CN109964352B

CN109964352B - Apparatus for manufacturing battery pack

Info

Publication number: CN109964352B
Application number: CN201780069640.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 柳相铉
Original assignee: Samsung SDI Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung SDI Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-18
Filing date: 2017-10-11
Publication date: 2022-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-11
Also published as: WO2018093044A1; KR101863095B1; KR20180056309A; CN109964352A

Abstract

An apparatus for manufacturing a battery pack is disclosed. The invention comprises the following steps: a laser generating unit; a mounting jig which is disposed to face the laser generating unit and on which one or more battery cells each having a circuit module mounted thereon are mounted; and a pressing unit disposed between the laser generating unit and the mounting jig for closely adhering the connection member of the circuit module and the terminal of the battery cell, wherein the pressing unit presses the connection member through the space portion of the circuit module.

Description

Apparatus for manufacturing battery pack

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, and more particularly, to a battery pack manufacturing apparatus.

Background

Recently, compact and lightweight electric/electronic devices such as cellular phones, notebook computers, and camcorders have been actively developed and manufactured. Such portable electric/electronic devices may have a built-in battery pack so that they can be operated even in a place where a separate power source is not provided. The built-in battery pack may include at least one battery to output a voltage of a certain level to drive the portable electric/electronic device for a certain period of time.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

Recently, rechargeable secondary batteries have been used in consideration of the economical aspect of the battery pack. Examples of the secondary battery may include a nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery, a nickel-hydrogen (Ni-MH) battery, and a lithium secondary battery such as a lithium (Li) battery and a lithium ion (Li-ion) battery.

In particular, since the lithium secondary battery has a high energy density per unit weight and a high operating voltage of 3.6V, which is three times as high as that of a nickel-cadmium battery or a nickel-hydrogen battery widely used as a power source for portable electronic devices, the use of the lithium secondary battery is rapidly increasing. Such a lithium secondary battery mainly uses a lithium-based oxide as a positive electrode active material and a carbon material as a negative electrode active material. Generally, batteries are classified into liquid electrolyte batteries and polymer electrolyte batteries according to the type of electrolyte, the batteries using liquid electrolyte are called lithium ion batteries, and the batteries using polymer electrolyte are called lithium polymer batteries. In addition, the lithium secondary battery is manufactured in various shapes, and examples of the various shapes may include a cylindrical shape, an angular shape, and a pouch shape.

Technical scheme

Provided is a battery pack manufacturing apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack manufacturing apparatus includes: a laser generating unit; a mounting jig disposed to face the laser generating unit and on which at least one battery cell having the circuit module mounted thereon is mounted; and a pressing unit disposed between the laser generating unit and the mounting jig to press the connection member of the circuit module to the terminal of the battery cell, wherein the pressing unit presses the connection member through the space portion of the circuit module.

Advantageous effects

Embodiments of the present disclosure may enable rapid and accurate manufacturing of a battery pack. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may significantly reduce the defect rate of a battery pack being manufactured.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may minimize thermal damage to a battery pack being manufactured.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the pressing unit shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the tip unit shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack manufactured by the battery pack manufacturing apparatus shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pressing unit and a fixing unit of a battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the tip unit shown in fig. 5.

Detailed Description

In addition, the pressing unit may include: a main body unit contacting the circuit module; and a tip unit protruding from the body unit.

In addition, the tip unit may include: a first tip protruding toward the circuit module; and a second tip protruding toward the circuit module and spaced apart from the first tip.

In addition, at least one of the first tip and the second tip may be bent at least once.

In addition, the tip unit may further include a tip body unit from which the first tip and the second tip protrude, and the tip body unit is mounted to be linearly movable in the body unit.

In addition, the pressing unit may further include an elastic unit inserted into the body unit and providing an elastic force to the tip unit.

In addition, the body unit may include: a first body unit in which the tip unit linearly moves; and a second body unit protruding from the first body unit and pressing the circuit module.

In addition, the laser beam generated by the laser generating unit may be irradiated to the connection member of the circuit module through the pressing unit.

In addition, the terminal of the battery cell may include a negative electrode.

In addition, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus may further include a supporting unit connecting the laser generating unit, the mounting jig, and the pressing unit.

In addition, the pressing unit may further include a fixing unit disposed between the supporting unit and the pressing unit and connected to the supporting unit to linearly move the pressing unit.

In addition, the tip unit may include: a connection unit installed in the body unit and coupled to the cover; a tip body unit coupled to the connection unit; and a tip connected to the tip body unit and protruding from the tip body unit toward the circuit module.

In addition, the pressing unit may further include a cover disposed on the body unit and connected to the connection unit.

In addition, the pressing unit may further include an elastic unit disposed between the tip body unit and the cover, and the connection unit is inserted into the elastic unit.

In addition, the pressing unit may include: a main body unit in contact with the circuit module; a tip unit installed to be linearly movable in the body unit; a cover coupled to the body unit; a fixing unit coupled to the cover; and an elastic unit inserted into the body unit and having one end in contact with the cover or the fixing unit and the other end in contact with the tip unit.

Modes of disclosure

The present disclosure will be clearly understood by reference to the embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present disclosure is to be defined by the appended claims. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that terms such as "comprising," "including," and "having," when used herein, specify the presence of stated steps, operations, components, and/or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other steps, operations, components, and/or elements. Although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component.

Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the pressing unit shown in fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the tip unit shown in fig. 2.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a supporting unit 110, a laser generating unit 120, a pressing unit 130, a setting jig 140, and a linear driving unit 150.

The laser generating unit 120, the pressing unit 130, the fixing unit 134, and the linear driving unit 150 may be installed at the supporting unit 110. In this case, the support unit 110 may include a plurality of frames or plates, etc.

The laser generating unit 120 may generate a laser beam. In this case, the laser generating unit 120 may generate a laser beam including energy for welding.

The pressing unit 130 may be disposed to face the laser generating unit 120 to connect a second connection member (not shown) of the circuit module (not shown) and a terminal (not shown) of the battery cell (not shown). In this case, the pressing unit 130 may contact the second connection member through the space portion of the circuit board to press the second connection member toward the terminal. In this case, the pressing unit 130 may be formed as a single component, or may be formed as an assembly of separate components.

In an embodiment, the pressing unit 130 may include a pressing body unit (not shown) and a tip unit (not shown) protruding from the pressing body unit. In this case, the pressing body unit may be connected to the supporting unit 110 by the linear driving unit 150. The pressing body unit and the tip unit may be integrally formed, or the pressing body unit and the tip unit may be separately formed and then assembled together. In addition, the tip unit may include at least one tip (not shown). In the above case, the pressing body unit may be a concept including the body unit 131, the cover 133, and the fixing unit 134 described below, and the tip unit may be a concept including the tip unit 132 described below or including the first and second tips 132c-1 and 132 c-2. In this case, the pressing unit 130 may not include the elastic unit 135 described below. In another embodiment, the pressing unit 130 may include a body unit 131, a tip unit 132, a cover 133, an elastic unit 135, and a fixing unit 134. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a detailed description will be mainly given of a case where the pressing unit 130 includes the body unit 131, the tip unit 132, the cover 133, the elastic unit 135, and the fixing unit 134.

The body unit 131 may be installed at the fixing unit 134. In this case, the body unit 131 may be formed in a plate-like shape. The body unit 131 may include a first body unit 131a, and the first body unit 131a is installed to be fixed to the fixing unit 134. In this case, the tip unit 132 may be installed to be linearly movable at the first body unit 131 a. In addition, the body unit 131 may include a second body unit 131b, the second body unit 131b being disposed between the first body unit 131a and the cover 133 being seated on the second body unit 131 b. In this case, the first and

second body units

131a and 131b may be coupled to each other.

The first and

second body units

131a and 131b may be formed in the shape of a plate or a frame. In this case, the first and

second body units

131a and 131b may include holes formed to insert a portion of the tip unit 132 or to insert the elastic unit 135. Specifically, a portion of the tip unit 132 and the elastic unit 135 may be inserted into the first body unit 131 a. In addition, the second body unit 131b may be fixedly mounted on the top surface of the first body unit 131a to absorb an impact applied to the first body unit 131a by the cover 133 in the operation of the tip unit 132, thereby preventing the first body unit 131a from being damaged.

The tip element 132 may be integrally formed or may be formed as an assembly of separate components. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a detailed description will be mainly given of a case where the tip unit 132 is formed as an assembly of independent components.

The tip unit 132 may include a connection unit 132a, a tip body unit 132b, and a tip 132 c. In this case, the connection unit 132a may be installed to pass through the first and

second body units

131a and 131b, and may be connected to the cover 133. In this case, the connection unit 132a may be formed in a shaft shape or a cylindrical shape. In addition, the connection unit 132a and the cover 133 may be detachably connected to each other.

The tip body unit 132b may be coupled to the connection unit 132 a. In this case, the tip body unit 132b may be vertically disposed with respect to the connection unit 132a and connected to the connection unit 132 a. The tip body unit 132b may press the circuit module to prevent the circuit module from moving and assist the first connection member of the circuit module to contact a surface or terminal (not shown) of the battery cell (not shown). Specifically, one surface of the tip body unit 132b may be formed flat.

The tip 132c may be formed to protrude from the tip body unit 132 b. In this case, the tip 132c may include a first tip 132c-1 and a second tip 132c-2 arranged to be spaced apart from each other. At least one of the first pointed end 132c-1 and the second pointed end 132c-2 may be bent at least once. For example, a portion of at least one of the first and second tips 132c-1 and 132c-2 may be formed in a linear shape in the load direction, and another portion of at least one of the first and second tips 132c-1 and 132c-2 may be bent from a portion of at least one of the first and second tips 132c-1 and 132c-2 parallel to the top surface of the circuit module. In another embodiment, a portion of at least one of the first and second tips 132c-1 and 132c-2 may be formed in a linear shape parallel to the top surface of the circuit module, and another portion of at least one of the first and second tips 132c-1 and 132c-2 may be bent from a portion of at least one of the first and second tips 132c-1 and 132c-2 in the load direction. In another embodiment, a portion of at least one of the first and second pointed ends 132c-1 and 132c-2 may be formed in a first direction, and another portion of at least one of the first and second pointed ends 132c-1 and 132c-2 may be bent from a portion of at least one of the first and second pointed ends 132c-1 and 132c-2 in a second direction different from the first direction. In this case, at least one of the first and second pointed ends 132c-1 and 132c-2 may be bent in different directions a plurality of times or may be bent in at least one direction, in addition to being bent as described above. In this case, when at least one of the first and second pointed ends 132c-1 and 132c-2 is bent, at least one of the first and second pointed ends 132c-1 and 132c-2 may provide an elastic force to the first and second pointed ends 132c-1 and 132c-2 when the second connection member is pressed, thereby preventing the first and second pointed ends 132c-1 and 132c-2 from being broken or damaged. In addition, at least one of the first pointed end 132c-1 and the second pointed end 132c-2 may be bent at least once to provide a force for pressing the second connection member.

The cover 133 may be connected to the connection unit 132a, and may be spaced apart from the second body unit 131b or contact the second body unit 131b when the connection unit 132a linearly moves. In this case, the cap 133 may prevent the tip unit 132 from being detached from the body unit 131. For example, the size of the cover 133 may be larger than the area of a hole formed in the second body unit 131b perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connection unit 132 a. In this case, when the connection unit 132a is linearly moved, the cover 133 may be sized to prevent the connection unit 132a from being inserted into a hole formed in the body unit 131.

The elastic unit 135 may be disposed in the body unit 131. In this case, the elastic unit 135 may provide restoring force to the tip unit 132 when the tip unit 132 moves. For example, the elastic unit 135 may be disposed in the body unit 131 such that one end of the elastic unit 135 is caught on one of the first and

second body units

131a and 131 b. In addition, the connection unit 132a may be inserted into the elastic unit 135, and the other end of the elastic unit 135 may be seated on the tip body unit 132 b. In this case, when the tip unit 132 moves in one direction, the elastic unit 135 may be compressed. In this case, the elastic unit 135 may be disposed inside the body unit 131 in a compressed state.

The fixing unit 134 may be connected to the linear driving unit 150, and the body unit 131 may be seated and fixed to the fixing unit 134. In this case, the fixing unit 134 may perform linear motion and reciprocating motion according to the operation of the linear driving unit 150. In addition, the fixing unit 134 may have a through-hole 134a formed therein. In this case, a part of the through hole 134a may be shielded by the body unit 131. In this case, the laser beam may pass through another portion of the through-hole 134 a.

The cover 133 and the tip unit 132 may be formed in one pair, and the plurality of pairs of the cover 133 and the tip unit 132 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the body unit 131. In this case, a plurality of battery cells may be welded at one time.

In addition, two body units 131 may be provided, and the two body units 131 may be arranged to face each other. In this case, the tips 132c connected to the respective body units 131 may be arranged to face each other, and a space may be formed between the tips 132c facing each other to allow the laser beam to pass therethrough.

The seating jig 140 may be disposed to face the pressing unit 130. In this case, the seating jig 140 may seat the battery cell, and may include a seating groove 141 or a separate seating protrusion to define the position of the battery cell. The positioning grooves 141 or the positioning protrusions may determine the interval or position of each battery cell. Specifically, the positioning groove 141 or the positioning protrusion may determine the positions of the battery cells such that each battery cell may correspond to a pair of tip units 132.

The linear driving unit 150 may connect the supporting unit 110 and the fixing unit 134. In this case, the linear driving unit 150 may linearly move the fixing unit 134 in a longitudinal direction (or vertical direction) of the supporting unit 110.

The linear driving unit 150 may be formed in various shapes. For example, the linear driving unit 150 may include a linear motor disposed between the supporting unit 110 and the fixing unit 134. In another embodiment, the linear driving unit 150 may include a motor installed at the supporting unit 110 and a ball screw connected to the motor and fixing unit 134. In another embodiment, the linear driving unit 150 may include a cylinder installed at the supporting unit 110 and connected to the fixing unit 134. In this case, the linear driving unit 150 is not limited thereto, but may include any structure and means for linearly moving and reciprocating the fixing unit 134 by connecting the supporting unit 110 and the fixing unit 134.

Hereinafter, a method of welding the battery cell and the circuit module will be described in detail.

Referring to fig. 4, the battery pack 10 may include a battery cell 11, a circuit module 12, an external cover 13, a flexible circuit board unit 14, and a tag unit 15.

The battery cell 11 may include a can 11b having a space formed therein, an electrode assembly (not shown) inserted into the can 11b, and a cap plate (not shown) mounted on the can 11 b. In this case, the electrode assembly may be in the form of a secondary battery formed in a swiss-roll shape.

The battery cell 11 may include a terminal 11 a-a cap plate. In this case, the terminal 11a may include a negative electrode or a positive electrode. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a detailed description will be mainly given of a case where the terminal 11a of the battery cell 11 is a negative electrode.

The battery cell 11 may include a separate terminal in addition to the terminal 11 a. In this case, the individual terminals may have a polarity different from that of the terminal 11 a. In another embodiment, the battery cell 11 may not further include a separate terminal. In this case, the surface of the can 11b may have a polarity different from that of the terminal 11 a. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a detailed description will be mainly given of a case where the battery cell 11 includes only the terminal 11 a.

The circuit module 12 may be disposed on the top surface of the battery cell 11 and electrically connected to the battery cell 11 to control charge/discharge of the battery cell 11 and prevent overheating and explosion, which may be caused by overcharge, overdischarge, or overcurrent.

The circuit module 12 may include a circuit board 12a, a protection element 12b mounted on the circuit board 12a, a first connection member 12c, a second connection member 12f, and an external terminal 12 d. In this case, the external terminal 12d may be connected to an external device to output a current supplied from the battery cell 11 to the outside or receive a current flowing from the outside, and transmit/receive a signal for controlling the charge/discharge of the battery cell 11. The protection element 12b may be disposed between the battery cell 11 and the circuit board 12a to form a circuit for controlling charge/discharge of the battery cell 11.

The first connection members 12c may be installed at both ends of the circuit board 12a to electrically connect the circuit board 12a and the cap plate. In this case, the first connection member 12c may separate the circuit board 12a from the cap plate by a certain distance.

The second connecting member 12f may connect the terminal 11a and the circuit board 12 a. Specifically, the second connecting member 12f may include all structures provided on the circuit board 12a and connected to the terminal 11 a. For example, the second connecting member 12f may include a terminal-temperature element 12 e. In this case, the circuit board 12a may have a space portion (not shown) formed therein so that the second connection member 12f may be exposed to the outside. In this case, the space portion may include an exposure groove (not shown) formed in the circuit board 12a or an exposure hole 12g formed in the circuit board 12 a. In this case, when the space portion includes the exposure groove, the exposure groove may be formed at one end portion of the circuit board 12 a. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a detailed description will be mainly given of a case where the space portion includes the exposure hole 12 g. The exposure hole 12g may expose a portion of the second connection member 12f to the outside and may be formed to pass through the circuit board 12 a.

In addition to the above configuration, the circuit module 12 may include a temperature element 12e for electrically connecting the battery cell 11 and the circuit board 12 a. In this case, the temperature element 12e may be connected to the terminal 11a through the second connecting member 12 f. Specifically, the temperature element 12e may release (release) the connection between the battery cell 11 and the circuit board 12a when the temperature rises.

The upper portion of the circuit module 12 may be inserted into the outer cover 13. In this case, the external cover 13 may be arranged to completely cover the upper portion of the circuit module 12 to protect the circuit module 12 from external influences.

The flexible circuit board unit 14 may connect an external device (not shown) and the external terminal 12d of the circuit module 12. In this case, the flexible circuit board unit 14 may be partially bent and may be led out from the outer cover 13.

In addition, the label unit 15 may be mounted to cover the outer surface of the battery cell 11. In this case, the tag unit 15 may be formed of an insulating material, and a portion of the tag unit 15 may be arranged to cover an edge of the circuit module 12 and a portion of the outer cover 13.

The battery pack 10 is not limited thereto, and may be formed in various shapes. For example, the battery cells 11 of the battery pack 10 may be accommodated in a separate case instead of the tag unit 15. In another embodiment, the battery pack 10 may not include the outer cover 13.

Hereinafter, a process of manufacturing the battery pack 10 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 1 to 4.

In manufacturing the battery pack 10, first, the battery cell 11 may be manufactured, and then the battery cell 11 is disposed on the mounting jig 140. In this case, the battery cells 11 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by the positioning grooves or the positioning protrusions described above. In addition, in each battery cell 11, the circuit module 12 and the flexible circuit board unit 14 may be disposed on the top surface of the battery cell 11.

When the battery cells 11 are arranged as described above, the linear driving unit 150 may be operated to press the tip body unit 132b to the circuit board 12 a. In this case, a portion of the tip body unit 132b that contacts the circuit board 12a may be formed to correspond to the shape of a portion of the circuit board 12 a.

When the circuit board 12a is pressed to the tip body unit 132b, at least one of the first and second tips 132c-1 and 132c-2 may contact the second connection member 12f through the exposure hole 12g of the circuit board 12 a. In this case, at least one of the first and second pointed ends 132c-1 and 132c-2 may press the second connection member 12f to the terminal 11a by self-elasticity caused by its bent shape. In addition, since the elastic unit 135 is in a compressed state, the elastic unit 135 can press the second connection member 12f toward the terminal 11a by its restoring force.

When the above process is completed, a laser beam may be irradiated to the second coupling member 12f by the laser generating unit 120. In this case, the laser generating unit 120 may irradiate a laser beam corresponding to the first connection member 12c, and also irradiate a laser beam to correspond to the exposure hole 12 g. In addition, the laser generating unit 120 may irradiate a plurality of laser beams to correspond to the respective battery cells 11.

When the laser beam is irradiated as described above, the second connection member 12f may be disposed to face the laser generating unit 120 through the exposure hole 12g and the through hole 134 a. In this case, the laser beam may pass through the through hole 134a and the exposure hole 12g and may enter between the tips 132c after passing through the exposure hole 12 g. The laser beam may be directly irradiated to the second connection member 12f through the through hole 134a and the exposure hole 12 g.

When the laser beam is irradiated as described above, at least one of the first connection member 12c and the cap plate may melt and adhere to each other, and at least one of the second connection member 12f and the terminal 11a may melt and adhere to each other.

In the above case, a laser beam may be irradiated to a certain range to adhere the first connection member 12c and the cap plate to each other and to adhere the second connection member 12f and the terminal 11a to each other. In particular, a high precision laser may be used to prevent melting or damage to other components that may occur during the welding process. In addition, the laser beam can be used to perform welding accurately and precisely in a short time.

Specifically, when heat is applied to perform welding as described above, the welding may be performed by generating resistance heat through application of current between the terminal and the connecting member or between the connecting members. In this case, the circuit module may be damaged by applying an overcurrent, or the circuit board may be melted by excessive heat generated between the connection members. In this case, when the battery pack is used, a serious problem such as explosion of the battery pack may occur.

However, when the second connecting member 12f and the terminal 11a are welded by the laser beam as described above, the diffusion of heat can be minimized, and the second connecting member 12f and the terminal 11a can be welded accurately. Specifically, in the above case, by performing welding while maintaining contact between the second connecting member 12f and the terminal 11a, the welding defect rate can be minimized.

Therefore, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus 100 may make it possible to manufacture the battery pack 10 quickly and accurately. In addition, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus 100 can significantly reduce the defect rate of the battery pack 10 being manufactured.

The battery pack manufacturing apparatus 100 may minimize thermal damage of the battery pack 10 caused by welding. In addition, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus 100 may make it possible to manufacture a safe battery pack 10.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pressing unit and a fixing unit of a battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the tip unit shown in fig. 5.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus (not shown) may include a supporting unit (not shown), a laser generating unit (not shown), a pressing unit 230, a mounting jig (not shown), and a linear driving unit (not shown). In this case, the supporting unit, the laser generating unit, the mounting jig, and the linear driving unit are the same as or similar to those described above, and thus, redundant description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

The pressing unit 230 may be disposed under the laser generating unit to press the circuit module (not shown) toward the battery cell (not shown). In this case, the pressing unit 230 may be formed of one component as described above, or may be formed as an assembly of a plurality of components. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a detailed description will be mainly given of a case where the pressing unit 230 is formed as an assembly of a plurality of components.

The pressing unit 230 may include a body unit 231, a tip unit 232, a cover 233, a fixing unit 234, and an elastic unit 235.

The body unit 231 may include a first body unit 231a and a second body unit 231 b. In this case, the first body unit 231a may have a first through-hole 231a-1 formed therein, so that the tip unit 232 and the elastic unit 235 may be disposed in the first through-hole 231 a-1. The first through hole 231a-1 may be formed in a groove shape so that the tip unit 232 can be completely inserted into the first through hole 231 a-1. In addition, the laser beam may pass through the first through hole 231 a-1. In the above case, a separate protrusion protruding inside the first through-hole 231a-1 may be formed on the bottom surface of the first through-hole 231a-1 to prevent the tip unit 232 from being detached from the first through-hole 231 a-1. The second body unit 231b may protrude from a side surface of the first body unit 231 a. In this case, the second body unit 231b may be in contact with one surface of the circuit module or a first connection member (not shown) of the circuit module to press the circuit module toward the battery cells.

The tip unit 232 may be disposed to be linearly movable in the body unit 231. In this case, a protrusion protruding inside the first through-hole 231a-1 may be provided on the bottom surface of the body unit 231 to prevent the tip unit 232 from being detached from the first through-hole 231 a-1. The tip unit 232 may include a tip body unit 232b arranged to be inserted into the first body unit 231a and first and second tips 232c-1 and 232c-2 protruding from the tip body unit 232 b. The tip body unit 232b may include a second through hole 232a-1 formed to communicate with the first through hole 231 a-1.

The first and second tips 232c-1 and 232c-2 may be formed in various shapes. For example, the first and second tips 232c-1 and 232c-2 may be connected to each other, and a hole may be formed between the first and second tips 232c-1 and 232 c-2. In another embodiment, the first and second tips 232c-1 and 232c-2 may be disposed spaced apart from each other. In this case, a separate space may be formed between the first and second tips 232c-1 and 232 c-2. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a detailed description will be mainly given of a case where the first and second tips 232c-1 and 232c-2 are formed separately from each other.

The first and second tips 232c-1 and 232c-2 may protrude from the tip body unit 232b toward the circuit module 12. In this case, at least one of the first and second pointed ends 232c-1 and 232c-2 may be formed to be bent at least once. The shape of at least one of the first and second tips 232c-1 and 232c-2 bent at least once is the same as or similar to that described above, and thus redundant description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

A plurality of tip units 232 may be provided. In this case, the plurality of tip units 232 may be disposed spaced apart from each other.

The cover 233 may be coupled to the body unit 231. The cover 233 may prevent the tip unit 232 from being detached from the body unit 231 when the tip unit 232 is linearly moved. The cover 233 may include a third through hole 233a formed to communicate with the first and second through holes 231a-1 and 232 a-1. In this case, the third through hole 233a may be a groove formed in a length direction of the cover 233.

The fixing unit 234 may be connected to the cover 233 to connect the pressing unit 230 to the supporting unit. Specifically, the fixing unit 234 may be installed to be linearly movable in the supporting unit by being connected to a linear driving unit. In addition, the fixing unit 234 may include a fourth through hole 234a formed to communicate with the third through hole 233 a. In this case, the laser beam may reach the circuit module 12 through the fourth through hole 234a, the third through hole 233a, the first through hole 231a-1, and the second through hole 232 a-1.

In an embodiment, the elastic unit 235 may be disposed between the cap 233 and the tip body unit 232 b. In this case, one end of the elastic unit 235 may be supported by the cover 233, and the other end of the elastic unit 235 may be supported by the tip body unit 232b to provide restoring force to the tip body unit 232b when the tip body unit 232b moves. Specifically, the elastic unit 235 may include a telescopic spring. In this case, the elastic unit 235 may be disposed between the cap 233 and the tip body unit 232b in a compressed state with respect to an initial length.

In another embodiment, the elastic unit 235 may be disposed between the tip body unit 232b and the fixing unit 234. In this case, the elastic unit 235 may be disposed to penetrate the cover 233. In this case, one end of the elastic unit 235 may be supported by the fixing unit 234, and the other end of the elastic unit 235 may be supported by the tip body unit 232 b. Specifically, the cover 233 may be formed to have a hole into which the elastic unit 235 is inserted, and the hole may guide the elastic unit 235 when the elastic unit 235 is compressed.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a detailed description will be mainly given of a case where the elastic unit 235 is disposed between the cap 233 and the tip main unit 232 b.

In the operation of the battery pack manufacturing apparatus described above, the battery cells on which the circuit modules are mounted may be disposed on the mounting jig. In this case, the battery cell, the circuit module, the flexible circuit board unit, and the tag unit are the same as or similar to those described with reference to fig. 5, and thus, redundant description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

The linear driving unit may be operated to press the circuit module by the pressing unit 230. In this case, according to the operation of the linear driving unit, the first and second pointed ends 232c-1 and 232c-2 may press the second connection member (not shown) of the circuit module through the exposure hole (not shown) of the circuit module, and the second body unit 231b may contact one surface of the circuit module or one of the first connection members of the circuit module to press the circuit module toward the battery cell.

Subsequently, when the laser generating unit irradiates a laser beam toward the circuit module side, the laser beam may pass through the first through-holes 231a-1 to the fourth through-holes 234a and the exposure hole to reach the second connecting member. In this case, the laser beam may weld the second connection member to a terminal (not shown) of the battery cell.

The above-described process may be simultaneously performed in a plurality of battery cells. In addition, the laser beam may be irradiated not only to the second connection member but also to the first connection member to connect the first connection member and the cap plate (not shown).

Therefore, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus may make it possible to manufacture the battery pack quickly and accurately. In addition, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus may significantly reduce the defect rate of the battery pack being manufactured.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the above embodiments, various changes or modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims encompass all such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Industrial applicability

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery pack manufacturing apparatus may be provided, and thus, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be used as an apparatus for manufacturing a battery pack used in an electric vehicle, a ship, an electric bicycle, and the like.

Claims

1. A battery pack manufacturing apparatus, comprising:

a laser generating unit;

a mounting jig disposed to face the laser generating unit, and on which at least one battery cell and a circuit module mounted on the at least one battery cell are mounted; and

a pressing unit disposed between the laser generating unit and the mounting jig to press the connection member of the circuit module to the terminals of the battery cells, and including a body unit contacting the circuit module and a linearly movable tip unit,

wherein the pressing unit presses the connection member through the space portion of the circuit module.

2. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tip unit protrudes from the body unit.

3. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein the tip unit includes:

a first tip protruding toward the circuit module; and

a second tip protruding toward the circuit module and spaced apart from the first tip.

4. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein at least one of the first and second tips is bent at least once.

5. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein the tip unit further comprises a tip body unit, the first tip and the second tip protrude from the tip body unit, and the tip body unit is mounted to be linearly movable in the body unit.

6. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein the pressing unit further comprises an elastic unit inserted into the body unit and providing an elastic force to the tip unit.

7. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the main body unit includes:

a first body unit at which the tip unit linearly moves; and

and a second body unit protruding from the first body unit and pressing the circuit module.

8. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the laser beam generated by the laser generating unit is irradiated to the connection member of the circuit module through the pressing unit.

9. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the terminal of the battery cell includes a negative electrode.

10. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack manufacturing apparatus further comprises a supporting unit that connects the laser generating unit, the mounting jig, and the pressing unit.

11. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the pressing unit further comprises a fixing unit disposed between the supporting unit and the pressing unit and connected to the supporting unit to linearly move the pressing unit.

12. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein the tip unit includes:

a connection unit installed in the body unit and coupled to the cover;

a tip body unit coupled to the connection unit; and

and a tip connected to the tip body unit and protruding from the tip body unit toward the circuit module.

13. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the pressing unit further comprises a cover disposed on the body unit and connected to the connection unit.

14. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the pressing unit further comprises an elastic unit, the elastic unit is disposed between the tip body unit and the cover, and the connection unit is inserted into the elastic unit.

15. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing unit further comprises:

a cover coupled to the body unit;

a fixing unit coupled to the cover; and

an elastic unit inserted into the body unit and having one end in contact with the cover or the fixing unit and the other end in contact with the tip unit,

wherein the tip unit is mounted to be linearly movable in the body unit.