Patent Publication Number: US-2021167412-A1

Title: Battery pack manufacturing apparatus and method, and battery pack

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a battery pack manufacturing apparatus and method, and a battery pack, and more particularly, to a battery pack manufacturing apparatus allowing automatic production and having a minimized manufacturing defect rate. 
     The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0022699 filed on Feb. 26, 2019 in the Republic of Korea, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, the lithium secondary batteries are spotlighted since they are freely charged and discharged due to little memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries and have a very low discharge rate and high energy density. 
     The lithium secondary battery mainly uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate respectively coated with the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material are disposed with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior, namely a battery pouch exterior, for hermetically accommodating the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte. 
     Recently, secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large devices such as vehicles and power storage systems. When used in a medium or large device, a large number of secondary batteries are electrically connected to increase capacity and output. In particular, pouch-type secondary batteries are frequently used for the medium or large device since they may be easily stacked. 
     Meanwhile, as the need for a large-capacity structure has recently increased as well as utilization as an energy storage source, there is an increasing demand for a battery pack that includes a plurality of secondary batteries electrically connected in series and/or in parallel, a module case for accommodates the secondary batteries therein and a battery management system (BMS). 
     In addition, generally, the battery pack further includes a battery module having a module case and a plurality of secondary batteries accommodated in the module case, and an outer housing made of metal to protect or accommodate the battery module from outer impact. Also, the module case accommodated in the outer housing needs to be fixedly coupled inside the outer housing so that there is no fluctuation therein. This is to prevent an outer impact from causing a secondary internal collision between inner components (the module case, the bus bar, the secondary batteries, etc.) of the battery pack, or to prevent an electrical short circuit from occurring. 
     Moreover, in a conventional battery pack manufacturing method, a process for inserting and fixing the battery module into the outer housing inner space is performed. However, it is very difficult to perform this process manually because the gap between the battery module and the outer housing inside the outer housing is narrow and the battery module is too heavy for a person to lift and move. 
     Further, a worker may be easily drop the battery module onto the floor during the process of inserting the battery module into the inner space of the outer housing, and defects such as a shock or a short circuit may easily occur between the battery module and the outer housing. In addition, a lot of time is required for the process of inserting the battery module, which increases the manufacturing cost. 
     DISCLOSURE 
     Technical Problem 
     The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and therefore the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack manufacturing apparatus, which may allow automatic production and have a minimized manufacturing defect rate. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure may be understood from the following detailed description and will become more fully apparent from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, it will be easily understood that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by the means shown in the appended claims and combinations thereof. 
     Technical Solution 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a battery pack having a pack housing and a battery module, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus comprising: 
     a lifting mechanism having a frame configured to mount the pack housing and a moving unit configured to move the frame so that the battery module is inserted into an inner space of the pack housing; and 
     a module support configured to support the battery module. 
     Also, the frame may have a perforated portion formed by opening a portion thereof so that the module support passes therethrough. 
     In addition, the frame may have an erroneous insertion detecting unit configured to detect whether the pack housing is inserted at an exact location. 
     Moreover, the manufacturing apparatus may further include an attaching and detaching mechanism configured to allow the battery module to be attached and detached. 
     Also, the attaching and detaching mechanism may include: 
     a gripping unit having a fixing member configured to be coupled to and separated from the battery module; and 
     a manipulating unit configured to control a location of the gripping unit so that the fixing member is manipulated to be coupled to or separated from the battery module. 
     Further, the gripping unit may include: 
     at least two clamps disposed to face each other so that the fixing member is loaded thereto; 
     at least two mount parts to which the clamps are mounted, the at least two mount parts being configured such that the at least two clamps move close to or away from each other; and 
     a base plate on which the mount parts are loaded, the base plate having a moving bar configured to guide movement of the mount parts. 
     In addition, the manipulating unit may include: 
     a lever configured to operate the mount part to move toward the battery module or away from the battery module; and 
     a connection bar having one end connected to the mount part and the other end connected to the lever, the connection bar being configured to transmit a moving force to the mount part according to the manipulation of the lever. 
     Moreover, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus may further include a feeding mechanism configured to allow the attaching and detaching mechanism to move in a state of fixing the battery module. 
     Also, the feeding mechanism may include: 
     a feeding tray on which the attaching and detaching mechanism is loaded, the feeding tray having an opening through which the pack housing passes; and 
     a conveyor configured to supply the feeding tray so that the battery module is located on the module support or to discharge the feeding tray to the outside. 
     Further, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a battery pack manufacturing method for manufacturing a battery pack having a pack housing and a battery module, the battery pack manufacturing method comprising: 
     a preparing step of loading the pack housing on a lifting mechanism; 
     a supplying step of supplying a feeding tray so that the battery module is located on a module support; 
     a loading step of loading the battery module on the module support; 
     a separating step of separating the battery module loaded on the feeding tray from an attaching and detaching mechanism; 
     a lifting step of moving the pack housing by the lifting mechanism so that the battery module is inserted into an inner space of the pack housing; 
     a fastening step of fastening the battery module and the pack housing to each other; 
     a mounting step of mounting the battery module fastened with the pack housing to the attaching and detaching mechanism; and 
     a discharging step of carrying the feeding tray to a next process in a state where the attaching and detaching mechanism to which the battery module fastened with the pack housing is mounted is loaded thereon. 
     Also, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a battery pack manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus. 
     Advantageous Effects 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the battery pack manufacturing apparatus includes a frame configured to mount the pack housing, a lifting mechanism having a moving unit for moving the frame, and a module support configured to support the battery module, the battery module may be easily inserted therein just by simply carrying the pack housing in the vertical direction, thereby enabling an automated process. For this reason, the manufacturing efficiency may be dramatically improved. Moreover, compared to the conventional case where the battery module is manually inserted into the pack housing by a person, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of defects caused by falling of the battery module or the collision between the pack housing and the battery module, which may occur during the inserting process. 
     Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the frame has a perforated portion formed by opening a portion thereof so that the module support may pass therethrough, the battery module may be easily inserted into the pack housing just by moving the lifting mechanism equipped with the pack housing in a state where the battery module is loaded on the module support. Moreover, the present disclosure may reduce the assembly defect rate since the manufacturing process is simple and automated. 
     In addition, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, since the frame includes an erroneous insertion detecting unit for detecting whether the middle case of the pack housing is inserted at an exact location, it is possible to prevent a defect from occurring while the battery module is being inserted into the pack housing. Moreover, since erroneous insertion may be immediately determined just by simply loading the pack housing on the lifting mechanism, it is possible to quickly correct the location of the pack housing, thereby increasing the process efficiency. 
     Moreover, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, since the manufacturing apparatus further includes an attaching and detaching mechanism configured to allow the battery module to be attached and detached, the battery module may be spaced apart from the upper portion of the module support in the vertical direction. Thus, the battery module may be easily located exactly on the module support before the battery module is loaded on the module support. In addition, after the battery module is inserted into the pack housing, the battery module may be coupled and fixed to the attaching and detaching mechanism so that the module support is separated from the battery module and returned to its original location. Accordingly, the present disclosure may prevent accidents such as falling of the battery module, and it is possible to perform the manufacturing process stably because the battery module is not damaged. 
     Also, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, since the gripping unit of the attaching and detaching mechanism includes at least two clamps, at least two mount parts and a base plate so as to be coupled to and detached from the battery module, the gripping unit may securely fix the battery module. In addition, since the attaching and detaching mechanism may slide the gripping unit by the moving bar, the battery module may be easily and stably separated. Accordingly, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus may easily and stably perform the assembling process, thereby minimizing the defect rate of the battery pack. 
     Further, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, since the feeding mechanism includes the conveyor configured to supply the feeding tray equipped with the attaching and detaching mechanism or discharge the feeding tray, the battery module, or the pack housing and the battery module, may be carried stably. Moreover, since the feeding tray has an open portion opened with a size through which the pack housing may pass, the process of coupling the pack housing may be initiated just by carrying the feeding tray so that the battery module is located on the module support. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process, thereby greatly increasing the manufacturing efficiency. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and thus, the present disclosure is not construed as being limited to the drawing. 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where some components are separated. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view for illustrating an example where the battery pack is manufactured using a battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the battery pack manufacturing apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view for illustrating another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial front view schematically showing a portion of the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE 
     Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to general and dictionary meanings, but interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define terms appropriately for the best explanation. 
     Therefore, the description proposed herein is just a preferable example for the purpose of illustrations only, not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, so it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery pack  200  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where some components are separated. Also,  FIG. 2  is a perspective view for illustrating an example where the battery pack  200  is manufactured using a battery pack manufacturing apparatus  100  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a battery pack  200  having a pack housing  250  and a battery module  230 . 
     Here, the battery pack  200  may include a pack housing  250  and a battery module  230 . In addition, the battery module  230  may include a plurality of secondary batteries, a bus bar  220 , and a module case  210  configured to accommodate the plurality of secondary batteries therein so that the bus bar  220  is loaded thereto. Also, at least two fastening holes  210   d  configured to be coupled to the pack housing  250  by a bolt  150  may be formed in the module case  210 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the battery pack  200  may include a pack housing  250  and a battery module  230  accommodated inside the pack housing  250 . At this time, the module case  210  provided to the battery module  230  may have four fastening holes  210   d  configured to fasten the pack housing  250  by the bolt  150 . 
     Further, the pack housing  250  may include a top cap  252 , a middle case  254 , and a bottom support  253 . Specifically, the middle case  254  may be coupled to a lower portion of the top cap  252 , and the bottom support  253  may be coupled to a lower portion of the middle case  254 . More specifically, the top cap  252  may have an upper wall and a sidewall to cover an upper portion of the module case  210  accommodated inside the pack housing  250 . Also, the middle case  254  may have a rectangular tubular shape opened in the vertical direction. Further, the bottom support  253  may have a sidewall  253   a  and a lower wall  253   b  in the form of a box with an open top. More specifically, the fastening hole  210   d  formed in the module case  210  may be configured to be coupled to a fastening groove  254   h  provided at an inner surface of the middle case  254  by the bolt  150 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , four fastening grooves  254   h  positioned at locations corresponding to the fastening holes  210   d  of the module case  210  may be provided at the inner surface of the middle case  254 . In addition, the battery pack  200  may include four fastening bolts  150  for fastening the fastening hole  210   d  of the module case  210  and the middle case  254  to each other. 
     Meanwhile, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus  100  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to perform a process of inserting the battery module  230  into the middle case  254 . In addition, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus  100  may be configured to perform a process of coupling the battery module  230  and the pack housing  250  by the bolt  150 . 
       FIG. 3  is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the battery pack manufacturing apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  along with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the battery pack manufacturing apparatus  100  may include a lifting mechanism  110  and a module support  120 . Specifically, the lifting mechanism  110  may include a frame  112  and a moving unit  114 . More specifically, the frame  112  may be configured so that the pack housing  250  is mounted to an upper portion thereof. The frame  112  may be a rectangular frame  112  with an open center. That is, the rectangular frame  112  may be configured in a way that four bars are connected to be perpendicular to each other in a horizontal direction. 
     In addition, the frame  112  may be configured such that a lower end of the middle case  254  is placed on an upper surface thereof. Also, the frame  112  may have a fixing portion  112   f  so that the lower end of the middle case  254  may be fixed thereto. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , four fixing portions  112   f  may be provided at the upper surface of the frame  112 . The four fixing portions  112   f  may have a structure corresponding to a part of an outer circumference of the lower end of the middle case  254 . That is, the four fixing portions  112   f  may be configured to be in close contact with four corner portions formed on the outer lower circumference of the lower end of the middle case  254 . The fixing portion  112   f  may have an L shape extending perpendicularly in the horizontal direction. 
     In addition, the moving unit  114  may be configured such that the frame  112  is movable at least in the vertical direction. The moving unit  114  may include a lifting means (not shown) for moving the frame  112  so that the battery module  230  is inserted into the inner space of the pack housing  250 . The lifting means may have an operator. The operator may be a means for accurately moving the frame  112 . The operator may be a servo motor, a step motor, a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the lifting means may be the pneumatic cylinder. At this time, a top end of the pneumatic cylinder  115   a  may be configured to be connected to a bottom end of the frame  112 . 
     Further, the module support  120  may have a wide plate-shaped body to support the battery module  230 . In addition, the module support  120  may have an operator. The operator may be a means of accurately moving the module support  120 . The operator may be a servo motor, a step motor, a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the lifting means may be the pneumatic cylinder. At this time, a top end of the cylinder  115   b  of the pneumatic cylinder may be configured to be connected to a bottom end of the module support  120 . 
     Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the battery pack manufacturing apparatus  100  includes a frame  112  configured to mount the pack housing  250 , a lifting mechanism  110  having a moving unit  114  for moving the frame  112 , and a module support  120  configured to support the battery module  230 , the battery module  230  may be easily inserted therein just by simply carrying the pack housing  250  in the vertical direction, thereby enabling an automated process. For this reason, the manufacturing efficiency may be dramatically improved. Moreover, compared to the conventional case where the battery module  230  is manually inserted into the pack housing  250  by a person, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of defects caused by falling of the battery module  230  or the collision between the pack housing  250  and the battery module  230 , which may occur during the inserting process. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view for illustrating another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Also,  FIG. 5  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring  FIGS. 4 and 5  along with  FIG. 2 , the frame  112  may have a perforated portion  112 P formed by opening a portion thereof so that the module support  120  may pass therethrough. That is, the module support  120  may have a size capable of passing through the perforated portion  112 P of the frame  112 . Thus, the battery module  230  loaded on the module support  120  may be inserted into the pack housing  250  by moving the pack housing  250  loaded on the frame  112 . 
     The module support  120  may be configured to pass through the perforated portion  112 P. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the frame  112  may be moved downward by the moving unit  114  so that the module support  120  passes through the perforated portion  112 P from bottom to top. Conversely, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the frame  112  may be moved upward by the moving unit  114  so that the module support  120  passes through the perforated portion  112 P from top to bottom. 
     Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the frame  112  has a perforated portion  112 P formed by opening a portion thereof so that the module support  120  may pass therethrough, the battery module  230  may be easily inserted into the pack housing  250  just by moving the lifting mechanism  110  equipped with the pack housing  250  in a state where the battery module  230  is loaded on the module support  120 . Moreover, the present disclosure may reduce the assembly defect rate since the manufacturing process is simple and automated. 
     In addition, the frame  112  may include an erroneous insertion detecting unit  112 S for detecting whether the middle case  254  of the pack housing  250  is inserted at an exact location. The erroneous insertion detecting unit  112 S may be fixed to a bottom end of the frame  112 . The erroneous insertion detecting unit  112 S may include a laser sensor S 1  that emits laser L 1 . Further, a protrusion P 1  protruding inward from the inner surface of the pack housing  250  may be formed inside the pack housing  250  so that the erroneous insertion detecting unit  112 S may determine whether the pack housing  250  is erroneously inserted. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the erroneous insertion detecting unit  112 S may include a laser sensor S 1 . The erroneous insertion detecting unit  112 S may detect by using the laser sensor S 1  whether the protrusion P 1  formed on the inner surface of the pack housing  250  is located at the exact location, thereby determining whether the pack housing  250  is loaded at an exact location. 
     Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the frame  112  includes an erroneous insertion detecting unit  112 S for detecting whether the middle case  254  of the pack housing  250  is inserted at an exact location, it is possible to prevent a defect from occurring while the battery module  230  is being inserted into the pack housing  250 . Moreover, since erroneous insertion may be immediately determined just by simply loading the pack housing  250  on the lifting mechanism  110 , it is possible to quickly correct the location of the pack housing  250 , thereby increasing the process efficiency. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the manufacturing apparatus  100  may further include an attaching and detaching mechanism  130  configured to allow the battery module  230  to be attached and detached. The attaching and detaching mechanism  130  may be coupled to a portion of the battery module  230  to be spaced apart from the module support  120  in the vertical direction. 
     Specifically, the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  may include a gripping unit  132  and a manipulating unit  138 . The gripping unit  132  may include a fixing member  133  configured to be coupled to and detached from the battery module  230 . The manipulating unit  138  may control the location of the gripping unit  132  so that the fixing member  133  is coupled to or separated from the battery module  230 . When the battery module  230  is loaded on the module support  120 , the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  may be separated from the battery module  230 . Conversely, in a state where the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  is coupled to the battery module  230 , the module support  120  may be moved downward from the battery module  230  to be spaced apart therefrom. 
     Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the manufacturing apparatus  100  further includes an attaching and detaching mechanism  130  configured to allow the battery module  230  to be attached and detached, the battery module  230  may be spaced apart from the upper portion of the module support  120  in the vertical direction. Thus, the battery module  230  may be easily located exactly on the module support  120  before the battery module  230  is loaded on the module support  120 . In addition, after the battery module  230  is inserted into the pack housing  250 , the battery module  230  may be coupled and fixed to the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  so that the module support  120  is separated from the battery module  230  and returned to its original location. Accordingly, the present disclosure may prevent accidents such as falling of the battery module  230 , and it is possible to perform the manufacturing process stably because the battery module  230  is not damaged. 
       FIG. 7  is a partial front view schematically showing a portion of the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7  along with  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the gripping unit  132  includes at least two clamps  134 , at least two mount parts  135  to which the clamps  134  are mounted, and a base plate  136  on which the mount parts  135  are loaded. Specifically, the at least two clamps  134  may be disposed to face each other so that the fixing member  133  is loaded thereto. In addition, the battery module  230  may be located between the at least two clamps  134 . A plurality of fixing members  133  may be provided to each of the at least two clamps  134 . Here, the fixing member  133  may have a circular bar shape elongated in one direction. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in each of the at least two clamps  134 , four fixing members  133  may be provided to be inserted through the clamp  134  inward toward the battery module  230  and fixed thereto. 
     In addition, the fixing member  133  may be configured to be inserted into a perforated groove  210   h  ( FIG. 1 ) provided to the battery module  230 . The perforated groove  210   h  may be formed to be indented inward toward the plurality of secondary batteries at each of left and right outer walls  210   c  of the module case  210  of the battery module  230 . For example, based on the direction D of  FIG. 6 , four perforated grooves  210   h  may be provided at the left outer wall  210   c  of the module case  210 , and four perforated grooves  210   h  may be provided to the right outer wall  210   c  of the module case  210 . 
     Meanwhile, the terms indicating directions such as front, rear, left, right, upper and lower directions used in the specification may be changed depending on a location of an observer or a placed form of a target. However, in this specification, for convenience of description, the front, rear, left, right, upper and lower directions will be classified based on when being viewed in the direction D. 
     In addition, in each of the at least two mount parts  135 , the clamp  134  may be coupled at one side toward the battery module  230  (in an inner direction). For example, the mount part  135  may be coupled to the clamp  134  by a bolt. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the manufacturing apparatus  100  may include two mount parts  135  to which the clamps  134  are coupled, respectively. 
     Moreover, the at least two mount parts  135  may be configured such that the at least two clamps  134  mounted thereto are moved closer to each other or farther from each other. The at least two mount parts  135  may be configured to be movable in both directions on the base plate  136 . The base plate  136  may have a moving bar  136   b  for guiding the movement of the mount part  135 . The moving bar  136   b  may have an elongated shape such that the mount parts  135  are movable in a direction along which the at least two clamps  134  move closer to or farther from each other. A sliding portion  135   s  having an indented structure may be provided to a lower portion of the mount part  135  to slide along the moving bar  136   b  in both directions. The sliding portion  135   s  may have an indented structure in a shape corresponding to a portion of the moving bar  136   b  so that the upper portion of the moving bar  136   b  is inserted therein. 
     Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the gripping unit  132  of the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  includes at least two clamps  134 , at least two mount parts  135  and a base plate  136  so as to be coupled to and detached from the battery module  230 , the gripping unit  132  may securely fix the battery module  230 . In addition, since the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  may slide the gripping unit  132  by the moving bar  136   b , the battery module  230  may be easily and stably separated. Accordingly, the battery pack manufacturing apparatus  100  may easily and stably perform the assembling process, thereby minimizing the defect rate of the battery pack  200 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8  along with  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the manipulating unit  138  may include a lever  139  configured to manipulate the mount part  135  to move toward the battery module  230  or to move away from the battery module  230 . In addition, a connection bar  139   t  may have one end connected to a lower portion of the mount part  135  and the other end connected to the lever  139 . The connection bar  139   t  may be configured to transmit a moving force to the mount part  135  according to the manipulation of the lever  139 . 
     In addition, the connection bar  139   t  may be coupled to the lever  139  by a hinge G 1 . When looking in the D direction, according to the rotation of the lever  139 , the hinged connection bar  139   t  may be moved in the left or right direction. For example, the two connection bars  139   t  may be coupled to the lever  139  by the hinge G 1 . The connection bar  139   t  may have one end connected to the mount part  135  and the other end connected to the lever  139 . If the lever  139  is rotated to the left, the two connection bars  139   t  may be moved closer to each other. Conversely, if the lever  139  is rotated to the right, the two connection bars  139   t  may be moved away from each other. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , by manipulating the lever  139 , the two mount parts  135  may be moved toward the battery module  230  (in an inner direction) so that the battery module  230  is coupled to the clamp  134 . At this time, the lever  139  may be rotated to the left. The fixing member  133  of the clamp  134  may be inserted into the perforated groove  210   h  of the module case  210 . 
     Conversely, as shown in  FIG. 8 , by operating the lever  139 , the two mount parts  135  may be moved away from the battery module  230  (in an outer direction) so that the battery module  230  is separated from the clamp  134 . At this time, the lever  139  may be rotated to the right. In addition, the fixing member  133  of the clamp  134  may be separated from the perforated groove  210   h  of the module case  210 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9  along with  FIGS. 1 and 8 , if the battery module  230  is separated from the attaching and detaching mechanism  130 , the lifting mechanism  110  may move the pack housing  250  upward so that the battery module  230  is inserted into the pack housing  250 . At this time, the module support  120  may be located inside the perforated portion  112 P ( FIG. 4 ) of the frame  112  of the lifting mechanism  110 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the lever  139  may be rotated to the right to move the two clamps  134  away from the battery module  230 . At this time, the lifting mechanism  110  may move the frame  112  upward so that the module support  120  is located inside the perforated portion  112 P of the frame  112 . Also, the fastening groove  254   h  ( FIG. 1 ) provided to the inner surface of the middle case  254  and the fastening hole  210   d  of the module case  210  may be positioned to communicate with each other. The manufacturing apparatus  100  may be equipped with a separate bolting machine (an electric driver, not shown) so that the fastening hole  210   d  ( FIG. 1 ) of the module case  210  and the fastening groove  254   h  of the middle case  254  are coupled to each other by the bolt  150 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10  along with  FIGS. 3 and 9 , an opening  250   h  may be formed in the pack housing  250  so that the fixing member  133  of the clamp  134  is inserted therethrough. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , two openings  250   h  through which the fixing member  133  is inserted may be formed at the left outer wall  210   c  of the pack housing  250 . In addition, two openings  250   h  through which the fixing member  133  are inserted may be formed at the right outer wall  210   c  of the pack housing  250 . 
     Moreover, by the lever  139  of the manipulating unit  138  ( FIG. 6 ), the mounting parts  135  may be moved again toward the battery module  230  (in an inner direction) so that the fixing member  133  provided to each of the two clamps  134  located on both sides of the battery module  230  is inserted through the opening  250   h  of the pack housing  250 . At this time, the fixing member  133  may also be inserted into and fixed to the perforated groove  210   h  of the module case  210  at the same time as being inserted through the opening  250   h.    
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view for illustrating still another example where the battery pack is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11  along with  FIG. 10 , the battery pack manufacturing apparatus  100  may further include a feeding mechanism  140  configured to allow the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  to be movable in a state of fixing the battery module  230 . The feeding mechanism  140  may include a feeding tray  142  and a conveyor  144  for carrying the feeding tray  142 . The feeding tray  142  may be configured so that the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  is loaded thereon. 
     In addition, an open portion  142   h  may be formed in the feeding tray  142  so that the pack housing  250  may move therethrough. The attaching and detaching mechanism  130  may be located around the open portion  142   h  of the feeding tray  142 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the feeding mechanism  140  may have a feeding tray  142  in the form of a rectangular frame. The open portion  142   h  may be formed at the center of the feeding tray  142  so that the pack housing  250  may move therethrough. In addition, the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  may be loaded around the open portion  142   h  of the feeding tray  142 . 
     In addition, the conveyor  144  may be configured to supply the feeding tray  142  so that the battery module  230  is located on the module support  120 . Conversely, the conveyor  144  may be configured to discharge the feeding tray  142  to the outside. 
     Moreover, the conveyor  144  may be a belt conveyor or a chain conveyor. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the feeding mechanism  140  may include a chain conveyor  144  configured to supply the feeding tray  142  so that the battery module  230  is located on the module support  120 . 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 10 , a chain  144   c  of the chain conveyor  144  may be configured to contact lower surfaces of both right and left ends of the feeding tray  142 . The feeding tray  142  may be configured to move as the chain  144   c  moves. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the conveyor  144  may carry the feeding tray  142  equipped with the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  coupled to the pack housing  250  and the battery module  230  to be discharged to the outside. 
     Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the feeding mechanism  140  includes the conveyor  144  configured to supply the feeding tray  142  equipped with the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  or discharge the feeding tray  142 , the battery module  230 , or the pack housing  250  and the battery module  230 , may be carried stably. Moreover, since the feeding tray  142  has an open portion  142   h  opened with a size through which the pack housing  250  may pass, the process of coupling the pack housing  250  may be initiated just by carrying the feeding tray  142  so that the battery module  230  is located on the module support  120 . Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process, thereby greatly increasing the manufacturing efficiency. 
     Meanwhile, referring to  FIGS. 2 and 5 to 11  again, there may be provided a method of manufacturing the battery pack  200  having the pack housing  250  and the battery module  230  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     The battery pack manufacturing method for manufacturing the battery pack  200  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a preparing step, a supplying step, a loading step, a separating step, a lifting step, a fastening step, a mounting step, and a discharging step. Specifically, in the preparing step, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the pack housing  250  may be loaded on the frame  112  provided to the lifting mechanism  110 . At this time, the lower end of the pack housing  250  may be temporarily fixed by the fixing portion  112   f  coupled to the frame  112 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the erroneous insertion detecting unit  112 S may determine whether the pack housing  250  is exactly located. In addition, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the lifting mechanism  110  may move the frame  112  downward so that the module support  120  is inserted into the pack housing  250 . 
     Moreover, in the supplying step, the feeding tray  142  may be supplied and carried by the conveyor  144  so that the battery module  230  is located on the module support  120 . At this time, the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  may be loaded on the feeding tray  142 . In addition, the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  may be configured to be coupled to and detached from the battery module  230  by means of the fixing member  133 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the battery module  230  may be coupled to the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  by the fixing member  133 . 
     Further, in the loading step, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the module support  120  may be moved upward so that the battery module  230  is loaded on the module support  120 . At this time, the module support  120  may be moved upward by the operator. 
     In addition, in the separating step, the battery module  230  loaded on the feeding tray  142  may be separated from the attaching and detaching mechanism  130 . At this time, the gripping unit  132  of the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  may be separated from the battery module  230  by the manipulating unit  138 . In the separating step, the battery module  230  may be in a state of being loaded on the module support  120 . As in  FIG. 8 , the two mount parts  135  may be moved away from each other by manipulating the lever  139 . By doing so, the fixing member  133  may be separated from the perforated groove  210   h  of the module case  210 . 
     Moreover, in the lifting step, the lifting mechanism  110  may move the pack housing  250  so that the battery module  230  is inserted into the inner space of the pack housing  250 . As in  FIG. 9 , the lifting mechanism  110  may move the frame  112  upward so that the module support  120  is located inside the perforated portion  112 P of the frame  112 . 
     In addition, in the fastening step, the battery module  230  and the pack housing  250  may be fastened to each other in a state where the battery module  230  is inserted into the pack housing  250 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , in a state where the fastening groove  254   h  (FIG.  1 ) provided to the inner surface of the middle case  254  of the pack housing  250  and the fastening hole  210   d  ( FIG. 1 ) of the module case  210  are positioned to communicate with each other, the fastening hole  210   d  of the module case  210  and the fastening groove  254   h  of the middle case  254  may be coupled to each other using four bolts  150 . 
     Further, in the mounting step, the battery module  230  to which the pack housing  250  is fastened may be mounted to the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  again. For example, as in  FIG. 10 , by the manipulating unit  138 , the mount part  135  may be moved again toward the battery module  230  so that the fixing member  133  provided to each of the two clamps  134  located at both sides of the battery module  230  is inserted through the opening  250   h  ( FIG. 3 ) of the pack housing  250 . At this time, the fixing member  133  may also be inserted into the perforated groove  210   h  ( FIG. 1 ) of the module case  210  at the same time as being inserted through the opening  250   h.    
     In addition, in the discharging step, the feeding tray  142  equipped with the attaching and detaching mechanism  130  to which the battery module  230  fastened with the pack housing  250  is mounted may be carried to the next process. For example, as in  FIG. 11 , the chain conveyor  144  may carry the feeding tray  142  equipped with the pack housing  250  and the battery module  230  to be discharged to the outside. 
     Meanwhile, the battery pack  200  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is manufactured using the battery pack manufacturing apparatus  100 . In addition, the battery pack  200  may further include various devices (not shown) for controlling charging and discharging of the plurality of secondary batteries, for example as a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, and a fuse. 
     Meanwhile, even though the terms indicating directions such as upper, lower, left, right, front and rear directions are used in the specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these merely represent relative locations for convenience in explanation and may vary based on a location of an observer or an object. 
     The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
     Reference Signs 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 100: battery pack manufacturing 
                 110: lifting mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 apparatus 
               
               
                   
                 112: frame 
                 114: moving unit 
               
               
                   
                 120: module support 
                 112P: perforated portion 
               
               
                   
                 112S: erroneous insertion 
                 130: attaching and detaching 
               
               
                   
                 detecting unit 
                 mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 132: gripping unit 
                 138: manipulating unit 
               
               
                   
                 133: fixing member 
                 134: clamp 
               
               
                   
                 135: mount part 
                 136: base plate 
               
               
                   
                 136b: moving bar 
                 135s: sliding portion 
               
               
                   
                 139: lever 
                 139t: connection bar 
               
               
                   
                 140: feeding mechanism 
                 142: feeding tray 
               
               
                   
                 144: conveyor 
               
               
                   
                 200: battery pack 
                 230: battery module 
               
               
                   
                 210: module case 
               
               
                   
                 210c: outer wall 
                 250: pack housing 
               
               
                   
                 254: middle case 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present disclosure relates to a battery pack manufacturing apparatus and method, and a battery pack. In addition, the present disclosure is applicable to a manufacturing field for manufacturing a battery pack, and an industry related to vehicles including at least one battery pack.