Low-voltage battery module assembly

Abstract

A low-voltage battery module assembly is disclosed. The low-voltage battery module assembly may include first and second end cartridges, a pair of first battery cells, a pair of second battery cells, and a central cartridge. The pair of first battery cells and the pair of second battery cells may be disposed between the first and second end cartridges. The central cartridge may be disposed between the pair of first battery cells and the pair of second battery cells and may be wrapped by the electrode leads of one of the pair of first battery cells and one of the pair of second battery cells.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a low-voltage battery module assembly. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, rechargeable batteries are widely used as energy sources for mobile devices. They are also attracting attention as power sources for electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Furthermore, rechargeable batteries are applied to devices that store and supply energy in conjunction with the power grid, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

[0004] The basic unit of a secondary battery is the battery cell. While small mobile devices use one or two battery cells, medium to large devices such as automobiles and energy storage systems utilize battery module assemblies. A battery module assembly achieves high output and large capacity by electrically connecting multiple battery cells. Battery module assemblies can then be grouped together and electrically connected to form a battery pack assembly.

[0005] In automobiles, low-voltage (12V or 24V) battery module assemblies and high-voltage (200V to 800V) battery pack assemblies may be used. The former is used for the operation of vehicle electronic systems, ECUs, starter motors, etc., and the latter can be used to drive the wheels. The problem to be solved

[0007] As determined by the inventors, the manufacturing process of conventional low-voltage battery module assemblies is complex. For example, a worker welds the electrode leads of a battery cell while supporting them with a separate welding jig.

[0008] In light of these problems, one objective of the present invention is to provide a battery module assembly that enables assembly work to be performed smoothly through its own configuration.

[0009] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0011] A low-voltage battery module assembly according to one aspect of the present invention for realizing the above-mentioned problem may include: first and second end cartridges; a pair of first battery cells and a pair of second battery cells disposed between the first and second end cartridges; and a central cartridge disposed between the pair of first battery cells and the pair of second battery cells, and wrapped by the electrode leads of one of the pair of first battery cells and one of the pair of second battery cells.

[0012] Here, the central cartridge may include a body made of an insulating material; and a first support located on the side of the body and supporting the electrode leads for welding between the electrode leads.

[0013] Here, a voltage sensing module electrically connected to the pair of first battery cells and the pair of second battery cells is further included, and the voltage sensing module includes a sensing busbar electrically connected to the battery cells, and the electrode leads and the sensing busbar can be welded in three pieces while supported on the first support.

[0014] Here, the central cartridge may further include a second support located on the other side opposite to the side of the body where the first support is located.

[0015] Here, the sensing busbar includes first and second end busbars that are directly coupled to the electrode leads of the battery cell and a central busbar located in the electrical path between the electrode leads and a connector for connection with the outside, and the voltage sensing module includes a frame that supports the first and second end busbars, and the central busbar can be seated on the second support.

[0016] Here, the frame includes a first bridge on which the first end busbar is seated; and a second bridge on which the second end busbar is seated and which is spaced apart from the first bridge, and the second support member may be located between the first and second bridges.

[0017] Here, the second support member may include a bottom supporting the central busbar; and a side wall protruding from the bottom and located on the side of the central busbar.

[0018] Here, a clip connecting the first and second end cartridges may be further included.

[0019] Here, at least one of the first and second end cartridges comprises a base made of an insulating material; and a reinforcing member coupled to the base and made of a material having a higher strength than the base, and the clip can be fastened to the reinforcing member.

[0020] Here, each of the first and second end cartridges includes the reinforcing member, and the clip includes first and second clips connecting the pair of reinforcing members, and the pair of reinforcing members and the first and second clips can form a closed loop surrounding the pair of first battery cells and the pair of second battery cells.

[0021] Here, the clip may include two ends having different structures.

[0022] Here, one of the first and second end cartridges includes a locking groove, and the other of the first and second end cartridges includes a locking projection, and one end of the clip includes a locking hook inserted into the locking groove, and the other end of the clip may include a locking projection that engages with the locking projection.

[0023] Herein, a first cooling member disposed between the pair of first battery cells; and a second cooling member disposed between the pair of second battery cells are further included, and one of the first and second cooling members may include a cooling plate facing the battery cell; and a cooling fin extending in a curved shape from the edge of the cooling plate.

[0024] Here, the cooling fins include first and second cooling fins extending from different corners of the cooling plate, and the first and second cooling fins may be bent toward the same direction relative to the cooling plate. Effects of the invention

[0026] According to the low-voltage battery module assembly of the present invention configured as described above, a central cartridge is disposed between the first and second end cartridges, and the central cartridge is surrounded by the electrode leads of one of a pair of first battery cells and one of a pair of second battery cells. Thus, the central cartridge can perform a role such as supporting the electrode leads to enable welding operations. As a result, the convenience of the assembly operation of the battery module assembly can be improved, and structural simplification can be achieved.

[0027] delete Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of a low-voltage battery module assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the low-voltage battery module assembly of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the clip and reinforcing member of Figure 2. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the central cartridge and battery cells of Fig. 2. Figure 5 is an assembled perspective view showing the part related to the voltage sensing module in Figure 1. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the frame and central cartridge in Fig. 5. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection relationship between the connector and the busbars in FIG. 5. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be modified and implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely intended to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention should be understood not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substituting or adding the configuration of any one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment.

[0032] The attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; rather, it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the invention. In the drawings, components may be depicted as being exaggeratedly large or small in size or thickness for the sake of convenience of understanding, but the scope of protection of the invention should not be interpreted restrictively as a result thereof.

[0033] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments or examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this specification. That is, terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0035] When it is stated that one component is "connected / communicated" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected / communicated or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected / communicated" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0036] When it is stated that one component is "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only placed directly above the other component, but that another component may also exist in between.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0038] FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of a low-voltage battery module assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to the drawing, the low-voltage battery module assembly (100) may be provided together with a high-voltage battery pack assembly (not shown) in a vehicle, for example. The low-voltage battery module assembly (100) may be applied to an existing internal combustion engine vehicle or to other objects.

[0040] A low-voltage battery module assembly (100) may have a housing formed by a first end cartridge (110) and a second end cartridge (120). Battery cells (130, 140, see FIG. 2) may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing. The housing may generally have a rectangular shape. Hereinafter, the length direction of the housing may be referred to as the vertical direction (V), and the thickness direction as the horizontal direction (H). The first end cartridge (110) and the second end cartridge (120) may be arranged along the horizontal direction (H).

[0041] The first and second end cartridges (110 and 120) may be connected by a clip (170). The clip (170) may be made of metal, for example, steel. The clip (170) may be provided to form a plurality of layers along the vertical direction (V).

[0042] A power outage terminal (not shown) may be located on the lower side of the housing along the vertical direction (V). A voltage sensing module (160) may be located on the upper side of the housing. The voltage sensing module (160) is for measuring the voltage of the battery cells (130, 140). A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the battery cells (130, 140) may also be located near the voltage sensing module (160).

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[0046] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the low-voltage battery module assembly of Figure 1.

[0047] Referring to the drawings, end cartridges (110 and 120) may have a base (111, 121) and a reinforcing member (115, 125). The base (111, 121) may be made of an insulating material and may have a plate shape. The reinforcing member (115, 125) may be bonded to the base (111, 121). The reinforcing member (115, 125) may be made of a material having higher strength than the base (111, 121) but may occupy a smaller area than the base (111, 121). If the base (111, 121) is made of a polymer resin, the reinforcing member (115, 125) may be made of metal, for example, steel. In that case, the reinforcing member (115, 125) may be inserted into the base (111, 121) and injection molded. The end cartridges (110 and 120) can be connected to each other by a caulking pipe.

[0048] The first battery cell (130) and the second battery cell (140) may each be provided as a pair. A total of four battery cells (131, 135 / 141, 145) may be arranged side by side along the horizontal direction (H). Each of the first battery cell (130) and the second battery cell (140) is exemplified as a pair, but may be provided as three or more if necessary.

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[0050] A central cartridge (150) may be placed between a pair of first battery cells (130) and a pair of second battery cells (140). The central cartridge (150) may be made of a polymer resin material and may have a body (151) that is generally in the shape of a square plate. The central part of the body (151) is open so that the first battery cells (130) and the second battery cells (140) may face each other.

[0051] The voltage sensing module (160) can be electrically connected to a pair of first battery cells (130) and a pair of second battery cells (140). The voltage value sensed by the voltage sensing module (160) is transmitted to the BMS, and the BMS can control the battery cells (130 and 140) based on the voltage value.

[0052] A cooling member (180, 190) may be provided for cooling the battery cells (130 and 140). If the first cooling member (180) is placed between a pair of battery cells (131, 135), the second cooling member (190) may also be placed between another pair of battery cells (141, 145). In an alternative embodiment, if the battery cells (131, 135 / 141, 145) are spaced far apart and there is ventilation between them, the cooling member (180, 190) may not be provided.

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[0055] The first cooling member (180) or the second cooling member (190) may have a cooling plate (181, 191) facing the battery cell (131, 135 / 141, 45). At the corners of the cooling plate (181, 191), cooling fins (185, 195) may be bent and extended. For example, the cooling fins (185) may include first and second cooling fins (185a, 185b) extending from different corners of the cooling plate (181). The different corners may be located at opposite corners of the cooling plate (181). The cooling fins (185) may be exposed on the side of the battery module assembly (100) (see FIG. 1) and cooled by natural / forced air flow or cooling water, etc.

[0056] The first and second cooling fins (185a, 185b) may be bent toward the same direction relative to the cooling plate (181). The cooling fins (185a, 185b) can be simply bent by press forming and, since they are bent toward the same direction, can be made in a single process. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the clip and reinforcing member of FIG. 2.

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[0064] Referring to the drawing, the clip (170) can be fastened to the reinforcing members (115, 125) of the cartridges (110 and 120). The clip (170) may include a first clip (170a) and a second clip (170b) connecting a pair of reinforcing members (115, 125).

[0065] A pair of reinforcing members (115, 125) and clips (170a, 170b) can form a closed loop surrounding a pair of first battery cells (130) and a pair of second battery cells (140). The closed loop can firmly compress the battery cells (130, 140, see FIG. 2) to prevent swelling of the battery cells.

[0066] One of the pair of reinforcing members (115, 125) may have a catch groove (127) formed therein. The other of the pair of reinforcing members (115, 125) may have a catch projection (117) formed therein.

[0067] The clip (170) may include two ends having different structures. The two ends may extend in different directions. One end of the clip (170) may be a catch ring (171) that is inserted into a catch groove (127). The other end of the clip (170) may be a catch projection (175) that engages with a catch projection (117).

[0068] According to this configuration, the catch ring (171) is hooked into the catch groove (127), and the clip (170) is rotated around that point so that the catch projection (175) can slide over the catch projection (117) while elastically deforming. After sliding over the catch projection (117), the catch projection (175) can be caught on the catch projection (117) by spring back. With this fastening structure, the clip (170) can be fastened to the end cartridges (110 and 120) without bolting or welding.

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[0070] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the central cartridge and battery cells of Fig. 2.

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[0077] Referring to the drawing, the central cartridge (150) may have a first support member (153) located on the side of the body (151). The first support member (153) may be wrapped by the electrode leads (133, 143) of one (131) of a pair of first battery cells (130) and one (141) of a pair of second battery cells (140, see FIG. 2). The first support member (153) may serve to support the electrode leads (133, 143) that overlap each other. Accordingly, the central cartridge (150) acts as a jig during the assembly (welding) operation between the electrode leads (133, 143), thereby enabling convenience and simplification of the welding operation on the overlapping portion.

[0078] The central cartridge (150) may further have a second support member (155). The second support member (155) may be located on a side of the body (151) opposite to the side where the first support member (153) is located. The second support member (155) may serve to support a bus bar, etc., electrically connected to an electrode lead.

[0079] A flange portion may be formed on the sides of the body (151) where the first support portion (153) and the second support portion (155) are formed, and on other sides(s). A cooling fin (185, 195, see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) may be seated on the flange portion. An alignment hole may also be formed in the body (151) to accommodate the alignment protrusions of the end cartridges (110 and 120).

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[0081] The voltage sensing module (160, see FIG. 2) may include a sensing busbar (165) electrically connected to the battery cells (131, 141). The electrode leads (133 and 143) and the sensing busbar (165) may be welded together in three pieces while supported by the first support member (153).

[0082] FIG. 5 is an assembled perspective view showing the part related to the voltage sensing module in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the frame and the central cartridge in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection relationship between the connector and the busbars in FIG. 5.

[0083] Referring to the drawings, first and second end busbars (165') that are directly coupled to the electrode leads (137, 147) of the battery cells (135, 1145) may be provided. A connector (169) may be provided to connect the electrode leads (137, 147) to an external device. A central busbar (167) may be located in the electrical path between the electrode leads (137, 147) and the connector (169).

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[0085] The voltage sensing module (160) may include a frame (161) that supports the first and second end busbars (165'). The frame (161) may have a first bridge (162) and a second bridge (163). The first bridge (162) and the second bridge (163) may be arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other. If the first end busbar is seated on the first bridge (162), the second end busbar may be seated on the second bridge (163). The spaced structure between the first bridge (162) and the second bridge (163) can structurally insulate the first end busbar and the second end busbar.

[0086] A second support member (155) may be exposed through the space (164) between the first bridge (162) and the second bridge (163). A central busbar (167) may be seated on the second support member (155). The second support member (155) may have a bottom (156) that supports the central busbar (167). A side wall (157) may protrude from the bottom (156) and be located on the side of the central busbar (167). The side wall (157) may contribute to insulation between the central busbar (167) and the end busbars (165').

[0087] The central busbar (167) may be a first central busbar (167a) and a second central busbar (167b) stacked along the vertical direction (V). The first central busbar (167a) may be connected to an end busbar located on the side of the first support (153, see FIG. 4) by a wire. The second central busbar (167b) may be connected to a connector (169) by a wire (168). The first central busbar (167a) and the second central busbar (167b) may be welded together while supported on the bottom (156) of the second support (155). By doing so, the welding operation can be easily performed without a separate jig for welding.

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[0094] delete Explanation of the symbols

[0095] 100: Low-voltage battery module assembly 110: First end cartridge 120: Second end cartridge (120) 130: First battery cell 140: Second battery cell 150: Central cartridge 160: Voltage sensing module 170: Clip 180: First cooling member 190: Second cooling member

Claims

Claim 1 A low-voltage battery module assembly comprising: first and second end cartridges; a pair of first battery cells and a pair of second battery cells disposed between the first and second end cartridges; and a central cartridge disposed between the pair of first battery cells and the pair of second battery cells and enclosed by the electrode leads of one of the pair of first battery cells and one of the pair of second battery cells, wherein the central cartridge comprises: a body made of an insulating material; and a first support located on the side of the body and supporting an overlapping portion of the electrode leads for welding between the electrode leads. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A low-voltage battery module assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a voltage sensing module electrically connected to the pair of first battery cells and the pair of second battery cells, wherein the voltage sensing module comprises a sensing busbar electrically connected to the battery cells, and the electrode leads and the sensing busbar are three welded together while supported by the first support. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the central cartridge further comprises a second support located on a side opposite to the side of the body where the first support is located, in a low-voltage battery module assembly. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the sensing busbar comprises a central busbar located in the electrical path between first and second end busbars directly coupled to the electrode leads of the battery cell and a connector for connecting the electrode leads to the outside, and the voltage sensing module comprises a frame supporting the first and second end busbars, and the central busbar is seated on the second support, forming a low-voltage battery module assembly. Claim 6 In claim 5, the frame comprises a first bridge on which the first end busbar is seated; and a second bridge spaced apart from the first bridge on which the second end busbar is seated, and the second support member is located between the first and second bridges, forming a low-voltage battery module assembly. Claim 7 In claim 6, the second support member comprises a bottom supporting the central busbar; and a side wall protruding from the bottom and located on the side of the central busbar, a low-voltage battery module assembly. Claim 8 A low-voltage battery module assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a clip connecting the first and second end cartridges. Claim 9 In claim 8, at least one of the first and second end cartridges comprises a base made of an insulating material; and a reinforcing member coupled to the base and made of a material having a higher strength than the base, and the clip is fastened to the reinforcing member, forming a low-voltage battery module assembly. Claim 10 A low-voltage battery module assembly according to claim 9, wherein each of the first and second end cartridges comprises the reinforcing member, and the clip comprises first and second clips connecting the pair of reinforcing members, and the pair of reinforcing members and the first and second clips form a closed loop surrounding the pair of first battery cells and the pair of second battery cells. Claim 11 In claim 8, the clip comprises a low-voltage battery module assembly having two ends having different structures. Claim 12 A low-voltage battery module assembly according to claim 11, wherein one of the first and second end cartridges comprises a locking groove, the other of the first and second end cartridges comprises a locking projection, one end of the clip comprises a locking ring inserted into the locking groove, and the other end of the clip comprises a locking projection that engages with the locking projection. Claim 13 A low-voltage battery module assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a first cooling member disposed between a pair of first battery cells; and a second cooling member disposed between a pair of second battery cells, wherein one of the first and second cooling members comprises: a cooling plate facing the battery cells; and a cooling fin extending bent from the edge of the cooling plate. Claim 14 In claim 13, the cooling fins include first and second cooling fins extending from different corners of the cooling plate, and the first and second cooling fins are bent toward the same direction relative to the cooling plate, a low-voltage battery module assembly.

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