that the lower area of ​​the mounting portion (133) among the plate portions (132) is in close contact with the surface of the pressurizing portion (210) facing the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110), and the lower surface of the mounting portion (133) is seated on the upper surface of the pressurizing portion (210).

[0091] The side beam (130) can be attached to a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) by the operation of two pressurizing members (210). Specifically, when the two pressurizing members (210) are spaced apart from each other, the side beams (130) are placed on each of the facing surfaces of the two pressurizing members (210), and then the two pressurizing members (210) are moved toward each other, that is, toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110), so that the side beams (130) can be attached to one side and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) in the horizontal first direction (x). The attachment of the side beams (130) to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) can be accomplished by an adhesive (A).

[0092] The two pressurizing units (210) can pressurize the side beams (130) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110). Specifically, the battery cell stack assembly (100) can be pressurized by the operation of the two pressurizing units (210) until the horizontal first direction (x) length of the battery cell stack assembly (100) reaches a required level. At this time, the required level of the horizontal first direction (x) length of the battery cell stack assembly (100) may mean a length such that the battery cell stack assembly (100) is arranged in the pack housing (11, illustrated in FIG. 1) so that the side beams (130) can be coupled to the coupling unit (12, illustrated in FIG. 1) of the pack housing (11, illustrated in FIG. 1). For example, referring to FIG. 4, the horizontal first direction (x) length of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) before being pressed may be greater than the horizontal first direction (x) length excluding the pin (121) of the busbar frame assembly (120), and the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) may be pressed until the horizontal first direction (x) length of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) corresponds to the horizontal first direction (x) length excluding the pin (121) of the busbar frame assembly (120) by the pressing of the pressing unit (210).

[0093] Referring to FIG. 7, the pressurizing portion (210) may be provided to overlap the vertical middle region of the side beam (130) in the horizontal direction. Through this structure, the pressurizing portion (210) can pressurize the vertical middle region of the side beam (130), so that the pressurizing portion (210) of the side beam (130) can be effectively performed.

[0094] The upper boundary of the pressurizing portion (210) may be provided lower than the lower boundary of the mounting portion (133) of the side beam (130). Through this, the pressurizing portion (210) may pressurize the side beam (130) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) while making surface contact with the plate portion (132) formed at the lower portion of the mounting portion (133) of the side beam (130) without interfering with the mounting portion (133) at the lower portion of the mounting portion (133).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 6, the pressurizing unit (200) may include an air absorption unit (230). The air absorption unit (230) may be provided on the pressurizing unit (210). The air absorption unit (230) may be provided on a surface of the pressurizing unit (210) facing the side beam (130). When the side beam (130) is supplied to the pressurizing unit (200), the side beam (130) may be maintained in a state of being absorbed by the pressurizing unit (210) by the operation of the air absorption unit (230).

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the pressurizing unit (200) may include a protruding pin (240). The protruding pin (240) may protrude upward from the upper surface of the pressurizing portion (210). The protruding pin (240) may be positioned at a position that vertically overlaps the mounting portion (133) of the side beam (130) when the side beam (130) is supplied to the pressurizing unit (200). The protruding pin (240) may be inserted into a temporary fixing hole (not shown), a mounting hole (134), or a grip hole (137) formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion (133) of the side beam (130). The supply position of the side beam (130) may be guided through the protruding pin (240).

[0097] The protruding pin (240) can operate up and down. Specifically, the protruding pin (240) can operate to descend to be introduced into the pressurizing portion (210). The protruding pin (240) protrudes above the pressurizing portion (210) until the side beam (130) is supplied to the pressurizing unit (200) so that the pressurizing portion (210) presses the battery cell stack assembly (100) and the second gripper (400, shown in FIG. 12) grips the battery cell stack assembly (100). Thereafter, before the pressurization of the pressurizing portion (210) is released, the protruding pin (240) can descend so as not to protrude from the pressurizing portion (210). The operation of these protruding pins (240) is that when the pressurization is released, the pressurizing portion (210) moves away from the battery cell stack assembly (100), and at this time, the protruding pins (240) are lowered and drawn into the pressurizing portion (210), so that the operation of the pressurizing portion (210) may not interfere with the side beam (130).

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the side beam (130) can be gripped by the multi-joint robot (R1) and supplied to the pressurizing unit (200). The side beam (130) can be rotated at various angles by the multi-joint robot (R1).

[0099] The multi-joint robot (R1) may include a first gripper (300). The first gripper (300) may be provided at the end of the multi-joint robot (R1). The side beam (130) may be gripped by the first gripper (300) and provided toward the pressurizing unit (200).

[0100] The first gripper (300) may include a base (310). The base (310) may be a portion connected to an arm of the multi-joint robot (R1). In one embodiment, a driving unit (not shown) for operating a gripper pin (320) may be accommodated on the inside of the base (310). Alternatively, the gripper pin (320) may be positioned at another location, such as an arm of the multi-joint robot (R1). Furthermore, it goes without saying that the position may be manually adjusted by an operator without control by a separate driving unit.

[0101] The first gripper (300) may include a gripper pin (320). The gripper pin (320) may protrude downward from the base (310). The side beam (130) may be gripped by the first gripper (300) as the gripper pin (320) is inserted into a mounting hole (134) formed in the side beam (130).

[0102] A plurality of gripper pins (320) may be provided. The plurality of gripper pins (320) may be arranged at a predetermined interval in the second horizontal direction (y). Each gripper pin (320) may be fixed to the first gripper (300) by adjusting its position while moving along the second horizontal direction (y).

[0103] For example, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, at least two of the plurality of gripper pins (320) can move toward or away from each other. The side beam (130) can be gripped by the first gripper (300) when the two gripper pins (320) move toward or away from each other after being inserted into the mounting hole (134). For example, when two adjacent gripper pins (320) among the plurality of gripper pins (320) move toward each other after being inserted into the mounting hole (134), it can be understood that the side beam (130) is gripped by the gripper (300) by being tightened by the two gripper pins (320). To effectively implement this gripping method, gripper pins (320) are provided in an even number, so that two adjacent gripper pins (320) form a pair, and the paired gripper pins (320) can move closer to or further away from each other.

[0104] Referring to Fig. 9, the gripper pin (320) may have a columnar shape extending vertically. The horizontal cross-section of the gripper pin (320) may have a square shape with a rounded vertex (or corner) portion. That is, the horizontal cross-section of the gripper pin (320) may have a filleted vertex (or corner) portion. The horizontal cross-section shape of the gripper pin (320) may correspond to the shape of the grip hole (137) of the side beam (130). The horizontal cross-section of the gripper pin (320) may be provided with a size smaller than the size of the grip hole (137) of the side beam (130). Since the horizontal cross-section of the gripper pin (320) and the grip hole (137) are provided in a square shape, when the gripper pin (320) is inserted into the grip hole (137) and moves in the second horizontal direction (y), the gripper pin (320) and the grip hole (137) can come into linear contact with each other based on FIG. 9, so that the first gripper (300) can stably grip the side beam (130). In addition, since the apex (or corner) portion of the horizontal cross-section of the gripper pin (320) and the shape of the grip hole (137) are formed to be rounded, even if the gripper pin (320) is not perfectly inserted into the center of the grip hole (137), when the gripper pin (320) moves in the second horizontal direction (y), the gripper pin (320) can slide along the rounded portion of the grip hole (137) and be aligned with the central region of the first horizontal direction (x) of the grip hole (137), so that stable gripping of the gripper pin (320) can be realized. In addition, since the apex (or corner) portion of the horizontal cross-section of the gripper pin (320) and the shape of the grip hole (137) are formed to be rounded, even if the gripper pin (320) is inserted into the grip hole (137) at a slight angle, the problem of the side beam (130) being deformed or damaged due to stress concentration at the corner portion of the gripper pin (320) can be prevented.However, the cross-sectional shape of the gripper pin (320) is not limited thereto, and may be provided as a circular or elliptical shape, or a rectangular shape with a non-rounded vertex (or corner) portion.

[0105] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification in a state where the battery cell stack assembly is pressurized by a pressurizing unit (200) and a second gripper approaching the battery cell stack assembly.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 11, a process in which a second gripper (400) approaches a battery cell stack assembly (100) pressurized by a pressurizing unit (200) and grips the battery cell stack assembly (100) is schematically described.

[0107] A second gripper (400) may be provided at the end of a multi-joint robot (R2). The battery cell stack assembly (100) gripped by the second gripper (400) may be transported by the multi-joint robot (R2) along various paths and at various angles. Here, the multi-joint robot (R2) may be the same as the multi-joint robot (R1) to which the first gripper (300, illustrated in FIG. 9) is connected, or may be provided separately.

[0108] The battery cell stack assembly (100) can be transported to the pack housing (11, shown in FIG. 1) after being gripped by the second gripper (400) while being pressurized by the pressurizing unit (200). Hereinafter, the second gripper (400) may refer to a gripper for transporting the battery cell stack assembly (100) by gripping it and transporting it to the pack housing (11).

[0109] Specifically, in a state where the battery cell stack assembly (100) is pressurized by the pressurizing unit (200), the lift pin (430) protruding downward from the base (410) of the second gripper (400) can be inserted into the grip hole (137) of each side beam (130) provided on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack assembly (100) in the horizontal first direction (x). The lift pin (430) can move in a direction toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) in the side beam (130) while being inserted into the grip hole (137) to press the side beam (130) inward.

[0110] With the lift pin (430) inserted into the grip hole (137) of the side beam (130), the battery cell stack assembly (100) can be lifted by having the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly (100) adsorbed by the adsorption portion (420) provided in the second gripper (400). When the battery cell stack assembly (100) is lifted, the two pressurizing portions (210) of the pressurizing unit (200) move away from each other to release the pressurization. At this time, since the lift pin (430) presses the side beam (130) inward, the pressurized state of the battery cell stack assembly (100) can be continuously maintained.

[0111] The battery cell stack assembly (100) lifted by the second gripper (400) can be transported to the pack housing (11, shown in FIG. 1) and mounted in the pack housing (11, shown in FIG. 1) in a pressurized state.

[0112] Hereinafter, the specific structure of the second gripper (400) will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 19.

[0113] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of a second gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of a second gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 illustrates another side view of a second gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of a second gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom view of a portion of a second gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a state in which a second gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure grips a battery cell stack assembly. FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a state in which a second gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure grips a battery cell stack assembly. FIG. 19 illustrates a portion of a battery cell stack assembly gripped by a second gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 19, the second gripper (400) may include a base (410). With the second gripper (400) gripping the battery cell stack assembly (100), the base (410) may be placed on top of the battery cell stack assembly (100).

[0115] The base (410) may include a body portion (411). The body portion (411) may be provided in the central region of the base (410). The body portion (411) may be a portion coupled to a multi-joint robot (R). The body portion (411) may be a portion whose relative position with respect to the battery cell stack assembly (100) is fixed during the process of coupling the second gripper (400) to the battery cell stack assembly (100).

[0116] The base (410) may include a moving part (412). The moving part (412) may be arranged on one side and the other side of the body part (411) in the horizontal first direction (x). Referring to FIG. 12, the moving part (412) may be provided on each of the left and right sides of the body part (411). The moving part (412) may move away from or closer to the body part (411).

[0117] The second gripper (400) may include a suction part (420). The suction part (420) may be positioned at the lower portion of the base (410) in the central region of the base (410). For example, the suction part (420) may be positioned at the lower portion of the body part (411). The suction part (420) may be in close contact with the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly (100).

[0118] The suction unit (420) can suction the battery cell stack assembly (100). The suction unit (420) can suction air to the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly (100), thereby preventing the battery cells (110) from sagging downward in the direction of gravity while transporting the battery cell stack assembly (100). Accordingly, the battery cell stack assembly (100) can be stably transported even though it has a structure in which the conventional module frame covering the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cells (110) is omitted.

[0119] Referring to Fig. 16, the suction part (420) may be provided in the form of a pad. The upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly (100) to which the suction part (420) is in close contact may be provided in a shape roughly like a plane. In order for the suction part (420) to effectively provide suction force to the battery cell stack assembly (100), it may be preferable that it be provided in the form of a pad corresponding to the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly (100). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the suction part (420) may be provided in various forms as long as it can provide sufficient suction force to the battery cell stack assembly (100).

[0120] The suction part (420) may be provided as a pad of elastic material. For example, the suction part (420) may be provided as a wide-area foam-type material that can deform its shape according to the shape of the suction surface of the suction target to implement sealing as a sponge material. Specifically, the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly (100) may be provided as a surface with approximately irregular unevenness. Therefore, in order for the suction part (420) to be effectively attached to the irregular upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly (100), it may be preferable that the suction part (420) be provided as a deformable pad type.

[0121] A plurality of adsorption holes (421) may be formed in the adsorption part (420). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, a plurality of adsorption holes (421) may be formed in a lattice arrangement in the adsorption part (420). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the plurality of adsorption holes (421) may have various arrangements. As the plurality of adsorption holes (421) are provided, the adsorption part (420) can more effectively adsorb the upper surface of the irregular battery cell stack assembly (100).

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the second gripper (400) may include a lift pin (430). The lift pin (430) may protrude downward from the base (410). Specifically, the lift pin (430) may protrude downward from the operating portion (412).

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, the lift pin (430) can be inserted into the grip hole (137) formed in the side beam (130). The lift pin (430) can press the side beam (130) inward in the first horizontal direction (x) while inserted into the grip hole (137). Specifically, when the operating unit (412) moves toward the battery cell stack assembly (100) by the operation of the driving unit (440) while the lift pin (430) is inserted into the grip hole (137), the lift pin (430) can also press the side beam (130) toward the battery cell stack assembly (100) while moving accordingly. Through this, the battery cell stack assembly (100) pressurized by the pressurizing unit (200) can be maintained in a pressurized state until it is transported by the gripper (300) and placed in the pack housing (11).

[0124] A plurality of lift pins (430) may be provided for each side beam (130). That is, a plurality of lift pins (430) may be provided for each operating unit (312). The plurality of lift pins (430) provided for each side beam (130) may be arranged in the second horizontal direction (y). Since a plurality of lift pins (330) are provided for each side beam (130), the side beam (130) can be effectively pressed by the lift pins (330).

[0125] The lift pins (430) arranged in the second horizontal direction (y) for each side beam (130) may have corresponding numbers. In addition, the lift pins (430) arranged in the second horizontal direction (y) for each side beam (130) may be configured to be arranged at positions facing each other. Through this, the second gripper (400) can hold the battery cell stack assembly (100) in a balanced manner, and thus the transport stability of the battery cell stack assembly (100) can be improved.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 13, 14, and 18, the lift pin (430) may include a first pin (431) having a first length and a second pin (432) having a second length. For example, the first length may be longer than the second length.

[0127] The first pin (431) may be provided with a length such that the lower end of the first pin (431) can protrude lower than the lower end of the mounting portion (133) of the side beam (130) when the second gripper (400) grips the battery cell stack assembly (100). For example, the first pin (431) may be provided with a length such that the first pin (431) can be positioned lower than half the height of the side beam (130) when the second gripper (400) grips the battery cell stack assembly (100).

[0128] The first pin (431) can transmit sufficient pressing force to the side beam (130). Specifically, when the lift pin (430) is inserted into the grip hole (137) of the side beam (130) to press the side beam (130) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110), the first pin (431) is positioned below the lower end of the mounting portion (133) of the side beam (130), preferably below half the height of the side beam (130), thereby preventing the lower region of the side beam (130) from spreading outward due to the elastic restoring force of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110).

[0129] For example, the second pin (432) may be provided with a length such that when the second gripper (400) grips the battery cell stack assembly (100), the lower end of the second pin (432) may be aligned with the lower end of the mounting portion (133) of the side beam (130) or positioned higher than the lower end of the mounting portion (133) of the side beam (130).

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the lift pins (430) arranged in the second horizontal direction (y) for each side beam (130) may be formed by a combination of a first pin (431) and a second pin (432). For example, in the lift pins (430) arranged in the second horizontal direction (y) for each side beam (130), the first pins (431) and the second pins (432) may be alternately arranged in the second horizontal direction (y). Specifically, in the process of mounting the battery cell stack assembly (100) to the pack housing (11), a groove (16) may be formed in the joint portion (12) so that the first pin (431) protruding below the lower end of the mounting portion (133) and the joint portion (12) of the pack housing (11) do not interfere with each other. At this time, if all the pins provided in the lift pins (430) of one row are the first pins (431), the grooves (16) must be formed in a corresponding number in the joint portion (12), so the structural rigidity of the joint portion (12) may be weakened. Therefore, it may be preferable that the second gripper (400) be provided with a number of first pins (431) sufficient to provide a certain level of pressing force, and the remaining lift pins (430) are provided with second pins (432). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and if the joint portion (12) of the pack housing (11) has sufficient structural rigidity, the lift pins (430) may all be composed of the first pins (431). In addition, even if the lift pin (430) is composed of only the second pin (432), if the second gripper (400) provides sufficient pressing force to the side beam (130) and the lower region of the side beam (130) does not spread outward due to the restoring force of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110), the lift pin (430) may be composed entirely of the second pin (432).

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the lift pins (430) arranged in a horizontal second direction (y) with respect to the side beams (130) coupled to one side of the horizontal first direction (x) of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110), and the lift pins (430) arranged in a horizontal second direction (y) with respect to the side beams (130) coupled to the other side of the horizontal first direction (x) of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) may have different combinations of first pins (431) and second pins (432).

[0132] For example, referring to FIG. 13, which illustrates lift pins (430) arranged in a second horizontal direction (y) relative to a side beam (130) coupled to one side of a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) in a first horizontal direction (x), the lift pins (430) may have an arrangement of first pin (431) - second pin (432) - first pin (431) - second pin (432) - first pin (431). Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 14, which illustrates lift pins (430) arranged in a second horizontal direction (y) with respect to a side beam (130) coupled to the other side of a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) in a first horizontal direction (x), the lift pins (430) may have an arrangement of second pin (432) - first pin (431) - second pin (432) - first pin (431) - second pin (432).

[0133] In other words, it can be understood that one of the lift pins (430) facing each other in the first horizontal direction (x) is the first pin (431), and the other is the second pin (432). If both of the lift pins (430) facing each other in the first horizontal direction (x) are configured as the first pin (431), a groove (16, illustrated in FIG. 22) for preventing interference of the first pins (431) in the joint portion (12, illustrated in FIG. 22) disposed between the two battery cell stacked assemblies (100) must be formed at an adjacent position in the first horizontal direction (x), and as a result, the portion of the joint portion (12, illustrated in FIG. 22) where the groove (16, illustrated in FIG. 22) is formed becomes thinner, which may weaken the structural rigidity of the joint portion (12, illustrated in FIG. 22). Accordingly, it may be preferable that the lift pins (430) be arranged so that if one of the lift pins facing each other in the horizontal first direction (x) is the first pin (431), the other is the second pin (432) so that the grooves (16, shown in FIG. 22) corresponding to the battery cell stack assembly (100) adjacent to each other in the joint portion (12, shown in FIG. 22) can be arranged alternately.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 19, the horizontal cross-section of the lift pin (430) may have a square shape with a rounded vertex. That is, the horizontal cross-section of the lift pin (430) may have a square shape with a filleted vertex. The horizontal cross-section shape of the lift pin (430) may correspond to the shape of the grip hole (137) of the side beam (130). The horizontal cross-section of the lift pin (430) may be provided with a size slightly smaller than the size of the grip hole (137) of the side beam (130). Since the horizontal cross-section of the lift pin (430) and the grip hole (137) are provided in a square shape, when the lift pin (430) is inserted into the grip hole (137) to press the side beam (130) in the horizontal first direction (x), the lift pin (430) and the grip hole (137) and / or the plate portion (132) can come into surface contact with each other, so that the second gripper (400) can stably press the side beam (130). In addition, since the top portion of the horizontal cross-section of the lift pin (430) and the shape of the grip hole (137) are formed to be rounded, even if the lift pin (430) is not perfectly inserted into the center of the grip hole (137), when the lift pin (430) moves in the first horizontal direction (x), the lift pin (430) can slide along the rounded portion of the grip hole (137) and be aligned to the center region of the second horizontal direction (y) of the grip hole (137), so that stable pressurization of the lift pin (430) can be realized. In addition, since the top portion of the horizontal cross-section of the lift pin (430) and the shape of the grip hole (137) are formed to be rounded, even if the lift pin (430) is inserted into the grip hole (137) at a slight angle, the problem of the side beam (130) being deformed or damaged due to stress concentration at the corner portion of the lift pin (430) can be prevented. However, the cross-sectional shape of the lift pin (430) is not limited thereto, and may be provided in a circular or elliptical shape, or in a rectangular shape with a non-rounded vertex.

[0135] The lift pin (430) can move together with the operation of the operating unit (412). Specifically, the operating unit (412) can move away from or closer to the body unit (411), and the lift pin (430) connected to the operating unit (412) can move together with the operating unit (412).

[0136] The second gripper (400) may include a driving unit (440). The driving unit (440) may be fixed to the body (411). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 15 , the driving unit (440) may be positioned above the body (411). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the driving unit (440) may be positioned within the body (411).

[0137] The second gripper (400) may include a shaft (450). The shaft (450) may connect the driving unit (440) and the operating unit (412). The shaft (450) may transmit the driving force of the driving unit (440) to the operating unit (412). The operating unit (412) may move in response to the operation of the driving unit (440).

[0138] FIG. 20 illustrates the interior of a pack housing of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 illustrates a portion of a pack housing and a portion of a side beam of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the pack housing (11) may include a guide pin (14). The guide pin (14) may protrude upward from the bottom of the pack housing (11). The guide pin (14) may be provided at positions corresponding to the four corner areas of the battery cell stack assembly (100).

[0140] A guide hole (138) into which a guide pin (14) can be inserted may be formed at the bottom of the side beam (130). The guide hole (138) may be formed on one side and the other side of the horizontal second direction (y) of each of the two side beams (130) of the battery cell stack assembly (100).

[0141] When the battery cell stack assembly (100) is placed in the pack housing (11), the guide pin (14) of the pack housing (11) is inserted into the guide hole (138) of the side beam (130), thereby guiding the battery cell stack assembly (100) to be seated and fixed at an appropriate position in the pack housing (11), and even when the gripper (300) is separated from the battery cell stack assembly (100), the horizontal first direction (x) gap between the two side beams (130) of the battery cell stack assembly (100) can be maintained.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 22, the guide pin (14) of the pack housing (11) is inserted into the guide hole (138) of the side beam (130) so that the horizontal first direction (x) length of the battery cell stack assembly (100) is maintained, and by passing the joining member (140) through the mounting hole (134) and joining it to the joining portion (12) of the pack housing (11), the battery cell stack assembly (100) can be completely mounted on the pack housing (11) while the initial pressurization unit (200, shown in FIG. 6) is maintained.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 22, the pack housing (11) may include a coupling portion (12). The coupling portion (12) may be understood as a cross beam of the pack housing (11). The coupling portion (12) may protrude upward from the bottom portion (13) and may extend in a second horizontal direction (y). That is, the coupling portion (12) may extend in a direction corresponding to the extension direction of the side beam (130). Two battery cell stacked assemblies (100) adjacent to each other in the first horizontal direction (x) may be coupled to the coupling portion (12).

[0144] The pack housing (11) may include a joining hole (15). The joining hole (15) may be formed penetrating the upper surface of the joining portion (12). The joining hole (15) may be formed at a position that vertically overlaps with the mounting hole (134) of the side beam (130) when the battery cell stack assembly (100) is mounted on the pack housing (11). A joining member (140) penetrating the mounting hole (134) of the side beam (130) may be fastened to the joining hole (15).

[0145] The pack housing (11) may include a groove (16). The groove (16) may be formed in a form in which the upper surface and side surfaces of the coupling portion (12) are open. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the groove (16) may also be formed in a form penetrating the upper surface of the coupling portion (12). The groove (16) may be formed in a form in which the apex (or corner) portion is rounded. That is, the groove (16) may be opened in a form in which the apex (or corner) portion is filleted.

[0146] By forming the groove (16), the first pin (431) of the lift pin (430) of the second gripper (400) and the coupling portion (12) may not interfere with each other. Specifically, the first pin (431) of the second gripper (400) may protrude below the mounting portion (133) of the side beam (130), and when the second gripper (400) carries the battery cell stack assembly (100) in this state and mounts it on the pack housing (11), the portion of the first pin (431) that protrudes below the mounting portion (133) is inserted into the groove (16), so that the first pin (431) and the coupling portion (12) may not interfere with each other.

[0147] The grooves (16) formed corresponding to each of the two battery cell stacked assemblies (100, shown in FIG. 1) arranged on one side and the other side of the horizontal first direction (x) of the joining portion (12) may be formed at positions that do not overlap each other in the horizontal first direction (x). Specifically, the groove (16) formed on one side of the horizontal first direction (x) of the joining portion (12) and the groove (16) formed on the other side of the horizontal first direction (x) of the joining portion (12) may be formed at positions that do not overlap each other in the horizontal first direction (x). This may correspond to the fact that, in relation to FIGS. 13 and 14, in the lift pins (430) arranged in the second horizontal direction (x), the first pin (431) and the second pin (432) are arranged alternately, and one of the lift pins (430) facing each other in the first horizontal direction (x) is the first pin (431), and the other is the second pin (432). Through this, since the thickness of the joint part (12) in the first horizontal direction (x) can be maintained above a certain level, the structural rigidity of the joint part (12) can be prevented from being weakened due to the groove (16).

[0148] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to various embodiments of the present specification.

[0149] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 22, a method for manufacturing a battery pack (10) illustrated in FIG. 23 will be described.

[0150] The method for manufacturing a battery pack (10) may include a method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly (100) (steps 2301 to 2306).

[0151] For example, in steps 2301 and 2302, the method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly (100) may include a step of applying an adhesive (A) to a surface of the side beam (130) facing the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) while the side beam (130) is gripped by a first gripper (300) connected to a multi-joint robot (R1). In this step, the side beam (130) may be rotated at various angles by the multi-joint robot (R1). In order to easily apply the adhesive (A) to the side beam (130), the side beam (130) may be rotated by the multi-joint robot (R1) so that the surface of the side beam (130) facing the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) faces upward.

[0152] In step 2303, the method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly (100) may include a step of arranging side beams (130) on each of the opposing surfaces of two pressurizing portions (210). At this time, a temporary fixing hole (not shown), a mounting hole (134), or a grip hole (137) formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion (133) of the side beam (130) may be secured to a protruding pin (240), thereby guiding the position of the side beam (130). The side beam (130) may be fixed to the inner surface of the pressurizing portion (210) by being air-absorbed on each of the opposing surfaces of the two pressurizing portions (210). The air-absorption of the side beam (130) may be performed by an air-absorbing portion (230) provided in the pressurizing portion (210).

[0153] In step 2304, the method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly (100) may include a step of arranging a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) between two pressurized portions (210) on a pallet (220). In this step, the battery cell stack assembly (100) may be understood to be arranged between two side beams (130) that are adsorbed to the two pressurized portions (210).

[0154] Meanwhile, in contrast, the step of arranging a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) may be performed before supplying the side beam (130) to the pressurizing unit (200), or the two steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0155] In step 2305, the method for manufacturing a battery cell stack assembly (100) may include a step of moving two pressurizing members (210) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) to attach the side beams (130) to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110). Specifically, the side beams (130) move toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) as the pressurizing members (210) move, and may be attached to the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) by an adhesive (A) applied to a surface of the side beams (130) facing the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110).

[0156] In step 2306, the method for manufacturing the battery cell stack assembly (100) may include a step of further moving the two pressurizing portions (210) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) to pressurize the side beams (130) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110). The pressurization of the side beams (130) may be performed until the horizontal first direction (x) length of the battery cell stack assembly (100) reaches a required level. For example, the pressurization of the side beams (130) may be performed to a level where, when the battery cell stack assembly (100) is mounted in the pack housing (11, illustrated in FIG. 1), the horizontal first direction (x) length of the battery cell stack assembly (100) can be such that the two side beams (130) of the battery cell stack assembly (100) can be coupled to the coupling portion (12, illustrated in FIG. 1) of the pack housing (11, illustrated in FIG. 1).

[0157] Next, the method for manufacturing a battery pack (10) may include, after manufacturing the battery cell stack assembly (100) through steps 2301 to 2306, a step of inserting a lift pin (430) into a grip hole (137) formed in a side beam (130) while pressing the second gripper (400) onto the battery cell stack assembly (100) in step 2307. At this time, the battery cell stack assembly (100) may be in a state of being pressed in a first horizontal direction (x) by the pressurizing unit (200).

[0158] In step 2308, the method for manufacturing a battery pack (10) may include a step of moving the lift pins (430) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) and pressing the side beams (130) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) with the lift pins (430). Through this, the pressurized state of the battery cell stack assembly (100) can be maintained even when the two pressurizing portions (210) of the pressurizing unit (200) are spread outward and the pressurization by the pressurizing unit (200) is released.

[0159] In step 2309, the method for manufacturing a battery pack (10) may include a step of adsorbing the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly (100) with an adsorbing portion (420) provided in the second gripper (400). As the adsorbing portion (420) adsorbs the battery cell stack assembly (100), the battery cell stack assembly (100) can be lifted by the second gripper (400).

[0160] If the adsorption step by the adsorption unit (420) is performed before the pressurization step by the pressurization unit (200), a problem may arise in which the sponge-like adsorption unit (420) becomes caught between the plate-shaped battery cells (110). Therefore, it may be preferable that the adsorption step by the adsorption unit (420) be performed after the battery cell stack assembly (100) is sufficiently pressurized by the pressurization unit (200).

[0161] Meanwhile, in various embodiments, the step of adsorbing the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly (100) with the adsorption portion (420) may be performed before the step of pressing the side beam (130) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) with the lift pin (430), may be performed simultaneously with the step of pressing the side beam (130) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) with the lift pin (430), or may be performed after the step of pressing the side beam (130) toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells (110) with the lift pin (430).

[0162] In step 2310, the method for manufacturing a battery pack (10) may include a step of releasing the pressure of the pressurizing portion (210). In this step, in order to prevent a protruding pin (240) inserted into a temporary fixing hole (not shown), a mounting hole (134), or a grip hole (137) formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion (133) of the side beam (130) by protruding upward from the pressurizing portion (210) from interfering with the side beam (130), the protruding pin (240) may be lowered and inserted into the pressurizing portion (210).

[0163] In step 2311, the method for manufacturing a battery pack (10) may include a step of moving the battery cell stack assembly (100) gripped by the second gripper (400) and placing it inside the pack housing (11). In this step, the battery cell stack assembly (100) may be placed such that the guide pin (14) of the pack housing (11) is inserted into the guide hole (138) of the side beam (130).

[0164] In step 2312, the method for manufacturing a battery pack (10) may include a step of separating the second gripper (400) from the battery cell stack assembly (100).

[0165] The method for manufacturing a battery pack (10) may further include a step of connecting a joining member (140, shown in FIG. 1) to a joining portion of a pack housing (11) by passing the joining member (140) through a mounting hole (134).

[0166] Any or all of the embodiments of this specification described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of this specification described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0167] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0168] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of this specification should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of this specification are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A gripper for transporting a battery cell stack assembly including a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells stacked in a horizontal first direction and side beams coupled to one side and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in the horizontal first direction to a pack housing, A base disposed on top of the above battery cell stack assembly; An adsorption unit disposed at the lower portion of the base in the central region of the base to adsorb the battery cell stack assembly; and A gripper including a lift pin that protrudes from the lower portion of the base and is coupled to a grip hole formed in a vertical direction on the side beam.

2. In paragraph 1, The above lift pin is a gripper that presses the side beam toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells while being inserted into the grip hole.

3. In paragraph 1, The above base includes a body part and a moving part arranged on one side and the other side of the horizontal first direction of the body part, The above-mentioned operating part moves away from or closer to the above-mentioned body part, The above lift pin is a gripper that protrudes from the lower portion of the above moving part and moves together with the above moving part.

4. In paragraph 3, It includes a driving part fixed to the above body part, and a shaft connecting the driving part and the operating part, The above-mentioned operating part is a gripper that moves by the operation of the above-mentioned driving part.

5. In paragraph 1, The above grip hole is a square shape with rounded corners, The above lift pin is a gripper having a square shape with rounded corners corresponding to the shape of the grip hole.

6. In paragraph 1, The above lift pins are grippers arranged along a horizontal second direction intersecting the horizontal first direction for each of the side beams coupled to one side and the other side of the horizontal first direction of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells.

7. In paragraph 6, A gripper in which the lift pins arranged in the horizontal second direction with respect to the side beams coupled to one side of the horizontal first direction of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells and the lift pins arranged in the horizontal second direction with respect to the side beams coupled to the other side of the horizontal first direction of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells are provided in corresponding numbers.

8. In paragraph 6, A gripper in which the lift pins arranged in the second horizontal direction include a first pin and a second pin having a relatively shorter length than the first pin.

9. In paragraph 8, A gripper in which the first pin and the second pin are alternately arranged in the second horizontal direction.

10. In paragraph 8, The lift pins arranged in the horizontal second direction with respect to the side beams coupled to one side of the horizontal first direction of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells and the lift pins arranged in the horizontal second direction with respect to the side beams coupled to the other side of the horizontal first direction of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells are configured such that each lift pin is arranged at a position facing each other in the horizontal first direction. A gripper wherein one of the lift pins facing each other in the first horizontal direction is the first pin and the other is the second pin.

11. In paragraph 1, The above suction part is a gripper including a pad made of elastic material.

12. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned suction part is a gripper equipped with a wide-area foam type material.

13. In paragraph 1, A gripper in which a plurality of suction holes are formed in the above suction part.

14. A method for manufacturing a battery pack by assembling a battery cell stack assembly including a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells stacked in a horizontal first direction and side beams coupled to one side and the other side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells in the horizontal first direction into a pack housing through a gripper including a base and a lift pin protruding from the lower portion of the base, The above side beam includes a plate-shaped plate portion and a mounting portion protruding from the plate portion toward the opposite side of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells, A method for manufacturing the above battery pack comprises: A step of inserting the lift pin into a grip hole formed vertically in the mounting portion coupled to one side and the other side of the horizontal first direction of the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells; A step of moving the lift pin toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells, pressing the side beam toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells with the lift pin, and adsorbing the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly with the adsorption portion provided in the gripper; A step of moving the battery cell stack assembly held by the gripper and placing it inside the pack housing; and A method for manufacturing a battery pack, comprising the step of separating the gripper from the battery cell stack assembly.

15. In paragraph 14, The pack housing includes a bottom portion and a joining portion that protrudes from an upper portion of the bottom portion and is positioned below the mounting portion when the battery cell stack assembly is positioned in the pack housing. The above lift pin includes a first pin having a length such that the lower end protrudes further downward than the lower end of the mounting portion when the gripper grips the battery cell stack assembly, A battery pack manufacturing method, wherein a groove is formed in the above-mentioned joining portion so that the first pin protruding lower than the lower portion of the mounting portion can be received when the battery cell stack assembly is gripped by the gripper and placed in the pack housing.

16. In paragraph 15, The above-mentioned joint is arranged between two battery cell stacking assemblies arranged adjacent to the first horizontal direction in the pack housing, A method for manufacturing a battery pack, wherein the grooves formed corresponding to each of the two battery cell stacked assemblies are formed at positions that do not overlap each other in the horizontal first direction.

17. In paragraph 14, The above pack housing includes a guide pin protruding upward from the bottom of the pack housing, A guide hole into which the guide pin can be inserted is formed at the bottom of the above side beam, A battery pack manufacturing method wherein the battery cell stack assembly is positioned so that the guide pin is inserted into the guide hole when the battery cell stack assembly is moved and positioned inside the pack housing.

18. In paragraph 14, A method for manufacturing a battery pack, wherein the step of pressing the side beam toward the plurality of plate-shaped battery cells with the lift pin is performed before the step of absorbing the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly with the absorbing portion provided in the gripper.

19. In paragraph 14, After separating the above gripper from the above battery cell stack assembly, A method for manufacturing a battery pack further comprising the step of connecting a joining member to a joining member of a pack housing by penetrating the joining member into a mounting hole formed vertically in the mounting member.

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