Battery module manufacturing method capable of preventing chain fire, battery pack and device including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery module for preventing chain fires, and more specifically to a method for manufacturing a battery module for preventing chain fires, comprising: a first step of preparing a module housing (110) in which a plurality of receiving portions (114) having spaces of predetermined sizes are formed; a second step of accommodating a battery cell (130) in the receiving portion (114); and a third step of fixing the battery cell (130) by heating at a predetermined temperature, wherein the module housing (110) comprises a lower plate (111), a plurality of side plates (112), and a plurality of partition walls (113) for forming the receiving portion (114), and the partition walls (113) comprise a lower partition wall (113(a)) extending from the lower plate (111) at a predetermined height and an upper partition wall (113(b)) extending from the lower partition wall (113(a)) at a predetermined height.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0079310, filed on Jun. 29, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery module capable of preventing chain fire, and more particularly to a method for manufacturing a battery module capable of preventing chain fire, which is configured such that heat transfer to adjacent battery cells is suppressed and the weight of the battery module is reduced. Background Art

[0003] With the recent development of alternative energy sources due to air pollution and energy consumption caused by the use of fossil fuels, the demand for secondary batteries capable of storing the generated electrical energy has increased. Secondary batteries capable of charging and discharging are closely used in daily life. For example, secondary batteries are used in mobile devices, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0004] Due to the increase in the use of mobile devices, the increase in the complexity of mobile devices, and the development of electric vehicles, the required capacity of secondary batteries used as energy sources for various electronic devices, which are inevitably used in modern society, has increased. In order to meet user needs, a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a small device, and a battery module including a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other or a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules is used in a vehicle.

[0005] In a battery module or battery pack, a plurality of battery cells are connected to each other in series or in parallel to increase the capacity and output of the battery module or battery pack. In the case where a plurality of battery cells are used in a state of being connected to each other, problems such as overload may occur.

[0006] In order to solve this problem, a battery module including a module case capable of suppressing the transfer of heat generated in a specific battery cell to another battery cell adjacent thereto has been developed.

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module. Figure 1 As shown, the conventional battery module 10 includes: a plurality of battery cells 11 ; a module housing 12 configured to receive the plurality of battery cells 11 therein; and a filler 13 configured to surround the plurality of battery cells 11 and fill spaces between the battery cells 11 .

[0008] In a conventional battery module, the filler 13 is formed between the battery cells 11 received in the module housing 12, whereby the battery cells 11 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. Therefore, there is an effect of being able to suppress the heat generated in a specific battery cell 11 from moving to another battery cell 11 adjacent thereto, thereby being able to improve the safety of the battery module.

[0009] However, since the battery cells 11 are arranged adjacent to each other, it is not easy to fill them with the filler 13. In addition, in the case where an empty space is generated, it is impossible to sufficiently suppress heat transfer, and the battery cells are not firmly fixed, whereby the battery cells 11 may move even due to a weak external impact, which may cause a serious accident.

[0010] (Prior art literature)

[0011] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 2019-0132631 Summary of the invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] The present invention has been completed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a battery module manufacturing method capable of preventing chain fires, configured so that the movement of heat generated in any one of a plurality of battery cells received in the battery module to another battery cell adjacent thereto is suppressed and the battery cells are firmly fixed.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a battery module that can prevent chain fires, so that the energy density of the battery module is high and the weight of the battery module is reduced.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module manufacturing method capable of preventing chain fire, so that the manufacturing time is reduced and the product defect rate is reduced.

[0016] Technical Solution

[0017] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the manufacturing method of a battery module capable of preventing chain fire according to the present invention includes: a step of preparing a module housing 110 in which a plurality of receiving portions 114 are formed, each of the plurality of receiving portions having a space of a predetermined size; a step of receiving a battery cell 130 in each of the plurality of receiving portions 114; and a step of performing heating to a predetermined temperature to fix the battery cell 130, wherein the module housing 110 includes: a lower plate 111; a plurality of side plates 112; and a plurality of partition walls 113 configured to form the plurality of receiving portions 114, and each of the partition walls 113 includes a lower partition wall 113(a) extending from the lower plate 111 to a predetermined height and an upper partition wall 113(b) extending from the lower partition wall 113(a) to a predetermined height.

[0018] Furthermore, in the battery module manufacturing method according to the present invention, the lower partition wall 113 ( a ) and the upper partition wall 113 ( b ) may be made of different materials.

[0019] Furthermore, in the battery module manufacturing method according to the present invention, each of the lower plate 111, the side plate 112 and the lower partition wall 113(a) of the module housing 110 is made of a thermoplastic resin, and the upper partition wall 113(b) is made of a thermosetting resin.

[0020] Furthermore, in the battery module manufacturing method according to the present invention, the thermoplastic resin may be modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) or polycarbonate (PC), and the thermosetting resin may be at least one of silicon, epoxy resin, and polyurethane.

[0021] In addition, in the battery module manufacturing method according to the present invention, the upper partition wall 113 ( b ) may further include glass bubbles.

[0022] In addition, in the battery module manufacturing method according to the present invention, the module case 110 may be formed by injection molding.

[0023] In addition, the battery module manufacturing method according to the present invention may further include a step of injecting an adhesive member 120 into the receiving portion 114 between the step of preparing a module housing 110 in which a plurality of receiving portions 114 are formed and the step of receiving a battery cell 130 in each of the plurality of receiving portions 114, each of the receiving portions having a space of the predetermined size.

[0024] In addition, in the battery module manufacturing method according to the present invention, the adhesive member 120 may be a thermosetting resin.

[0025] In addition, in the battery module manufacturing method according to the present invention, the battery cell 130 may be cylindrical or prismatic.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention provides a battery pack in which the battery module 100 manufactured by the manufacturing method having one or more of the above-described features is received.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention provides a device in which the above-mentioned battery pack is installed.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] As is apparent from the above description, a battery module manufacturing method capable of preventing chain fires has the following advantages: a battery cell receiving portion is formed in a module housing in advance, an adhesive member is injected into the receiving portion, and the battery cell is received and fixed in the receiving portion, thereby greatly reducing manufacturing time.

[0030] In addition, the advantage of the battery module manufacturing method that can prevent chain fire is that during the battery cell reception process, the thermosetting adhesive component pre-injected into the receiving part evenly wraps around the outer surface of the battery cell, thereby firmly fixing the battery cell, and thus the battery module has high impact resistance.

[0031] In addition, the advantage of the battery module manufacturing method capable of preventing chain fire is that glass bubbles are included in the partition walls configured to separate battery cells from each other, thereby reducing the weight of the battery module and using less relatively expensive thermosetting resin, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0035] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Now, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, when describing in detail the operating principle of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, when the known functions and configurations incorporated herein may obscure the subject matter of the present invention, their detailed description will be omitted.

[0039] In addition, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate components that perform similar functions or operations. Where a component is referred to as being connected to another component throughout the specification, not only may the component be directly connected to the other component, but the component may also be indirectly connected to the other component via other components. In addition, the inclusion of an element does not mean the exclusion of other elements, but rather means that these elements may be further included, unless otherwise specified.

[0040] Hereinafter, a battery module manufacturing method capable of preventing chain fire according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a battery module 100 according to the present invention includes a module case 110 , an adhesive member 120 , and a plurality of battery cells 130 received in the module case 110 .

[0043] First, the module case 110 having a substantially hexahedral shape includes a flat lower plate 111 and four side plates 112 vertically extending upward from the edge of the lower plate 111 to provide a space in which a plurality of battery cells 130 are received in a state of being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0044] Here, each of the lower plate 111 and the four side plates 112 may be made of a thermoplastic resin exhibiting a predetermined strength to protect the received battery cell 130 from external impact, such as modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) or polycarbonate (PC). However, the material of each plate is not particularly limited as long as the plate can achieve the same purpose and function.

[0045] In addition, a partition wall 113 is provided in the space defined by the lower plate 111 and the side plate 112 to form a plurality of receiving portions in which the battery cells 130 are respectively received. The partition wall 113 may include a lower partition wall 113 (a) extending from the lower plate 111 to a predetermined height and an upper partition wall 113 (b) extending from the lower partition wall 113 (a) to a predetermined height.

[0046] Here, the lower partition wall 113(a) is preferably made of the same material as the lower plate 111, i.e., a thermoplastic resin, such as modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) or polycarbonate (PC), while the upper partition wall 113(b) is preferably made of a thermosetting resin exhibiting low thermal conductivity and high heat resistance, such as at least one of silicon, epoxy resin and polyurethane.

[0047] Therefore, a portion of the lower side of each received battery cell 130 can be supported by the lower partition wall 113 (a), which exhibits high rigidity, and heat transfer from a battery cell to another battery cell adjacent thereto can be minimized by the upper partition wall 113 (b). Of course, it is obvious that the battery cell 130 can also be fixed and supported by the upper partition wall 113 (b).

[0048] Meanwhile, each of the empty glass bubbles having a predetermined size may be further included in the upper partition wall 113 (b). That is, in the case where a thermosetting resin such as silicon, epoxy resin, or polyurethane is mixed with the glass bubbles to form the upper partition wall 113 (b), the weight of the module case 110 can be reduced, and less relatively expensive thermosetting resin is used, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0049] In addition, an adhesive member 120 , for example, made of the same material as the upper partition wall 113 ( b ), ie, a thermosetting resin, may be further provided between the outer surface of the battery cell 130 and the partition wall 113 .

[0050] Although in Figure 3 The adhesive member 120 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted only between the partition wall 113 and the side surface of the battery cell 130 , but it is apparent that the adhesive member may also be formed between the lower plate 111 and the bottom surface of the battery cell 130 .

[0051] Although not particularly limited, the thickness of the partition wall 113 or the sum of the thickness of the partition wall 113 and the thickness of the adhesive member 120 may be 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less, to increase the energy density of the battery module.

[0052] Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The battery cell received in the module housing according to the present invention is not limited to Figure 4 The battery cells shown are cylindrical in shape, and may be prismatic in shape.

[0053] When described by example Figure 4 When the cylindrical battery cell is shown, the battery cell 130 can be manufactured by receiving a wound electrode assembly 131 in a metal can 132, injecting an electrolytic solution into the metal can 132, and connecting a cap assembly 133 having an electrode terminal formed thereon to an open upper end of the metal can 132.

[0054] Here, the electrode assembly 131 is manufactured by sequentially stacking a positive electrode 131 ( a ), a negative electrode 131 ( b ), and a separator 131 ( c ) and winding them in a circular shape.

[0055] The cylindrical center pin 135 is inserted into the hollow core 134 formed at the central area of ​​the electrode assembly 131. The center pin 135 is generally made of a metal material to have a predetermined strength. The center pin 135 is used to fix and support the electrode assembly 131, and also serves as a channel configured to discharge gas generated due to internal reactions when the battery cell is charged and discharged and when the battery cell is operated.

[0056] Meanwhile, a positive terminal 133 ( a ) is formed on a central area of ​​an upper end of the cap assembly 133 in a protruding state, and a remaining area of ​​the metal can 132 forms a negative terminal 133 ( b ).

[0057] Of course, a battery cell usable as a secondary battery is not limited to the cylindrical battery cell 130 having the above-described configuration.

[0058] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a battery module manufacturing method includes: step (S1), in which a module housing having a plurality of receiving portions formed therein is prepared; step (S2), in which an adhesive member is injected into the plurality of receiving portions; step (S3), in which a battery cell is received in each of the receiving portions; and step (S4), in which heating is performed to a predetermined temperature to fix the battery cell.

[0060] First, the step (S1) of preparing a module housing in which a plurality of receiving portions are formed is a step of preparing a module housing 110 having the above-mentioned structure, that is, a module housing 110 having a space defined by a lower plate 111 and four side plates 112, wherein receiving portions 114 are formed in the space by means of partition walls 113, and each partition wall 113 includes a lower partition wall 113(a) and an upper partition wall 113(b).

[0061] Here, it is apparent that the inner diameter of each receiving portion 114 must be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical battery cell received therein, and glass bubbles are preferably mixed in the upper partition wall 113 ( b ).

[0062] Meanwhile, preferably, the module housing 110 is manufactured as one piece by injection molding. As an embodiment, secondary molding, multiple injection molding or barrier injection molding may be used. However, as long as different materials can be integrated, there is no particular limitation on the molding method. In the case of adopting the above molding method, the advantage is that a partition wall 113 with a small thickness can be formed, and the thickness of the partition wall 113 is uniform.

[0063] The step ( S2 ) of injecting the adhesive member into the plurality of receiving parts is a step of injecting a predetermined amount of the adhesive member 120 made of a thermosetting material such as silicon, epoxy resin, or polyurethane through the injection part 200 .

[0064] The adhesive member 120 fills a gap between the battery cell 130 to be received and the partition wall 113 to firmly fix the battery cell 130 and prevent heat transfer to another battery cell 130 adjacent thereto.

[0065] In the step (S3) of receiving the battery cell in each receiving portion, the battery cell 130 is positioned in the receiving portion 114 in a state where the receiving portion 114 is filled with a predetermined amount of the adhesive member 120. At this time, the adhesive member 120 is pushed up to the space between the partition wall 113 and the battery cell 130, whereby the adhesive member has a shape surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell 130.

[0066] The step ( S4 ) of performing heating to a predetermined temperature to fix the battery cell is the final step, which is a step of heating the adhesive member 120 to a predetermined temperature at which the thermosetting resin can be hardened for a predetermined time to fix the battery cell 130 to the partition wall 113 .

[0067] Generally, a plurality of battery cells are received in a module housing, a thermosetting resin is injected into the space between the battery cells, and the thermosetting resin is hardened, thereby manufacturing a battery module. However, it is not easy to inject the thermosetting resin into the small gap between the battery cells, thereby causing product defects and increasing manufacturing time.

[0068] In contrast, in the present invention, a module case having a battery cell receiving portion formed therein is prepared, an adhesive member is injected into the receiving portion, and the battery cell is received and hardened, whereby partition walls separating the battery cells can be formed very easily.

[0069] The present invention may provide a battery pack in which a battery module manufactured by the battery module manufacturing method having at least one of the above-described features is accommodated.

[0070] In addition, the present invention can provide a device having a battery pack installed therein. The device can be an electronic device including a large-capacity battery, such as an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

[0071] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various applications and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention based on the above description.

[0072] (Explanation of Reference Numerals)

[0073] 100: Battery module

[0074] 110: Module housing

[0075] 111: Lower plate 112: Side plate

[0076] 113: Partition wall

[0077] 113(a): Lower partition wall 113(b): Upper partition wall

[0078] 114: Reception Department

[0079] 120: Bonding components

[0080] 130: Battery Cell

[0081] 131: Electrode assembly

[0082] 131(a): positive electrode 131(b): negative electrode

[0083] 131(c): Separators

[0084] 132: Metal cans

[0085] 133: Cover assembly

[0086] 133(a): Positive terminal 133(b): Negative terminal

[0087] 134: Core

[0088] 135: Center pin

[0089] 200: Injection Department

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a battery module capable of preventing chain fire, the method comprising the following steps: preparing a module housing having a plurality of receiving portions formed therein, each of the plurality of receiving portions having a space of a predetermined size; receiving a battery cell in each of the plurality of receiving portions; as well as performing heating at a predetermined temperature to fix the battery cell, The module housing includes: a lower plate; a plurality of side plates; and a plurality of partition walls configured to form the plurality of receiving portions. wherein each of the partition walls comprises a lower partition wall extending from the lower plate to a predetermined height and an upper partition wall extending from the lower partition wall to a predetermined height, wherein each of the lower plate, the side plate and the lower partition wall of the module housing is made of a thermoplastic resin, and The battery module manufacturing method further includes a step of injecting an adhesive member into the receiving portion between the step of preparing the module housing having the plurality of receiving portions formed therein and the step of receiving the battery cell in each of the plurality of receiving portions.

2. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The lower partition wall and the upper partition wall are made of different materials.

3. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The upper partition wall is made of thermosetting resin.

4. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The thermoplastic resin is modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) or polycarbonate (PC), and Wherein, the thermosetting resin is at least one of silicon, epoxy resin and polyurethane.

5. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The upper partition wall further includes glass bubbles.

6. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The module housing is formed by injection molding.

7. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The bonding member is a thermosetting resin.

8. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cell is cylindrical or prismatic.

9. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The step of performing heating to a predetermined temperature to fix the battery cell is a step of heating the adhesive member to the predetermined temperature at which the thermosetting resin can be hardened for a predetermined time to fix the battery cell to the partition wall. 10 . A battery pack in which a battery module manufactured by the battery module manufacturing method according to claim 1 is accommodated.

11. A device comprising the battery pack according to claim 10.

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