Rechargeable battery module

Abstract

A rechargeable battery module is provided, and the rechargeable battery module according to the disclosure includes: a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction and electrically connected to each other; an end cell cover disposed adjacent to an outermost unit cell among the plurality of unit cells in the first direction and including at least one adhesive receiving buffer formed adjacent to an edge of the end cell cover; an end plate disposed at an outer side of the end cell cover to support the plurality of unit cells by pressing the plurality of unit cells in the first direction; and a side plate extending in the first direction and disposed to support a side surface of the plurality of unit cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a rechargeable battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, rechargeable batteries are batteries that repeatedly perform charging and discharging. Small-capacity rechargeable batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, and laptop computers, while large-capacity rechargeable batteries can be used as a power source for electric motors in hybrid and electric vehicles.

[0003] Rechargeable batteries can be formed from single cells as shown in the example for small electronic devices, or they can be formed as a module state in which multiple single cells are electrically connected and a battery pack state in which multiple of these modules are reconnected, as shown in the example for driving an electric motor.

[0004] For example, a rechargeable battery module can be constructed by stacking and arranging multiple cell units in one direction. End plates are provided at both ends according to the arrangement direction of the rechargeable battery module, and side plates are provided on both sides to fix the multiple arranged cell units.

[0005] In this case, the end plates and side plates must be designed to fit into the fastening structure that forms the rechargeable battery module, so that multiple cell units can be securely fixed to each other. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a rechargeable battery module designed to securely attach side panels to the sides of a stack of multiple cell batteries.

[0007] A rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment includes: a plurality of cell batteries stacked in a first direction and electrically connected to each other; an end cover configured to be adjacent to the outermost cell battery among the plurality of cell batteries in the first direction and including at least one adhesive receiving buffer formed adjacent to an edge of the end cover; an end plate disposed on the outside of the end cover to support the plurality of cell batteries by pressing the plurality of cell batteries in the first direction; and a side plate extending in the first direction and configured to support the side surfaces of the plurality of cell batteries.

[0008] The adhesive-receiving buffer may include a receiving groove that opens outward from the edge of the end battery cover in a second direction perpendicular to the plane of the side plate.

[0009] The receiving groove for the adhesive-containing buffer can extend in the second direction to have a certain depth.

[0010] The receiving groove for the adhesive-containing buffer can be formed by dividing it into multiple receiving grooves.

[0011] The inlet end of the receiving groove of the adhesive-containing buffer can be configured to align with the narrow side of the outermost cell.

[0012] The adhesive-containing recess for the cushioning element can be closed by the side plate.

[0013] The end battery cover may include a first side facing the outermost cell and a second side facing the end plate, and the adhesive-receiving cushion may be formed by protruding on the second side of the end battery cover.

[0014] The adhesive-encapsulated buffer can protrude higher toward the edge from the second side of the end battery cover.

[0015] The end battery cover can be formed in a rectangular shape, and the adhesive-receiving buffer can be formed adjacent to the four corners of the end battery cover.

[0016] A rechargeable battery module according to another embodiment includes: a plurality of cell batteries stacked in a first direction and electrically connected to each other; an end plate configured to support the plurality of cell batteries adjacent to the outermost cell battery in the first direction and including at least one adhesive-receiving buffer formed adjacent to an edge; and a side plate extending in the first direction and configured to support the side surfaces of the plurality of cell batteries.

[0017] The adhesive-receiving buffer may include a receiving groove that opens outward from the edge of the end plate in a second direction perpendicular to the plane of the side plate.

[0018] In the rechargeable battery module according to the embodiment, an adhesive receiving buffer is provided at the edge of the end battery cover or end plate to absorb any overflowing adhesive when the adhesive is applied to the side plate and then pressed, thus always achieving an amount of adhesive applied beyond the target amount.

[0019] Therefore, the side plates are firmly attached to the side surfaces of the multiple stacked cell units, thus achieving a stable and secure structure. Furthermore, by applying sufficient adhesive to the outer cell units (which is one of the drawbacks of rechargeable battery modules in terms of rigidity), the overall performance of the module can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the end battery cover of a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figures 5A to 5D This is a process diagram illustrating some of the processes for manufacturing a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a rechargeable battery module according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below, and those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can readily implement the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and descriptions are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Furthermore, in the drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically, and the dimensions of each component do not perfectly reflect the actual dimensions.

[0027] The accompanying drawings are provided only for ease of understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited to the drawings and should be understood to include all modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and technical scope of the invention.

[0028] Various constituent elements may be described using terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc., but constituent elements are not limited by these terms. Terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another.

[0029] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, membrane, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or an intervening element may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, no intervening element is present. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the phrase "on" the target element will be understood to mean being located above or below the target element, and will not necessarily be understood to mean being located "on the upper side" based on a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0030] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “including” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts (or portions) described in the specification, or combinations thereof, and it will be understood that this does not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts (or portions) or combinations thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0031] Furthermore, throughout the instruction manual, the phrase "on a plane" means viewing the target section from the top, and the phrase "on a section" means viewing the section formed by vertically cutting the target section from the side.

[0032] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when the term "connected to" is mentioned, it means not only that two or more components are directly connected, but also that two or more components are indirectly connected, physically connected, and electrically connected through other components, or that they are integrated while being represented by different names depending on their location or function.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rechargeable battery module 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of cell batteries 120, end plates 141 and 142 disposed at the outermost outermost position of the outermost cell battery 120 among the plurality of cell batteries 120, and a side plate 170 configured to support the side surfaces of the plurality of cell batteries 120. End battery covers 150 and 160 may be disposed between the outermost cell battery 120 and the end plates 141 and 142. That is, end battery covers 150 and 160 may be configured to be adjacent to the outermost cell battery 120, and end plates 141 and 142 may be disposed on the outer side of end battery covers 150 and 160.

[0035] Multiple cell units 120 can be arranged and stacked in a first direction (x-axis direction in the figure) and electrically and mechanically connected to each other. Each of the multiple cell units 120 can be formed of a prismatic rechargeable battery and can be electrically connected via a busbar (not shown).

[0036] For example, the cell 120 may include an electrode assembly and a housing for embedding the electrode assembly, a cover plate coupled to an opening in the housing, and a first electrode terminal 121 and a second electrode terminal 122 mounted on the cover plate. The first electrode terminal 121 may be a negative terminal, and the second electrode terminal 122 may be a positive terminal. However, the present invention is not limited to the structure of the cell.

[0037] End battery covers 150 and 160 can be positioned adjacent to the outermost cell 120 of the plurality of cell 120 in a first direction. Since the outermost cell 120 of the plurality of cell 120 is located at both ends in the first direction, a pair of end battery covers 150 and 160 can be provided, one at each end. End battery covers 150 and 160 are made of insulating material, so the outermost cell 120 can be electrically insulated from end plates 141 and 142.

[0038] End plates 141 and 142 can be supported by pressing a plurality of cell units 120 in a first direction while in close contact with the outside of end battery covers 150 and 160. That is, a pair of end plates 141 and 142 can be disposed on the outside of a pair of end battery covers 150 and 160, which are positioned adjacent to the two outermost cell units 120. The disposed pair of end battery covers 150 and 160 can be secured by separately disposed fastening devices while pressing the plurality of cell units 120 in the first direction.

[0039] Side plate 170 may have a plate shape extending in a first direction and may be configured to support the side surfaces of the plurality of cell units 120. Side plate 170 may partially protrude from both ends in the first direction to connect to end plates 141 and 142, and bend inward at the upper and lower ends to be secured to the upper and lower edges of the plurality of cell units 120. A pair of side plates 170 may be disposed on both sides of the plurality of cell units 120.

[0040] As the module length increases and the volume-to-height ratio of the cell 120 increases, adhesives such as bonding agents can be applied to the side plate 170 to enhance the rigidity of the module. That is, the side plate 170 can be secured by pressing it against the side surfaces of the plurality of cell 120 while the adhesive is applied therein.

[0041] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the end battery cover of a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment.

[0042] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4The end battery cover 150 can be formed as a planar rectangular shape that generally corresponds to the wide side shape of the cell 120. In addition, the end battery cover 150 may include a first surface 150a facing the outermost cell 120 and a second surface 150b facing the end plates 141 and 142.

[0043] In this embodiment, the end battery cover 150 includes adhesive receiving buffers 151, 152, 153, and 154 formed adjacent to its edges. In this case, the adhesive receiving buffers 151, 152, 153, and 154 can be formed adjacent to the four corners of the end battery cover 150, respectively. Additionally, the adhesive receiving buffers 151, 152, 153, and 154 can protrude from and be formed on the second surface 150b of the end battery cover 150. The adhesive receiving buffers 151, 152, 153, and 154 can protrude higher from the second surface 150b of the end battery cover 150 toward the edge. Therefore, the height of the adhesive receiving buffers 151, 152, 153, and 154 protruding from the second surface 150b gradually decreases from the edge of the second surface 150b toward the inward side.

[0044] The adhesive-receiving cushioning elements 151, 152, 153, and 154 include receiving recesses 151a, 152a, 153a, and 154a that open outward from the edge of the end battery cover 150. The receiving recesses 151a, 152a, 153a, and 154a can be formed by opening outward in a second direction perpendicular to the side plate 170 (the y-axis direction in the figure). These receiving recesses 151a, 152a, 153a, and 154a can extend in the second direction to have a certain depth and can be divided into multiple sections.

[0045] Additionally, the inlet ends of the receiving grooves 151a, 152a, 153a, and 154a can be configured to align with the narrow side of the outermost cell 120. The receiving grooves 151a, 152a, 153a, and 154a of the adhesive receiving buffers 151, 152, 153, and 154 can be constructed to be closed by the side plate 170 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0046] When adhesive is applied to side panel 170, even if the adhesive is applied to the portion near the edge, any adhesive that overflows during pressing can be contained in the receiving grooves 151a, 152a, 153a, and 154a of the adhesive receiving buffers 151, 152, 153, and 154. Therefore, performance degradation due to non-adhesive (unfilled) areas caused by component and assembly tolerances of side panel 170 can be minimized.

[0047] Figures 5A to 5DThis is a process diagram illustrating some of the processes for manufacturing a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment.

[0048] First, multiple cell units 120 are stacked, and adhesive B is applied to the wide outer side of the outermost cell unit 120 among the stacked cell units 120 (see...). Figure 5A ).

[0049] Next, from both ends of the stacked cell 120 in the first direction (x-axis direction in the figure), press the end cell covers 150 and 160 and attach the end cell covers 150 and 160 to the outermost cell 120 coated with adhesive B, and attach the end plates 141 and 142 to the outside while making them adjacent to the end cell covers 150 and 160 (see Figure 120). Figure 5B ).

[0050] Next, adhesive B is applied to the narrow sides of multiple cell units 120 (see...). Figure 5C In this case, adhesive B can be applied extensively to the narrow sides of the multiple cell cells 120, and can also be applied to the narrow sides of the outermost cell cell 120 located at both ends in the first direction.

[0051] Next, while bringing the side plate 170 close to the narrow side of the multiple cell cells 120, attach the side plate 170 (see...). Figure 5D When the side panels 170 are in close contact, the applied adhesive B will overflow toward the edges. In this case, the adhesive receiving buffers 151, 152, 153 and 154 formed on the end cell covers 150 and 160 can contain the adhesive B overflowing from the narrow side of the outermost cell 120.

[0052] In other words, because the receiving grooves 151a, 152a, 153a, and 154a of the adhesive receiving buffers 151, 152, 153, and 154 are positioned adjacent to the narrow side of the outermost cell 120, any overflowing adhesive B can be cured while being contained within the receiving grooves 151a, 152a, 153a, and 154a without spreading to other parts of the surrounding area. Therefore, adhesive application can be set with a margin without affecting the appearance and other process qualities due to adhesive overflow.

[0053] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a rechargeable battery module according to another embodiment.

[0054] Reference Figure 6The rechargeable battery module 200 includes a plurality of cell units 120, an end plate 241 disposed on the outside and adjacent to the outermost cell unit 120 among the plurality of cell units 120, and a side plate 170 configured to support the side surfaces of the plurality of cell units 120 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0055] In this embodiment, a pair of end plates 241 can be disposed on both sides of the plurality of cell batteries 120, and are adjacent to the outermost cell battery 120 in the first direction (x-axis direction in the figure). The end plates 241 can support the plurality of cell batteries 120 by pressing the plurality of cell batteries 120 in the first direction.

[0056] The side plate 170 may have a plate shape extending in a first direction and may be configured to support the side surfaces of the plurality of cell 120. The side plate 170 may be secured by tightly adhering it to the side surfaces of the plurality of cell 120 while an adhesive such as a bonding agent is applied therein.

[0057] In this embodiment, the end plate 241 includes adhesive-receiving buffers 251, 252, 253, and 254 formed adjacent to the edge. In this case, the adhesive-receiving buffers 251, 252, 253, and 254 can be formed adjacent to the four corners of the end plate 241, respectively. Furthermore, the adhesive-receiving buffers 251, 252, 253, and 254 can protrude outwards from the end plate 241 and protrude further towards the edge. Therefore, the protrusion height of the adhesive-receiving buffers 251, 252, 253, and 254 can gradually decrease from the edge to the inside.

[0058] The adhesive receiving cushions 251, 252, 253, and 254 correspondingly include receiving recesses 251a and 252a that open outward from the edge of the end plate 241. For ease of illustration, the recesses of the adhesive receiving cushions 253 and 254 are located in... Figure 6 Not shown in the figure. Receiving grooves 251a and 252a can be formed to open outwards in a second direction (y-axis direction in the figure) perpendicular to the plane of the side plate 170. Receiving grooves 251a and 252a can extend in the second direction to have a certain depth and can be formed by being divided into multiple receiving grooves. Furthermore, the inlet ends of receiving grooves 251a and 252a can be configured to align with the narrow side surface of the outermost cell 120.

[0059] In the above embodiments, a rechargeable battery module formed of a prismatic rechargeable battery has been described as an example. However, when it is a battery module having a structure in which cell batteries of various types and shapes are pressed and supported by end cell covers, end plates and side plates, it is possible to achieve this by applying the characteristic structure of this disclosure.

[0060] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with embodiments now considered practical, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0061] <Description of the label>

[0062] 100, 200: Rechargeable battery modules

[0063] 120: Single cell battery

[0064] 141, 142, 241: End plates

[0065] 150, 160: Battery cover

[0066] 151, 152, 153, 154, 251, 252, 253, 254: Adhesive-coated cushioning components

[0067] 151a, 152a, 153a, 154a, 251a, 252a: Receiving grooves

[0068] 170: Side panel

[0069] B: Adhesive

Claims

1. A rechargeable battery module, the rechargeable battery module comprising: Multiple cell units are stacked in a first direction and electrically connected to each other; An end battery cover is configured to be adjacent to the outermost cell among the plurality of cell cells in the first direction, and includes at least one adhesive receiving buffer formed adjacent to the edge of the end battery cover. An end plate is disposed on the outside of the end battery cover to support the plurality of cell batteries by pressing the plurality of cell batteries in the first direction; as well as A side plate, extending in the first direction and configured as a side surface supporting the plurality of cell units. The end battery cover includes a first side facing the outermost cell and a second side facing the end plate. The adhesive-receiving buffer is formed by protruding from the second side of the end battery cover. The adhesive-receiving buffer includes a receiving groove that opens outward from the edge of the end battery cover in a second direction perpendicular to the plane of the side plate. The inlet end of the receiving groove of the adhesive receiving buffer is configured to align with the narrow side of the outermost cell.

2. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The receiving groove of the adhesive-receiving buffer extends in the second direction to have a certain depth.

3. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The receiving groove of the adhesive receiving buffer is formed by dividing it into multiple receiving grooves.

4. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The receiving groove of the adhesive-receiving cushioning element is closed by the side plate.

5. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The side plates and the plurality of cell units are attached to each other with adhesive, and The adhesive-retaining cushion is used to absorb any excess adhesive when the adhesive is applied to the side panel and then pressed.

6. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The adhesive-retaining cushioning protrudes higher from the second side of the end battery cover toward the edge.

7. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The end battery cover is formed in a rectangular shape, and The adhesive-containing buffer is formed adjacent to the four corners of the end battery cover.

8. A rechargeable battery module, the rechargeable battery module comprising: Multiple cell units are stacked in a first direction and electrically connected to each other; An end plate is configured to support the plurality of cell cells adjacent to the outermost cell cell in a first direction, and includes at least one adhesive-receiving buffer formed adjacent to an edge and projecting outward from the end plate. as well as A side plate, extending in the first direction and configured as a side surface supporting the plurality of cell units. The adhesive-receiving cushioning element includes a receiving groove that opens outward from the edge of the end plate in a second direction perpendicular to the plane of the side plate. The inlet end of the receiving groove of the adhesive receiving buffer is configured to align with the narrow side of the outermost cell.

9. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The receiving groove of the adhesive-receiving buffer has a depth extending in the second direction.

10. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The receiving groove of the adhesive receiving buffer is formed by dividing it into multiple receiving grooves.

11. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 8, wherein: The receiving groove of the adhesive-receiving cushioning element is closed by the side plate.

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