Laser unit for battery module tabs

Abstract

The invention relates to a laser unit for battery module tabs comprising, within its structure, a laser welding (1.1.1) working on the X and Y axes to ensure that the entire welding surface is applied; a robot vehicle group (1.1) with an alignment part (1.1.3) pressing on the tabs when the laser welding (1.1.1) starts the process and providing pressure control to ensure that the welding surfaces are joined to the connector without gaps and to prevent damage to the tabs from the process pressure; and a flange (1.1.2) determining the weld length for measuring tolerance ranges, a pressing group (1.2.2) providing reference to the laser welding (1.1.1) and pressure on the module tabs for application at the most appropriate distance by moving on the surface of the battery module; a battery module reverse pressing group (1.2) with a pressing group actuator (1.2.1) providing gradual movement of the pressing group (1.2.2) on the surface of the module tabs, and, within its structure, and a robot vehicle group (1.1) comprising light barriers allowing automatic opening and closing of the doors for entry and exit and stopping the process to ensure safety in case of any intervention during the process, and the cabinet group (1.3), which is positioned inside the battery module reverse pressing group (1.2) and forms the section where the laser application is performed.

Description

[0001] LASER UNIT FOR BATTERY MODULE TABS

[0002] Technical Field :

[0003] This invention relates to a laser unit performing laser processes such as tab welding, etc . applied to tabs in battery modules , especially li-ion batteries consisting of pouch-type cells .

[0004] State of the Art :

[0005] Batteries are devices that allow electrical energy to be stored and used when needed .

[0006] Lithium-ion batteries , or li-ion batteries for short , are fast-recharging batteries . Today, li-ion batteries are used in many electronic devices , especially tablets and cell phones .

[0007] In recent years , li-ion batteries are also used in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles , of which use increases .

[0008] In the production of batteries , first many battery cells are brought together to form battery modules and then many battery modules are brought together to form battery packs .

[0009] Battery module tabs go through processes such as tab cutting, tab bending, tab welding to one another, mounting to connectors and cassettes , etc . until the batteries are finali zed .

[0010] Processes such as tab cutting, tab welding, etc . applied to the battery module tabs are conducted with laser application . However, in present laser applications , the contact surface area between the tab and the connector in the grouping of battery cells may be small , and as a result of the high currents flowing through this area and the vibrations caused by the devices used, the tabs may dissolve and disrupt the group structure .

[0011] On the other hand, the laser pulse distance must be adj usted properly throughout the process . This is because i f the laser pulse distance is too close , it can cause problems such as short circuits , pressure , and damage to the parts . I f the laser pulse distance is too far, the application cannot be performed ef fectively . In this regard, it is necessary to precisely determine and measure the laser pulse distances and the pressure generated by the laser applications .

[0012] Another problem with present applications is that laser applicators can only perform the process in a limited axis , allowing the process to be applied to a speci fic area of the surface rather than the entire surface .

[0013] In addition, the area where the laser will be used is critical in laser applications . In terms of occupational safety, the laser application area should be positioned in an isolated area with no external contact , particularly during operation . Currently, laser applications are performed in chambers or cabins . The operators manually open and close the doors of the chambers and cabinets that are currently in use , and the products to be processed are also provided by the operators for entry and exit from these areas . However, since the doors are opened and closed manually, there is a risk of accidental opening of the doors before the process is completed . On the other hand, the operators ' transportation of the products may result in entry and exit to and from the chamber / cabinet before the ef fects of the laser beams have passed . These situations pose a risk to the occupational safety of the worker .

[0014] The Object of the Invention :

[0015] This invention aims to prevent the formation of pressure that may pose a risk, to eliminate the risks associated with the pressure , and to ensure that the process is carried out in the most ef ficient manner possible by ensuring that the laser pulse distance is adj usted in the most appropriate manner using the battery module reverse pressing group .

[0016] Another obj ect of the invention is to enable the laser head to operate in the X and Y axes , al lowing for application to the entire surface of the tabs .

[0017] Another obj ect of the invention is to provide a safe application by preventing laser beams from af fecting the outside using a cabinet with a double-walled casing and automatic opening and closing doors .

[0018] Description of The Figures :

[0019] Figure 1 . The view of the laser unit ,

[0020] Figure 2 . The disassembled view of the laser unit ,

[0021] Figure 3 . The view of the robot vehicle group,

[0022] Figure 4 . The side view of the robot vehicle group,

[0023] Figure 5 . The upper perspective view of the robot vehicle group,

[0024] Figure 6 . The view of the battery module reverse pressing group, Reference Numbers:

[0025] 1. Laser unit

[0026] 1.1. Robot vehicle group

[0027] 1.1.1. Laser welding

[0028] 1.1.2. Robot flange

[0029] 1.1.3. Alignment part

[0030] 1.2. Battery module reverse pressing group

[0031] 1.2.1. Pressing group actuator

[0032] 1.2.2. Pressing group

[0033] 1.2.3. Mounting plate

[0034] 1.3. Cabinet group

[0035] Description of the Invention:

[0036] The inventive battery unit consists of the laser unit (1) for the battery module tabs, the robot vehicle group (1.1) performing the laser application, the battery module reverse pressing group (1.2) on which the product to be processed is positioned and the robot vehicle group (1.1) for providing insulation in the laser application and the cabinet group (1.3) forming the section where the laser application is performed by being positioned inside the battery module reverse pressing group (1.2) .

[0037] The robot vehicle group (1.1) comprises a laser welding (1.1.1) working on the X and Y axes to ensure that the entire welding surface is applied; an alignment part (1.1.3) pressing on the tabs when the laser welding (1.1.1) starts the process and providing pressure control to ensure that the welding surfaces are joined to the connector without gaps and to prevent damage to the tabs from the process pressure; and a flange (1.1.2) determining the weld length for measuring tolerance ranges. By imaging with its camera and lighting element, the flange

[0038] (1.1.2) within the structure of the robot vehicle group (1.1) determines the weld length for tolerance range measurements.

[0039] The alignment part (1.1.3) of the robot vehicle group (1.1) provides movement via a servo-controlled actuator and spring system, as well as pressure control through pressure measurement .

[0040] The battery module reverse pressing group (1.2) , within its structure, comprises a pressing group (1.2.2) providing reference to the laser welding (1.1.1) and pressure on the module tabs for application at the most appropriate distance by moving on the surface of the battery module; a pressing group actuator (1.2.1) providing gradual movement of the pressing group (1.2.2) on the surface of the module tabs, and mounting plates (1.2.3) forming the section where the pressing group (1.2.2) and the pressing group actuator (1.2.1) are mounted .

[0041] The pressing group actuator (1.2.1) within the structure of the battery module reverse pressing group (1.2) operates with a servo-controlled linear motion system. In this way, it can move gradually across the surface of the battery module and provide referencing to the laser group for laser welding, allowing the laser welding (1.1.1) to be applied at the optimal distance.

[0042] The pressing group (1.2.1) has insulated surfaces made of cestamite to accommodate the laser print while preventing electrical conduction and short circuits.

[0043] The cabinet group (1.3) is organized in a double-walled case. The pressing material used for the process is zirconium copper. In this way, the dispersion of the laser beams provided by the laser welding (1.1.1) is prevented. The laser welding (1.1.1) in the structure of the robot vehicle group (1.1) uses high energy to join the materials while producing minimal heat to avoid damaging the battery cells and providing precise focusing. A strong and durable weld joint is formed as the material cools and solidifies. Laser welding (1.1.1) may create narrow and deep welds and by keeping the heat- unaffected zones to a minimum, it minimizes sensitivity and distortion. The laser welding's high precision ensures a reliable and uniform joint, which is critical to the battery's performance and longevity.

[0044] The inventive laser unit (1) can be integrated into serial battery production lines.

[0045] Thanks to the inventive laser unit (1) , a safe, precise, fast, and clean laser welding process can be performed in the battery production line.

Claims

CLAIMS1. The invention is a laser unit (1) for battery module tabs, characterized that it comprises, within its structure, a laser welding (1.1.1) operating on the X and Y axes to ensure that the entire welding surface is treated; a robot vehicle group (1.1) with an alignment part (1.1.3) pressing on the tabs when the laser welding (1.1.1) starts the process and providing pressure control to ensure that the welding surfaces are joined to the connector without gaps and to prevent damage to the tabs from the process pressure; and a flange (1.1.2) determining the weld length for measuring tolerance ranges; battery module reverse thrust group (1.2) , which includes in its structure a pressing group (1.2.2) that provides reference to the laser welding (1.1.1) and pressure on the module tabs for application at the optimal distance by moving on the surface of the battery module, a pressing group actuator (1.2.1) that provides gradual movement of the pressing group (1.2.2) on the surface of the module tabs, and, within its structure, and a robot vehicle group (1.1) , which includes in its structure light barriers that enable the doors to open and close automatically for entry and exit and to stop the process to ensure safety in case of any intervention during the process, and the cabinet group (1.3) , which is positioned inside the battery module reverse pressing group (1.2) and forms the section where the laser application is performed.

2. The robot vehicle group (1.1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a flange (1.1.2) carrying out the determination of the weld length for measuring the tolerance ranges by imaging with the camera and lighting element .

3. The robot vehicle group (1.1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the alignment part (1.1.3) providing servo control with actuator and spring system and carrying out the pressure control by measuring the pressure.

4. The battery module reverse pressing group (1.2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, within its structure, mounting plates (1.2.3) forming the part where the pressing group (1.2.2) and the pressing group actuator (1.2.1) are mounted.

5. The battery module reverse pressing group (1.2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, within its structure, a pressing group actuator (1.2.1) operating with a servo-controlled linear movement system.

6. The battery module reverse pressing group (1.2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, within its structure, a pressing group (1.2.2) with insulated surfaces made of cestamite to provide laser pressing and to prevent electrical conduction and short circuit situations.

7. The cabinet group (1.3) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it has a case consisting of a double-walled structure .

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