Device for assembling battery module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for assembling a battery module. According to an aspect of the present invention, the device for assembling a battery module is used to assemble busbars to a sub-assembly of the battery module, the device comprising: a main frame having busbar holes formed therein; and support frames movably coupled to the main frame to support, or release the busbars disposed in the busbar holes to drop same downward.

Description

Battery module assembly device

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0003749, dated January 9, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery module assembly device, and more particularly, to a battery module assembly device for assembling a bus bar into a semi-assembly of a battery module.

[0005] Secondary batteries have been used in small applications such as mobile devices and laptops, but their research has recently expanded to medium- to large-scale applications. They are widely used in applications requiring high voltage and large capacity, such as energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EVs). When multiple battery cells made of these secondary batteries are connected and combined in a specific manner, a battery module can be formed.

[0006] Meanwhile, a busbar is a conductive member used to electrically connect certain objects. These busbars are installed inside a battery module and can electrically connect multiple battery cells. Therefore, the battery module manufacturing process involves assembling busbars into the battery module subassemblies.

[0007] Traditionally, workers manually assembled busbars into battery module subassemblies. However, this manual assembly method exposed the possibility of the busbars becoming contaminated by external sources.

[0008] For example, a battery module subassembly may have adhesive applied to areas where other components can be attached. When a worker assembles a busbar, their hands may become contaminated with this adhesive. If the worker then picks up another busbar with the same contaminated hands, the other busbar may become contaminated with the adhesive on their hands.

[0009] When busbars contaminated by external contaminants are assembled into a subassembly, defects or failures can occur in the final battery module. For example, if the area where the busbar is welded to the battery cell becomes contaminated, a weld defect can occur between the busbar and the battery cell, preventing the battery cell from electrically connecting to an external power source or load.

[0010] Accordingly, there has been an urgent need for the development of a battery module assembly device capable of assembling busbars into battery module subassemblies while minimizing contact with potential sources of contamination.

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a battery module assembly device capable of assembling a bus bar into a battery module subassembly while minimizing contact with potential sources of contamination.

[0012] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module assembly device for assembling a busbar to a semi-assembly of a battery module is provided, comprising: a main frame having a busbar hole formed therein; and a support frame movably coupled to the main frame so as to support or release a busbar positioned in the busbar hole and drop it downward.

[0014] At this time, the main frame may have a plate shape in which the lower surface can face the upper portion of the semi-assembly, and may include a plate portion in which the bus bar hole is formed through the plate.

[0015] At this time, the main frame may further include a jig portion provided on the lower surface of the plate portion so as to fix the relative positions of the plate portion and the semi-assembly.

[0016] At this time, the jig portion may include a pair of jig members extending downward from the lower surface of the plate portion and spaced apart with the bus bar hole therebetween.

[0017] At this time, the jig portion may include a spacing member protruding from one of the pair of jig members toward the other.

[0018] At this time, the support frame may include a support portion slidably coupled to the main frame so that the support frame can move from a first position that supports the bus bar arranged in the bus bar hole from the lower side to a second position spaced from the first position.

[0019] At this time, the main frame has a plate shape in which the lower surface can face the upper surface of the semi-assembly, and includes a plate portion through which the bus bar hole is formed, and the support portion can be configured to move on the lower surface of the plate portion and open and close at least a part of the bus bar hole.

[0020] At this time, the support member may be arranged to overlap at least a portion of the bus bar hole in the vertical direction at the first position and to be misaligned with the bus bar hole in the vertical direction at the second position.

[0021] At this time, the support portion may have a plate shape that is parallel to the lower surface of the plate portion.

[0022] At this time, the bus bar holes are provided in multiple numbers and arranged in a row, and the support member can extend in the direction in which the multiple bus bar holes are arranged.

[0023] At this time, the support frame may further include a guide portion extending downward from the support portion so as to guide the bus bar falling downwardly into the bus bar hole.

[0024] At this time, the side of the guide portion may be provided with a guide surface extending in the vertical direction while facing the center of the bus bar hole.

[0025] At this time, the guide surface may be perpendicular to the movement direction of the support.

[0026] At this time, the support frame further includes a catch portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the support portion from the support portion, and the catch portion can be in contact with the main frame when the support portion is positioned at the first position and can be spaced apart from the main frame when the support portion is positioned at the second position.

[0027] At this time, a stopper for limiting the movement distance of the support frame is further included, and the stopper can be spaced apart from the support frame when the support part is positioned at the first position and can come into contact with the support frame when the support part is positioned at the second position.

[0028] At this time, the stopper may include an extension portion extending parallel to the movement direction of the support frame from the main frame; and a stopper portion protruding from the extension portion so as to face the support frame in the movement direction.

[0029] At this time, the stopper further includes a buffer portion provided on the side of the stopper portion and capable of contacting or being spaced apart from the support frame in the moving direction, and the buffer portion may have greater elasticity than the stopper portion.

[0030] At this time, the support frame may include a first support frame that supports or releases support on one side of the bus bar placed in the bus bar hole; and a second support frame that supports or releases support on the other side of the bus bar placed in the bus bar hole.

[0031] At this time, the first support frame and the second support frame can be configured to be sequentially movable with respect to the main frame.

[0032] At this time, the busbar hole may be extended in a horizontal direction, and the support frame may be configured to be movable in the extension direction of the busbar hole.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the support frame is moved to release the support of the busbar placed in the busbar hole while the main frame is positioned on the upper side of the battery module sub-assembly, the busbar can be dropped from the busbar hole and assembled on the upper side of the sub-assembly.

[0034] Accordingly, contact between the worker and the busbar can be minimized during the process of assembling the busbar into the subassembly, thereby preventing contamination of the busbar by potential sources of contamination.

[0035] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a battery module assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention, fixed to a semi-assembly of a battery module.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a semi-assembly and a bus bar assembled together by a battery module assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery module assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from above.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery module assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0040] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 3.

[0041] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view according to Ⅲ-Ⅲ of Figure 5.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ of Fig. 1.

[0043] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 7.

[0044] Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view according to II-II of Fig. 1.

[0045] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of part C of Fig. 9. At this time, the first support frame is positioned at the first position.

[0046] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of part D of Fig. 9. At this time, the second support frame is positioned at the third position.

[0047] Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of part C of Fig. 9. At this time, the first support frame is positioned at the second position.

[0048] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of part D of Figure 9. At this time, the second support frame is positioned at the fourth position.

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above, in a state where the device is fixed to a battery module subassembly. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a subassembly and a busbar assembled together by a battery module assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0053] FIG. 1 discloses a battery module assembly device (1) (hereinafter referred to as an assembly device) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for assembling a bus bar (3) to a semi-assembly (2).

[0054] Before describing an assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a semi-assembly (2) and a bus bar (3) assembled together by the assembly device (1) will be briefly described.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the present disclosure, the subassembly (2) may be a subassembly for manufacturing a battery module. Although not specifically illustrated, the subassembly (2) may be composed of a plurality of battery cells and a module frame or module housing for supporting them. As illustrated, the subassembly (2) may have an overall hexahedral shape.

[0056] In the present disclosure, the busbar (3) may be a busbar for electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells provided in the semi-assembly (2), or a busbar for connecting a plurality of battery cells to an external power source or load. The plurality of battery cells may be connected in series or in parallel by the busbar (3).

[0057] For this purpose, electrode leads of multiple battery cells can be electrically connected to the bus bar (3). For example, the electrode leads can be welded to the bus bar (3). Therefore, the bus bar (3) must be free from contamination to ensure smooth welding.

[0058] As illustrated, the busbar (3) may have a rod-like shape extending in one direction. Furthermore, the busbar (3) may be configured in multiple pieces to connect multiple battery cells. These busbars (3) may be assembled on the upper surface (2a) of the subassembly (2).

[0059] Meanwhile, the semi-assembly (2) and busbar (3) described above are merely examples of semi-assemblies and busbars that can be assembled by the assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used to assemble semi-assemblies and busbars having various shapes or structures.

[0060] Hereinafter, a battery module assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with different drawings.

[0061] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a battery module assembly device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a battery module assembly device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of portion A of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of portion B of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Fig. 1.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, an assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main frame (10). In this embodiment, the main frame (10) may be a frame for guiding a bus bar (3) toward a subassembly (2). Accordingly, the bus bar (3) can be accurately assembled in the correct position in the subassembly (2) without contact with a source of contamination.

[0063] In this embodiment, the main frame (10) may include a plate portion (12). The plate portion (12) may be provided in the form of a plate that can face the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2).

[0064] At this time, in the present embodiment, the shape of the plate portion (12) may have a shape corresponding to the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2). As illustrated, since the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2) has a flat, square shape, the plate portion (12) may be provided as a square flat plate. This plate portion (12) may have a sufficiently large area to entirely cover the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2).

[0065] Meanwhile, the shape of the plate portion (12) may be appropriately modified to correspond to the shape of the semi-assembly (2). For example, the plate portion (12) may have a shape in which at least one portion is convex or concavely curved.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, 7 and 8, a plurality of holes (13) may be formed in the plate portion (12) of the assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. At this time, the holes (13) may include busbar holes (13a).

[0067] In this embodiment, the busbar hole (13a) may be a hole for guiding the busbar (3) to the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2). To this end, the busbar hole (13a) may be formed to penetrate the plate portion (12) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Accordingly, the busbar (3) that enters the upper side of the busbar hole (13a) may fall to the lower side of the busbar hole (13a).

[0068] In this embodiment, the busbar hole (13a) may be extended in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the plate portion (12). This may be to correspond to the shape thereof so that the busbar (3) can enter. The shape of the busbar hole (13a) may be modified according to the shape of the busbar (3). As an example, the busbar hole (13a) may be formed so that a portion thereof is curved.

[0069] At this time, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cross-sectional area of ​​the busbar hole (13a) may increase as it goes upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). Accordingly, the busbar (3) can more easily enter the upper side (in the positive direction of the Z-axis) of the busbar hole (13a).

[0070] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a plurality of bus bar holes (13a) may be configured. In addition, a plurality of bus bar holes (13a) may be arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plate portion (12).

[0071] At this time, in the present embodiment, the plurality of bus bar holes (13a) are configured to have the same shape. However, the plurality of bus bar holes (13a) may have different shapes as needed.

[0072] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, in the present embodiment, the hole (13) formed in the plate portion (12) may include a side hole (13b) formed penetrating the plate portion (12). The side holes (13b) may be configured in pairs and may be respectively arranged on the side sides of a plurality of bus bar holes (13a).

[0073] In this embodiment, the side hole (13b) may be a hole for guiding other components assembled to the semi-assembly (2) in addition to the bus bar (3). Of course, the side hole (13b) may also function as a hole for guiding a bus bar having a different shape or structure from the bus bar (3) guided by the bus bar hole (13a).

[0074] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the main frame (10) of the assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a jig portion (14) provided on the lower surface of the plate portion (12).

[0075] In this embodiment, the jig portion (14) may be configured to fix the relative position between the semi-assembly (2) and the plate portion (12). Accordingly, the bus bar (3) can be assembled by falling to an appropriate position on the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2) through the bus bar hole (13a).

[0076] In this embodiment, the jig portion (14) may include a jig member (16). The jig member (16) may be a member that extends or protrudes downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from the lower surface of the plate portion (12).

[0077] At this time, in the present embodiment, the jig member (16) may include a pair of first jig members (16). And, the pair of first jig members (16) may be spaced apart in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the plate portion (12) with a plurality of bus bar holes (13a) therebetween.

[0078] Accordingly, the upper part of the semi-assembly (2) can be inserted and fixed between a pair of first jig members (16). More specifically, the relative positions of the plate part (12) and the semi-assembly (2) can be fixed in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the plate part (12) by the pair of first jig members (16).

[0079] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the first jig member (16) may be extended along an edge provided on the upper portion of the semi-assembly (2). This may be to allow the pair of first jig members (16) to more stably fix the semi-assembly (2). To this end, in the present embodiment, the first jig member (16) may be extended in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plate portion (12).

[0080] In this embodiment, the jig portion (14) may further include a pair of second jig members (16). In addition, the pair of second jig members (16) may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plate portion (12) with a plurality of bus bar holes (13a) therebetween.

[0081] Accordingly, the jig member (14) can more stably fix the upper part of the semi-assembly (2). Specifically, the relative positions of the plate member (12) and the semi-assembly (2) can also be fixed in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plate member (12) by a pair of second jig members (16).

[0082] In other words, in this embodiment, the jig member (16) of the jig portion (14) can be provided as a ring-shaped member into which the semi-assembly (2) can be inserted and fixed when viewed in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0083] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the second jig member (16) may be extended long along an edge provided on the upper portion of the semi-assembly (2). This may be so that the pair of second jig members (16) can more stably fix the semi-assembly (2). To this end, in the present embodiment, the second jig member (16) may be extended long in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the plate portion (12).

[0084] As described above, according to the assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the relative positions of the plate portion (12) and the semi-assembly (2) can be fixed by the jig portion (14). Accordingly, the busbar hole (13a) of the plate portion (12) can guide the busbar (3) to the portion where the busbar (3) is to be assembled on the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2).

[0085] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, in this embodiment, the upper portion of the semi-assembly (2) can be inserted and fixed between the jig members (16). Accordingly, the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2) and the lower surface of the plate portion (12) can face each other.

[0086] At this time, the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2) and the lower surface of the plate portion (12) may need to be spaced apart to some extent. This is because, when the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2) comes into contact with the lower surface of the plate portion (12), the bus bar (3) arranged in the bus bar hole (13a) of the plate portion (12) cannot fall downward.

[0087] To this end, the jig portion (14) of the assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a spacing member (18). The spacing member (18) may be a member for spacing apart the lower surface of the plate portion (12) and the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0088] In this embodiment, the spacing member (18) may have a block shape that protrudes from one of the pair of first jig members (16) toward the other. Of course, the spacing member (18) may also protrude from one of the pair of second jig members (16) toward the other.

[0089] Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2) that has entered between a pair of first jig members (16) can be spaced apart from the lower surface of the plate portion (12) by the thickness of the gap member (18) in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction).

[0090] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the spacing member (18) may be configured in multiple pieces. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacing member (18) is configured in four pieces. Two spacing members (18) may protrude from one of the pair of first jig members (16), but may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plate portion (12). And, the remaining two spacing members (18) may protrude from the other of the pair of first jig members (16), but may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plate portion (12).

[0091] Accordingly, the plurality of spacing members (18) can each space the corner portions of the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2) apart from the plate portion (12). Accordingly, the distance between the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2) and the plate portion (12) can be spaced evenly.

[0092] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a sliding hole (17) may be formed in the main frame (10) of the assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The sliding hole (17) may be a hole into which a support frame (30, 40) described below is slidably coupled.

[0093] In this embodiment, a sliding hole (17) may be formed through the main frame (10) so that one side thereof may be connected to the lower surface of the plate portion (12). More specifically, the sliding hole (17) may be formed through the jig member (16) in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the plate portion (12). Accordingly, the support frame (30, 40) may be moved on the lower surface of the plate portion (12) in the direction of penetration of the sliding hole (17).

[0094] At this time, in the present embodiment, the sliding hole (17) may be extended in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) along the edge of the plate portion (12). In addition, the sliding holes (17) may be configured in pairs and may be provided on both sides of the width direction (X-axis direction) of the plate portion (12). This may be to enable multiple support frames (30, 40) to be slidably coupled.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, an assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a stopper (20). The stopper (20) may be configured to limit the movement distance of a support frame (30, 40) described below.

[0096] In this embodiment, the stopper (20) may include an extension portion (22) and a stopper portion (24). The extension portion (22) may be a member extending from the upper surface of the plate portion (12) to the outside of the edge of the plate portion (12).

[0097] At this time, in the present embodiment, the extension portion (22) can be extended parallel to or in parallel with the moving direction of the support frame (30, 40). In the present embodiment, since the support frame (30, 40) moves in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the plate portion (12), the extension portion (22) can be extended outside the edge of the plate portion (12) so as to be parallel to or in parallel with the width direction (X-axis direction) of the plate portion (12).

[0098] In this embodiment, the stopper portion (24) may be configured to directly limit the movement distance of the support frame (30, 40) described later. To this end, the stopper portion (24) may protrude downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from the end of the extension portion (22). This may be to allow the stopper portion (24) to face the support frame (30, 40) in the movement direction (X-axis direction).

[0099] Accordingly, the stopper portion (24) of the stopper (20) can limit the movement distance of the support frame (30, 40). Specifically, when the support frame (30, 40) moves outside the edge of the plate portion (12), the movement distance can be limited by being caught by the stopper portion (24). That is, the movement distance of the support frame (30, 40) can be limited to a location where the stopper portion (24) is positioned in the direction outside the edge of the plate portion (12).

[0100] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the stopper (20) may further include a buffer portion (26). The buffer portion (26) may be configured to alleviate the impact when the support frame (30, 40) is caught on the stopper portion (24).

[0101] For this purpose, the buffer portion (26) may be provided as a pad-shaped member made of a material with greater elasticity than the stopper portion (24). For example, the buffer portion (26) may be made of rubber or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the buffer part (26) may be provided on the side of the stopper part (24). More specifically, the buffer part (26) may be provided on the side of the stopper part (24) facing the support frame (30, 40). Accordingly, the buffer part (26) may alleviate the impact caused by the collision between the support frame (30, 40) and the stopper part (24).

[0103] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the stopper (20) of the assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured in multiples. As illustrated, the stopper (20) may be configured in four pieces.

[0104] At this time, in the present embodiment, two stoppers (20) may be provided on one side in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the plate portion (12), and the remaining two may be provided on the other side. This may be to limit the movement distances of the first support frame (30) and the second support frame (40) provided on each of the two sides in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the plate portion (12).

[0105] Meanwhile, two stoppers (20) provided on one side of the plate portion (12) in the width direction (X-axis direction) can be spaced apart from each other in the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the plate portion (12). In the present embodiment, the support frame (30, 40) can have a long length in the length direction, and by placing the two stoppers (20) spaced apart in the length direction in this way, the movement distance of the support frame (30, 40) can be limited in a balanced manner.

[0106] The number and position of such stoppers (20) may be modified as needed, taking into consideration the structure of the support frame (30, 40), the direction of movement, etc.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6, an assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a support frame (30, 40). In this embodiment, the support frame (30, 40) may be a frame for supporting or releasing a bus bar (3) positioned in a bus bar hole (13a) from the lower side. Accordingly, the bus bar (3) may be positionally fixed within the bus bar hole (13a) or may be dropped to the lower side of the bus bar hole (13a).

[0108] In this embodiment, the support frame (30, 40) may include a first support frame (30) and a second support frame (40). The first support frame (30) may be a frame for supporting or releasing one end of a bus bar (3) placed in a bus bar hole (13a), and the second support frame (40) may be a frame for supporting or releasing the other end of a bus bar (3) placed in a bus bar hole (13a).

[0109] In this embodiment, the first support frame (30) may include a support portion (32). The support portion (32) may have a plate shape parallel to the lower surface of the plate portion (12). Accordingly, the support portion (32) can stably support the bus bar (3) arranged in the bus bar hole (13a) from the lower side.

[0110] At this time, in the present embodiment, the support portion (32) can be extended in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plate portion (12). The support portion (32) can be extended from a bus bar hole (13a) located at one end in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) among the plurality of bus bar holes (13a) to a bus bar hole (13a) located at the other end. Accordingly, the support portion (32) can support a plurality of bus bars (3) respectively arranged in the plurality of bus bar holes (13a).

[0111] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the support member (32) can be slidably coupled to the sliding hole (17) of the main frame (10). Accordingly, the support member (32) can move in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the plate member (12).

[0112] In this embodiment, a border portion on one side of the width direction (X-axis direction) of the support portion (32) can be moved on the lower surface of the plate portion (12). At this time, one side of the width direction (X-axis direction) of the support portion (32) can be in a direction toward the central portion of the bus bar hole (13a). Hereinafter, the border portion is referred to as a support portion.

[0113] In this embodiment, as the support member (32) moves, the support portion of the support member (32) can open and close one side of the extension direction of the bus bar hole (13a) from the lower side of the bus bar hole (13a).

[0114] More specifically, when the support portion (32) is moved toward the center of the plate portion (12), the support portion overlaps with one side of the extension direction of the bus bar hole (13a) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and can close it.

[0115] Accordingly, one end of the bus bar (3) placed in the bus bar hole (13a) can be supported by the support portion of the support member (32). Therefore, the bus bar (3) can be positionally fixed within the bus bar hole (13a). Hereinafter, the position of the support member (32) as described above is referred to as the first position.

[0116] If the support part (32) is moved toward the outer edge of the plate part (12), the support part is positioned so as to be misaligned with the bus bar hole (13a) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and can be opened.

[0117] Accordingly, one end of the busbar (3) placed in the busbar hole (13a) may no longer be supported by the support portion of the support member (32). That is, the support of the busbar (3) may be released. Accordingly, one end of the busbar (3) may fall to the lower side of the busbar hole (13a). Hereinafter, the position of the support member (32) as described above is referred to as the second position.

[0118] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the support portion (32) may have a sufficient width so as to protrude outside the edge of the plate portion (12). In other words, the edge portion provided on the other side of the support portion (32) in the width direction (X-axis direction) may be positioned outside the edge of the plate portion (12). This may function as a base for the engaging portion (34) and the operating portion (36) described later.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the first support frame (30) of the operating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a catch (34). The catch (34) may be a catch portion that is caught so that the movement distance of the first support frame (30) can be limited.

[0120] In this embodiment, the catch (34) can extend or protrude downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from the edge portion provided on the other side in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the support (32). The catch (34) can be connected or coupled with the support (32) and move together.

[0121] In this embodiment, the catch portion (34) may be provided with a first catch surface (34a) and a second catch surface (34b). The first catch surface (34a) may be a surface of the outer surface of the catch portion (34) that faces the jig member (16) of the main frame (10). In addition, the second catch surface (34b) may be a surface of the outer surface of the catch portion (34) that faces the outer side of the main frame (10).

[0122] In this embodiment, the first engaging surface (34a) may be configured to prevent the support portion (32) from moving further toward the center of the busbar hole (13a) than the first position. When the support portion (32) is positioned at the first position, the first engaging surface (34a) may contact the outer surface (16a) of the jig member (16). Accordingly, the movement distance of the support portion (32) may be limited to the first position.

[0123] In the present embodiment, the second engaging surface (34b) may be configured to prevent the support portion (32) from moving further outward from the busbar hole (13a) than the second position. When the support portion (32) is positioned at the second position, the second engaging surface (34b) may contact the outer surface (26a) of the buffer portion (26). Accordingly, the movement distance of the support portion (32) may be limited to the second position.

[0124] Meanwhile, the first support frame (30) of the operating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an operating unit (36). The operating unit (36) may be configured to receive a driving force for moving the first support frame (30).

[0125] In this embodiment, the operating part (36) may be provided on a border portion provided on the other side of the width direction (X-axis direction) of the support part (32). In addition, the operating part (36) may extend to the outside of the support part (32). Accordingly, the operating part (36) may be held by a worker, or may be operatively coupled with a predetermined actuator to receive driving force.

[0126] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, the second support frame (40) of the operating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a support portion (42), a catch portion (44), and an operating portion (46).

[0127] At this time, in the present embodiment, the support portion (42), the catch portion (44), and the operating portion (46) of the second support frame (40) can be formed symmetrically with the support portion (32), the catch portion (34), and the operating portion (36) of the first support frame (30) described above, with the bus bar hole (13a) as the center.

[0128] Accordingly, the second support frame (40) can support or release the other end of the bus bar (3) placed in the bus bar hole (13a). This will be described in detail as follows.

[0129] In this embodiment, as the support portion (42) moves, one side in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the support portion (42) can move on the lower surface of the plate portion (12). At this time, one side in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the support portion (42) can be in a direction toward the central portion of the bus bar hole (13a). Hereinafter, the edge portion is referred to as a support portion.

[0130] In this embodiment, as the support member (42) moves, the support portion of the support member (42) can open and close the other side of the extension direction of the bus bar hole (13a) from the lower side of the bus bar hole (13a).

[0131] More specifically, when the support member (42) is moved toward the center of the plate member (12), the support portion of the support member (42) overlaps with one side of the extension direction of the bus bar hole (13a) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and can close it.

[0132] Accordingly, the other end of the bus bar (3) placed in the bus bar hole (13a) can be supported by the support portion of the support member (42). Therefore, the bus bar (3) can be positionally fixed inside the bus bar hole (13a). Hereinafter, the position of the support member (42) as described above is referred to as the third position.

[0133] If the support part (42) is moved in the outer direction of the edge of the plate part (12), the support portion of the support part (42) is positioned so as to be misaligned with the bus bar hole (13a) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and can be opened.

[0134] Accordingly, the other end of the busbar (3) placed in the busbar hole (13a) may no longer be supported by the support portion of the support member (42). That is, the support of the busbar (3) may be released. Accordingly, the other end of the busbar (3) may fall to the lower side of the busbar hole (13a). Hereinafter, the position of the support member (42) as described above is referred to as the fourth position.

[0135] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4 and 9, the second support frame (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a guide portion (48). The guide portion (48) may be configured to guide the other end of the bus bar (3) falling from the bus bar hole (13a) to the upper surface of the semi-assembly.

[0136] In this embodiment, the guide portion (48) may be provided as a block-shaped member protruding downward from the support portion of the support portion (42). In addition, the guide portion (48) may be provided with a guide surface (48a). The guide surface (48a) may be a surface of the outer surface of the guide portion (48) that faces the central portion of the bus bar hole (13a).

[0137] In this embodiment, the other end of the bus bar (3) that is released from support by the second support frame (40) and is dropped can slide downwards on the guide surface (48a) of the guide portion (48). That is, the other end of the bus bar (3) can be dropped while being guided by the guide surface (48a). Accordingly, the position at which the other end of the bus bar (3) is dropped can be controlled depending on the inclination of the guide surface (48a).

[0138] In this embodiment, the guide surface (48a) can extend in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the support member (42). In other words, the guide surface (48a) can extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Accordingly, the other end of the bus bar (3) can be dropped downward while its horizontal movement is restricted.

[0139] Hereinafter, with reference to a different drawing, a process of assembling a bus bar into a semi-assembly by a battery module assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention is specifically described.

[0140] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of part C of Fig. 9. At this time, the first support frame is positioned at the first position. Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of part D of Fig. 9. At this time, the second support frame is positioned at the third position. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of part C of Fig. 9. At this time, the first support frame is positioned at the second position. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of part D of Fig. 9. At this time, the second support frame is positioned at the fourth position.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a bus bar (3) may be inserted and placed in a bus bar hole (13a) of an assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. At this time, the support portion (32) of the first support frame (30) may support one end of the bus bar (3) from the lower side, and the support portion (42) of the second support frame (40) may support the other end of the bus bar (3) from the lower side. Accordingly, the bus bar (3) may be positionally fixed in the bus bar hole (13a).

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the support frame (30, 40) of the assembly device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can release support for the bus bar (3) and drop the bus bar (3) downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from the bus bar hole (13a).

[0143] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 12, as the support portion (32) of the first support frame (30) moves in the outward direction of the plate portion (12) (positive direction of the X-axis), the support of one end of the bus bar (3) can be released. As a result, one end of the bus bar (3) can fall to the lower side of the bus bar hole (13a) and be assembled to the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2).

[0144] And, as illustrated in Fig. 13, as the support portion (42) of the second support frame (40) moves in the outward direction (negative direction of the X-axis) of the plate portion (12), the support of the other end of the bus bar (3) can be released. As a result, the other end of the bus bar (3) can fall to the lower side of the bus bar hole (13a) and be assembled to the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2).

[0145] At this time, the other end of the bus bar (3) can be guided by the guide part (48). More specifically, the other end of the bus bar (3) can slide on the guide surface (48a) of the guide part (48) and fall downward.

[0146] Here, since the guide surface (48a) extends vertically in the up-down direction, the other end of the bus bar (3) can be dropped and assembled onto the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2) without moving its position in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). Accordingly, the bus bar (3) can be dropped and assembled accurately at the correct position on the upper surface (2a) of the semi-assembly (2).

[0147] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the first support frame (30) and the second support frame (40) described above can be sequentially moved with respect to the main frame (10). In other words, either one of the first support frame (30) and the second support frame (40) can be moved first so that either one of the two ends of the bus bar (3) can be assembled to the semi-assembly (2) first, and the other one of the first support frame (30) and the second support frame (40) can be moved next so that either one of the two ends of the bus bar (3) can be assembled to the semi-assembly (2) next.

[0148] 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.

[0149] [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1: Battery module assembly device

[0151] 2: Semi-assembly

[0152] 3: Busbar

[0153] 10: Mainframe

[0154] 20: Stopper

[0155] 30: First support frame

[0156] 40: Second support frame

Claims

1. A battery module assembly device for assembling a bus bar into a battery module semi-assembly, A main frame with a busbar hole formed therein; and A battery module assembly device comprising a support frame movably connected to the main frame so as to support or release the bus bar arranged in the bus bar hole and drop it downward.

2. In paragraph 1, The above main frame, A battery module assembly device having a plate shape that can face the upper part of the semi-assembly, and including a plate portion through which the bus bar hole is formed.

3. In paragraph 2, The above main frame, A battery module assembly device further comprising a jig portion provided on the lower surface of the plate portion so as to fix the relative positions of the plate portion and the semi-assembly.

4. In paragraph 3, The above jig part, A battery module assembly device including a pair of jig members extending downward from the lower surface of the plate portion and spaced apart with the bus bar hole therebetween.

5. In paragraph 4, The above jig part, A battery module assembly device comprising a spacing member protruding from one of the pair of jig members toward the other.

6. In paragraph 1, The above support frame, A battery module assembly device, comprising a support member slidably coupled to the main frame so as to be able to move from a first position supporting a bus bar arranged in the bus bar hole from the lower side to a second position spaced from the first position.

7. In paragraph 6, The above main frame, The lower surface has a plate shape that can face the upper part of the above-mentioned semi-assembly, and includes a plate portion through which the bus bar hole is formed. A battery module assembly device, wherein the support member is configured to move on the lower surface of the plate member and open and close at least a portion of the bus bar hole.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery module assembly device, wherein the support member overlaps at least a portion of the busbar hole in the vertical direction at the first position and is arranged to be misaligned with the busbar hole in the vertical direction at the second position.

9. In paragraph 7, A battery module assembly device, wherein the support portion has a plate shape parallel to the lower surface of the plate portion.

10. In paragraph 7, The above bus bar holes are provided in multiple numbers and arranged in a row. A battery module assembly device, wherein the support member extends in the direction in which the plurality of bus bar holes are arranged.

11. In paragraph 6, The above support frame, A battery module assembly device further comprising a guide portion extending downward from the support portion so as to guide a bus bar falling downwardly into the bus bar hole.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery module assembly device, wherein a guide surface extending in an up-down direction is provided on the side of the above guide portion, facing the center of the above bus bar hole.

13. In paragraph 12, A battery module assembly device, wherein the above guide surface is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the support member.

14. In paragraph 6, The above support frame, Further comprising a catch portion extending from the support portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the support portion, A battery module assembly device, wherein the above-mentioned catch portion is in contact with the main frame when the support portion is positioned at the first position and is spaced apart from the main frame when the support portion is positioned at the second position.

15. In paragraph 6, Further comprising a stopper for limiting the movement distance of the above support frame, The above stopper is a battery module assembly device, wherein the stopper is spaced apart from the support frame when the support part is positioned at the first position and comes into contact with the support frame when the support part is positioned at the second position.

16. In paragraph 15, The above stopper, An extension extending parallel to the direction of movement of the support frame from the main frame; and A battery module assembly device, comprising a stopper portion protruding from the extension portion so as to face the support frame and the moving direction.

17. In paragraph 16, The above stopper, It further includes a buffer part provided on the side of the stopper part and capable of contacting or being separated from the support frame in the direction of movement, A battery module assembly device, wherein the buffer portion has greater elasticity than the stopper portion.

18. In paragraph 1, The above support frame, A first support frame for supporting or releasing one side of a bus bar placed in the above bus bar hole; and A battery module assembly device comprising a second support frame for supporting or releasing the other side of a bus bar arranged in the bus bar hole.

19. In paragraph 18, A battery module assembly device, wherein the first support frame and the second support frame are configured to be sequentially movable with respect to the main frame.

20. In paragraph 18, The above busbar hole extends horizontally, A battery module assembly device, wherein the support frame is configured to be movable in the extension direction of the bus bar hole.

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