Fixing jig for transporting battery cell unit

Abstract

The disclosed fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit comprises: a base plate; a plurality of vertical plates coupled to the base plate so as to form an accommodation space for a battery cell unit; a lid coupled to the plurality of vertical plates so as to seal the open side of the accommodation space formed by the vertical plates; first pads respectively attached to the base plate forming the lower side of the accommodation space, and the lid forming the upper side thereof; and a second pad inserted into the accommodation space so as to be in close contact with and encompass all the lateral sides of the accommodation space.

Description

Fixed jig for transporting battery cell units

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing jig for transporting battery cell units that can minimize various risks that may occur when transporting battery cell units.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0153745 dated November 1, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as energy density has improved, capacity has increased, and economies of scale have been realized, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically, and as the driving range of BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] As the customer base for secondary batteries diversifies, there are cases where customers request that manufacturers supply battery cell units rather than finished battery packs to increase design flexibility.

[0005] To supply batteries in the form of unit cells, they must pass UN38.3 certification. UN38.3 is a United Nations (UN) regulation designed to evaluate the safety of batteries. This regulation is one of the standards that must be strictly adhered to when transporting batteries worldwide and applies primarily to lithium batteries. As UN38.3 certification guarantees that batteries can be transported safely under specific conditions, secondary battery manufacturers need to demonstrate through this certification that their batteries meet internationally recognized safety standards.

[0006] Therefore, even when transporting battery cell units rather than battery packs, UN38.3 certification must be passed; however, currently, it is difficult to pass the certification because there is no separate transport structure capable of pressurizing or protecting battery cell units.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a fixing jig that enables safe transportation of battery cell units.

[0008] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0009] The present invention relates to a fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit, wherein, according to one embodiment, the jig comprises a base plate, a plurality of vertical plates coupled to the base plate to form a receiving space for a battery cell unit, a lid coupled to the plurality of vertical plates to seal an open surface of the receiving space formed by the vertical plates, a first pad attached to the base plate forming the lower surface of the receiving space and the lid forming the upper surface, respectively, and a second pad inserted into the receiving space to closely surround the entire side of the receiving space.

[0010] The first pad above may be an adhesive pad in which one surface facing the base plate and the lead is formed as an adhesive surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first pad may be a polyurethane (PU) pad.

[0012] The first pad above can cushion by contacting the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell unit housed in the receiving space, respectively.

[0013] The second pad above may be made of expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam that forms a receiving portion corresponding to the outer shape of the battery cell unit.

[0014] And, the second pad may include a band that wraps around the perimeter of the expanded polypropylene foam.

[0015] The second pad above can apply compressive force to all sides of the battery cell unit housed in the receiving portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plurality of vertical plates can be bolted to the base plate.

[0017] The above lead can be bolted to the plurality of vertical plates.

[0018] The battery cell unit accommodated in the above-mentioned space may not be coupled to the first pad and the second pad by a separate fastening mechanism.

[0019] In one embodiment, the plurality of vertical plates may further include an auxiliary plate extended in a direction toward a battery cell unit housed in the receiving space.

[0020] According to the fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit having the above configuration, within a receiving space designed to match the external shape and size of the battery cell unit to be transported, the second pad suppresses and absorbs the flow of the battery cell unit in the XY plane, and the upper and lower first pads suppress and absorb the flow in the Z-axis. Therefore, by using the fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit according to the present invention, it is possible to safely transport the battery cell unit in units while satisfying UN38.3 certification.

[0021] However, the technical effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0022] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fixing jig for transporting the battery cell unit of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line "AA" in FIG. 1.

[0026] FIGS. 4 to 7 are drawings illustrating a series of processes for housing a battery cell unit in a fixed jig for transporting a battery cell unit.

[0027] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are to be described in detail below.

[0028] However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0029] In the present invention, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not excluding in advance the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Furthermore, in the present invention, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "on" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "under" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Additionally, in the present application, being "placed on" may include cases where it is placed on the lower part as well as on the upper part.

[0031]

[0032] The present invention relates to a fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit, wherein, according to one embodiment, the jig comprises a base plate, a plurality of vertical plates coupled to the base plate to form a receiving space for a battery cell unit, a lid coupled to the plurality of vertical plates to seal an open surface of the receiving space formed by the vertical plates, a first pad attached to the base plate forming the lower surface of the receiving space and the lid forming the upper surface, respectively, and a second pad inserted into the receiving space to closely surround the entire side of the receiving space.

[0033] According to the fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit having the above configuration, within a receiving space designed to match the external shape and size of the battery cell unit to be transported, the second pad suppresses and absorbs the flow of the battery cell unit in the XY plane, and the upper and lower first pads suppress and absorb the flow in the Z-axis. Therefore, by using the fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit according to the present invention, it is possible to safely transport the battery cell unit in units while satisfying UN38.3 certification.

[0034] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of a fixing jig (10) for transporting a battery cell unit according to the present invention (hereinafter briefly referred to as "cell unit transport jig") will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. For reference, the directions of front, back, up, down, left, and right used to specify relative positions in the following description are intended to aid in understanding the invention, and unless otherwise specifically defined, the directions shown in the drawings are used as the reference.

[0035]

[0036] [First embodiment]

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixing jig (10) for transporting a battery cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fixing jig (10) for transporting a battery cell unit of FIG. 1.

[0038] The cell unit transport jig (10) of the present invention forms a basic frame comprising a base plate (100) and a plurality of vertical plates (200) coupled to the base plate (100) to form a receiving space for a battery cell unit (700). Typically, since the battery cell unit (700) has a cuboid shape, the plurality of vertical plates (200) may be provided in four numbers to match the rectangular shape of the horizontal cross-section of the battery cell unit (700).

[0039] The open surface (top surface) of the bottom-closed receiving space formed by the base plate (100) and the plurality of vertical plates (200) is closed by a lid (300). The lid (300) can be in the form of a flat plate and is coupled to the plurality of vertical plates (200) to seal the open surface of the receiving space. In this way, by mutually combining the base plate (100), the plurality of vertical plates (200), and the lid (300), a basic structure for housing a battery cell unit (700) is created.

[0040] And, the cell unit transport jig (10) of the present invention includes a first pad (400) and a second pad (500) for protecting and pressurizing a stored battery cell unit (700). By the first pad (400) and the second pad (500), the entire front surface of the battery cell unit (700) is protected and pressurized.

[0041] The first pad (400) is attached to the base plate (100) forming the lower surface of the receiving space and the lead (300) forming the upper surface, respectively. To easily attach the first pad (400), the first pad (400) may be an adhesive pad in which one side facing the base plate (100) and the lead (300) is formed as an adhesive surface (410). That is, the first pad (400) is attached to the base plate (100) and the lead (300), but is not attached to the battery cell unit (700) housed in the receiving space. The first pad (400) may be made of a material that is appropriately deformed and adhered to the surface shape of the battery cell unit (700) by applying appropriate elasticity to the battery cell unit (700), and also prevents shaking of the battery cell unit (700) by applying appropriate compressive force. For example, the first pad (400) may be a polyurethane (PU) pad.

[0042] The second pad (500) is inserted into the receiving space to closely surround the entire side of the receiving space. The second pad (500) can form a receiving portion corresponding to a rectangular shape, which is the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the battery cell unit (700). The second pad (500) can be easily deformed to fit the complex shape of the side of the battery cell unit (700) and is preferably made of a resin material that is lightweight and has sufficient support and durability. For example, the second pad (500) may be made of expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam.

[0043] In addition, the second pad (500) protecting the side of the battery cell unit (700) needs to apply an appropriate compressive force to the battery cell unit (700). By applying an appropriate compressive force to the battery cell unit (700), the battery cell unit (700) can be firmly fixed, and the expansion of the battery cell unit (700) due to temperature rise or swelling caused by self-discharge can be appropriately suppressed. To this end, the second pad (500) may include a band (510) that wraps around the perimeter of the expanded polypropylene foam. The band (510) may be made of a metal material with high tensile strength, such as steel, and both ends of the band wrapped around the perimeter of the second pad (500) are connected to each other. The circumference of the annularly bound band (510) may be slightly shorter than the total circumference of the second pad (500), thereby allowing the band (510) to apply an appropriate compressive force to the second pad (500).

[0044] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line "AA" of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first pad (400) can cushion by contacting the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the battery cell unit (700) housed in the receiving space. And, the second pad (500) can apply compressive force to the sides of the battery cell unit (700) housed in the receiving portion.

[0045] With such a storage structure, the flow of the battery cell unit (700) in the XY plane is suppressed and absorbed by the second pad (500), and the flow in the Z-axis is suppressed and absorbed by the upper and lower first pads (400). Therefore, by using the cell unit transport jig (10) of the present invention, it is possible to safely transport the battery cell unit (700) in units while satisfying UN38.3 certification.

[0046] In one embodiment, a plurality of vertical plates (200) can be connected to a base plate (100) by bolts (600). This allows the basic frame of the cell unit transport jig (10) to form a rigid structure. Additionally, a lead (300) can be connected to a plurality of vertical plates (200) by bolts (600). By connecting with bolts (600), the lead (300) can be easily connected and disconnected, and after transport, the lead (300) can be disassembled and the battery cell unit (700) can be easily removed.

[0047] In contrast, it may be preferable that the battery cell unit (700) accommodated in the receiving space is not connected to the first pad (400) and the second pad (500) by a separate fastening mechanism. This is because fixing or binding the battery cell unit (700) to the first pad (400) and the second pad (500) makes it inconvenient to store and retrieve the battery cell unit (700). Additionally, it may be more advantageous for the first pad (400) and the second pad (500) to naturally press against the battery cell unit (700) to absorb shock during transportation.

[0048] Additionally, the plurality of vertical plates (200) may further include auxiliary plates (210) extended in a direction toward the battery cell unit (700) housed in the receiving space. The auxiliary plates (210) increase the rigidity of the vertical plates (200) against various external forces, such as expansion forces or impacts, acting on the vertical plates (200), thereby ensuring safer transportation.

[0049]

[0050] [Second embodiment]

[0051] FIGS. 4 to 7 are drawings illustrating a series of processes for housing a battery cell unit (700) in a cell unit transport jig (10) of the present invention.

[0052] First, as shown in FIG. 4, a base plate (100) is prepared in which a plurality of vertical plates (200) are combined. Then, a first pad (400) is attached to the upper surface of the base plate (100), and a second pad (500) is inserted over it. The space inside the second pad (500) serves as a receiving portion, into which a battery cell unit (700) is stored.

[0053] Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the battery cell unit (700) is inserted into the receiving portion of the second pad (500). If the battery cell unit (700) is heavy, a power-operated lifting jig (not shown) can grasp the battery cell unit (700) and move it into the second pad (500).

[0054] The battery cell unit (700) housed in the second pad (500) has only its upper surface exposed. In this state, as shown in FIG. 6, the open surface of the housing space can be covered with a lid (300) to which the first pad (400) is attached.

[0055] Finally, as shown in FIG. 7, the lead (300) is connected to the plurality of vertical plates (200) using a plurality of bolts (600). By connecting the lead (300), as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, the first pad (400) can contact and cushion the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell unit (700) housed in the receiving space, respectively. And, the second pad (500) can apply a compressive force to the sides of the battery cell unit (700) housed in the receiving part.

[0056] Through this series of processes, a storage structure is completed in which the flow of the battery cell unit (700) in the XY plane is suppressed and absorbed by the second pad (500), and the flow in the Z-axis is suppressed and absorbed by the upper and lower first pads (400), and safe transportation of the battery cell unit (700) can be achieved.

[0057]

[0058] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0059]

[0060] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0061] 10: Fixing jig for transporting battery cell units

[0062] 100: Base Plate

[0063] 200: Vertical plate

[0064] 210: Auxiliary plate

[0065] 300: Lead

[0066] 400: 1st Pad

[0067] 410: Adhesive surface

[0068] 500: 2nd Pad

[0069] 510: Band

[0070] 600: Bolt

[0071] 700: Battery cell unit

Claims

1. Base plate; A plurality of vertical plates coupled to the base plate to form a receiving space for a battery cell unit; A lead coupled to the plurality of vertical plates to seal the open surface of the receiving space formed by the vertical plates; A first pad attached to the base plate forming the lower surface of the above-mentioned receiving space and the lead forming the upper surface, respectively; A second pad inserted into the receiving space to closely surround the entire side of the receiving space; A fixing jig for transporting battery cell units, comprising 2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first pad is, A fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit, wherein the base plate and the adhesive pad facing the lead are formed as adhesive surfaces.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned first pad is, A fixing jig for transporting battery cell units, which is a polyurethane (PU) pad.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned first pad is, A fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit, which contacts and cushions the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell unit housed in the above-mentioned receiving space, respectively.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above second pad is, A fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit, made of expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam that forms a receiving portion corresponding to the external shape of the battery cell unit.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above second pad is, A fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit, comprising a band that wraps around the perimeter of the expanded polypropylene foam.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above second pad is, A fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit, which applies compressive force to all sides of a battery cell unit housed in the above-mentioned receiving portion.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of vertical plates are, A fixing jig for transporting battery cell units, bolted to the above base plate.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above lead is, A fixing jig for transporting battery cell units, bolted to the above plurality of vertical plates.

10. In Paragraph 1, The battery cell unit accommodated in the above-mentioned accommodation space is, A fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit that is not joined to the first pad and the second pad by a separate fastening mechanism.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of vertical plates are, A fixing jig for transporting a battery cell unit, further comprising an auxiliary plate extended in a direction toward the battery cell unit housed in the above-mentioned receiving space.

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