Battery module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery module, and the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case configured to accommodate the stack of battery cells therein; a module connector electrically connected with the battery cell stack, and one side of which is disposed to be exposed to the outside of the module case such that the external connector is connected to the module connector; and a fixing portion configured to fix a position of the module connector, in which the module connector includes: a connecting portion into which an external connector is inserted and connected; and a connection PCB having a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion, the connection portion being fixed to the first portion, in which the fixing portion includes: a first fixing portion configured to fix the first portion and provided with a locking protrusion into which an end portion of the first portion is inserted to fix a position of the end portion of the first portion; and a second fixing portion configured to fix the second portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0064227 filed on May 25, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0066811 filed on May 24, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a battery module. Background Art

[0005] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries are rechargeable, and in addition, compact size and high capacity are possible. Therefore, recently, many studies on secondary batteries are being conducted. With the development of technology and the increase in demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as energy sources is rapidly increasing.

[0006] Rechargeable batteries are classified into coin-type batteries, cylindrical batteries, square batteries, and pouch-type batteries according to the shape of the battery case. In such secondary batteries, an electrode assembly mounted in the battery case is a chargeable and dischargeable power generating device having a structure of stacking electrodes and separators.

[0007] Secondary batteries have attracted attention as energy sources for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles, and mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and notebook computers.

[0008] A small battery pack encapsulating one full-length battery is used for small devices such as mobile phones and cameras, but a battery pack in which two or more full-length battery cells are connected in parallel and / or in series is used for medium and large devices such as notebook computers and electric vehicles. Therefore, the number of battery cells provided in the battery pack can be variously set according to the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

[0009] When configuring a battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a general method is to first configure a battery module composed of at least one battery cell, and then configure a battery pack using the at least one battery module and adding other components.

[0010] That is, the battery is composed of a battery cell as a minimum unit, and since the pouch type battery cell requires structural rigidity, a module including a plurality of battery cells is provided as an intermediate unit, and then, a plurality of modules are provided to constitute a battery pack.

[0011] The module transmits battery cell information to the battery pack through the connector, and has a structure in which the connector is exposed from the module for easy assembly.

[0012] When assembling the connector, if the force is not applied horizontally to the inlet but a portion of the force is applied in a diagonal direction, the connector is easily damaged, which requires structural improvement. Summary of the invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery module capable of stably fixing a module connector in three axial directions.

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module housing configured to accommodate the battery cell stack therein; a module connector electrically connected to the battery cell stack, and one side of the module connector is configured to be exposed to the outside of the module housing so that an external connector is connected to the module connector; and a fixing portion configured to fix the position of the module connector, wherein the module connector may include: a connecting portion into which the external connector is inserted for connection; and a connecting PCB having a first part and a second part connected to the first part, the connecting portion being fixed to the first part, wherein the fixing portion may include: a first fixing portion configured to fix the first part, and a locking protrusion provided with an end portion of the first part being inserted to fix the position of the end portion of the first part; and a second fixing portion configured to fix the second part.

[0017] Beneficial Effects

[0018] According to the present disclosure, by using the fixing portion including the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, the module connector transmitting information of the battery cell may be fixed in three axial directions, thereby being stably fixed.

[0019] In addition, the first fixing portion may include a pair of locking protrusions to fix the module connector in the first direction without being separated, and the second fixing portion may include a coupling protrusion to fix the module connector in the second direction and the third direction without being separated. Therefore, the module connector can be prevented from shaking when the external connector is coupled (assembled) with the module connector, and the fixing portion of the module connector can be prevented from being damaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing main parts of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a module connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in a battery module.

[0024] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a module connector and an external connector in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a state before a module connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in a battery module.

[0026] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a first fixing portion in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 8 is a front view showing a module connector and a bus bar frame in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 9 is a front view showing a module connector in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The purposes, specific advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in this specification, figure numerals are added to the parts of the drawings with the same numerals as much as possible, even if they are shown in other drawings. In addition, the present disclosure can be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. In the following description of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the main points of the present disclosure will be omitted.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a module connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in a battery module.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 4The battery module 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a battery cell stack 110 in which a plurality of battery cells 111 are stacked, a module housing 120 in which the battery cell stack 110 is accommodated, a module connector 130 electrically connected to the battery cell stack 110 and having one side thereof disposed to be exposed to the outside of the module housing 120 to be connected to the external connector C, and a fixing portion 140 fixing the position of the module connector 130. In addition, the battery module 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a pair of bus bar frames 150 and a flexible printed circuit board 170.

[0032] More specifically, refer to Figure 2 The battery cell stack 110 may be provided as a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells 111 are stacked.

[0033] Each of the battery cells 111 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch accommodating the electrode assembly and the electrolyte therein.

[0034] The electrode assembly may be a chargeable and dischargeable power generating element, and the electrodes and separators may be alternately stacked in the electrode assembly 20. Here, the electrodes may include a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode may be alternately stacked. Here, each separator separates the positive electrode from the negative electrode to electrically insulate the positive electrode from the negative electrode.

[0035] The positive electrode may include a positive electrode collector and a positive electrode active material stacked on the positive electrode collector.

[0036] The positive electrode current collector may be made of aluminum foil.

[0037] The positive electrode active material may include lithium manganese oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium iron phosphate, or a compound or mixture including at least one of the foregoing materials.

[0038] The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material stacked on the negative electrode current collector.

[0039] For example, the negative electrode current collector may be made of a foil made of a copper (Cu) material.

[0040] The negative electrode active material may be a compound or a mixture including a graphite-based material.

[0041] The separator is made of an insulating material to electrically insulate the positive electrode and the negative electrode from each other. Here, the separator 124 may be made of a polyolefin-based resin film (eg, polyethylene or polypropylene having micropores).

[0042] The battery cell 111 may further include an electrode, an electrode lead 111 a having one side connected to the electrode assembly and the other side extending to the outside of the pouch.

[0043] The electrode lead 111 a may include a positive electrode lead connected to the positive electrode and a negative electrode lead connected to the negative electrode.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the module housing 120 may accommodate the battery cell stack 110 therein.

[0045] The module housing 120 may include a tubular housing 121 having two open sides and an end plate 122 that respectively covers the two open sides of the housing 121. Here, one side of the module connector 130 may be exposed to the outside of the end plate 122. The end plate 122 may have a through hole 122a (see FIG. 1 ) through which one side of the module connector 130 passes. Figure 5 ).

[0046] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a module connector and an external connector in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The module connector 130 may be electrically connected to the battery cell stack 110 , and has one side exposed to the outside of the module case 120 such that the external connector C is connected thereto.

[0048] The module connector 130 may include a connection portion 131 into which the external connector C is inserted and connected, and a connection PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 132 to which the connection portion 131 is fixed.

[0049] The connection portion 131 may include a connection portion 131 a into which the external connector C is inserted and a connection line 131 b electrically connecting the connection portion 131 a with the connection PCB 132 .

[0050] The connection PCB 132 may have a coupling hole 132a extending in a first direction, that is, in a Y-axis direction. Here, a plurality of coupling holes 132a may be provided. Here, the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to the connection PCB 132. That is, the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to the plane of the plate-shaped PCB 132.

[0051] In addition, the connection PCB 132 includes a first portion R1 and a second portion R2 connected to the first portion R1 , and the connection portion 131 is fixed to the first portion R1 .

[0052] The external connector C may be set as a battery pack connector. In addition, information of the battery cell 111 may be transmitted from the module connector 130 to the battery pack through the battery pack connector. Here, the battery pack connector may be connected to a battery management system (BMS) of the battery pack. Here, an electrical connection line such as a low voltage (LV) line may be provided to electrically connect the battery pack connector to the BMS. Therefore, information such as the voltage or current of the battery cell 111 may be transmitted from the battery pack connector to the BMS of the battery pack through the module connector 130 electrically connected to the battery cell 111.

[0053] The battery pack may include a battery module 100 , a BMS, and a battery pack case accommodating the battery module 100 and the BMS.

[0054] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a state before a module connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in a battery module, Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a first fixing portion in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 is a front view showing a module connector and a bus bar frame in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 9 is a front view showing a module connector in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Reference Figures 6 to 9 , the fixing portion 140 can fix the position of the module connector 130.

[0056] In addition, the fixing portion 140 may include a first fixing portion 141 which fixes the first portion of the PCB 132 and has a locking protrusion 141a into which the end of the first portion R1 is inserted; and a second fixing portion 142 which fixes the second portion R2 of the PCB 132.

[0057] The first fixing portion 141 may fix the connection PCB 132 in a first direction (Y-axis) perpendicular to the connection PCB 132, and the second fixing portion 142 may fix the connection PCB 132 in a second direction (X-axis) and a third direction (Z-axis) parallel to the connection PCB 132. Here, the end of the connection PCB 132 may be provided in a shape inserted into the locking protrusion 141a in the second direction so that the end of the first portion R1 is prevented from being lifted relative to the module housing 120.

[0058] Here, the second direction may be a width direction of the battery module 100, the first direction may be a length direction of the battery module 100, and the third direction may be a height direction of the battery module 100 (see Figure 1 ).

[0059] The first fixing portion 141 may fix the connection PCB 132 in a first direction (Y axis) perpendicular to the connection PCB 132 , and the second fixing portion 142 may fix the connection PCB 132 in a second direction (X axis) and a third direction (Z axis) parallel to the connection PCB 132 .

[0060] In addition, the second fixing portion 142 may include a coupling protrusion 142 a protruding in the first direction and inserted into a coupling hole 132 a defined in the connection PCB 132 .

[0061] The coupling protrusion 142a may be provided in the form of a cylindrical column or a quadrangular column. Here, a plurality of coupling protrusions 142a may be provided.

[0062] The coupling protrusion 142a may be further provided with a separation preventing portion 142a-1 having a width at an end greater than a width of the coupling hole 132a to prevent separation in the first direction. Here, for example, such a separation preventing portion 142a-1 may be provided: although the coupling protrusion 142a is provided in a cylindrical shape having a constant diameter before the coupling protrusion 142a is inserted into the coupling hole 132a (see Figure 6 ), after the coupling protrusion 142a is inserted into the coupling hole 132a, the separation preventing portion 142a-1 presses the end of the coupling protrusion 142a to have a width W1 greater than the width W2 of the coupling hole 132a (see Figure 4 Here, for example, the combining protrusion 142a may include a plastic material.

[0063] A pair of locking protrusions 141a may be provided and bent in an “L” shape in directions facing each other. In addition, the pair of locking protrusions 141a may be provided at positions contacting both ends of the connection PCB 132 in the first direction.

[0064] In addition, the locking protrusion 141 a may include a first extending portion 141 a - 1 extending in the first direction and a second extending portion 141 a - 2 extending from an end of the first extending portion 141 a - 1 in a direction parallel to the third direction.

[0065] Here, the end portion of the connection PCB 132 may be prevented from being separated in the first direction by the second extension portion 141 a - 2 of the locking protrusion 141 a .

[0066] The width difference L1 between the end of the connection PCB 132 and the end of the connection portion 131 in the third direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) may be, for example, 2 mm to 4 mm. In addition, the width difference L2 between the end of the connection PCB 132 and the end of the connection portion 131 in the X-axis direction as the second direction may be, for example, 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0067] Therefore, the distance between the end of the connection PCB 132 and the end of the connection portion 131 in the second and third directions may be formed to be 2 mm or more, which is the lower limit, and thus, the installation space of the locking protrusion 141 a may be ensured.

[0068] In addition, the distance between the end of the connection PCB 132 and the end of the connection portion 131 in the second direction and the third direction is formed to be 4 mm (which is the lower limit) or less to improve space efficiency, reduce material costs, and easily mount the module connector 130 on the end plate 122. Here, when the distance between the end of the connection PCB 132 and the end of the connection portion 131 is 4 mm or less, the locking protrusion 141a may be mounted on a portion where a fixing device such as a bolt is not mounted to prevent the end of the connection PCB 132 from being lifted.

[0069] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The busbar frames 150 may be respectively disposed at both ends of the battery cell stack 110 and connected to the electrode leads 111a of the battery cells 111. Here, the fixing portion 140 may be disposed on the busbar frame 150 so that the module connector 130 is combined with the busbar frame 150.

[0070] In addition, the busbar frame 150 may include busbars made of a conductive material electrically connected to the electrode leads 111a of the battery cells 111. Here, for example, the connection PCB 132 of the module connector 130 may be electrically connected to the busbar frame 150 by being welded to the busbars of the busbar frame 150.

[0071] The flexible printed circuit board 170 may be connected to the pair of bus bar frames 150. Here, for example, the flexible printed circuit board 170 may be electrically connected to the bus bars of the bus bar frames 150.

[0072] In addition, the flexible printed circuit board 170 may be connected with the pair of bus bar frames 150 along the top surface of the battery cell stack 110. Here, the flexible printed circuit board 170 may sense the temperature of the battery cell stack 110 by including a temperature sensor.

[0073] The battery module 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure configured as described above may fix the module connector 130 transmitting information of the battery cell 111 in three axis directions by the fixing portion 140 including the first fixing portion 141 and the second fixing portion 142 to stably fix the module connector 130 .

[0074] In addition, the first fixing portion 141 may include a pair of locking protrusions 141a to fix the module connector 130 without being separated in the first direction, and the second fixing portion 142 may include a coupling protrusion 142a to fix the module connector 130 in the second direction and the third direction without being separated. Therefore, when the external connector C is coupled (assembled) with the module connector 130, the module connector 130 can be prevented from shaking, and the fixing portion of the module connector 130 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0075] Although the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0076] Furthermore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure will be set forth by the accompanying claims.

[0077] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0078] 100: Battery module

[0079] 110: Battery cell stack

[0080] 111: Battery Cell

[0081] 111a: Electrode lead

[0082] 120: Module housing

[0083] 121: Shell

[0084] 122: End plate

[0085] 130: Module connector

[0086] 131: Connection

[0087] 132: Connect PCB (Printed Circuit Board)

[0088] 132a: Binding hole

[0089] 140: Fixed part

[0090] 141: First fixed part

[0091] 141a: Locking protrusion

[0092] 142: Second fixing part

[0093] 142a: Binding protrusion

[0094] 150: Busbar frame

[0095] 170: Flexible circuit board

[0096] C: External connector

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module housing configured to accommodate the battery cell stack therein; a module connector electrically connected to the battery cell stack and having one side thereof configured to be exposed to the outside of the module housing so that an external connector is connected to the module connector; as well as a fixing portion configured to fix the position of the module connector, Wherein, the module connector comprises: a connecting portion into which the external connector is inserted for connection; and a connecting PCB, the connecting PCB having a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion, the connecting portion being fixed to the first portion, Wherein, the fixing part comprises: a first fixing portion configured to fix the first part and provided with a locking protrusion into which the end of the first part is inserted to fix the position of the end of the first part; and A second fixing portion is configured to fix the second part.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first fixing portion is configured to fix the connection PCB in a first direction (Y axis) perpendicular to the connection PCB, and The second fixing portion is configured to fix the connection PCB in a second direction (X-axis) and a third direction (Z-axis) which are parallel to the connection PCB and perpendicular to each other.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The second direction is a width direction of the battery module, the first direction is a length direction of the battery module, and the third direction is a height direction of the battery module.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The connection PCB has a coupling hole penetrating in the first direction, and The second fixing portion includes a coupling protrusion that protrudes in the first direction and is inserted into the coupling hole.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The combining protrusion is arranged in the form of a cylinder or a quadrangular prism.

6. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the coupling hole and the coupling protrusion is provided in plural.

7. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The coupling protrusion further includes a separation preventing portion having an end portion having a width greater than a width of the coupling hole to prevent separation in the first direction.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The combining protrusion includes a plastic material.

9. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The end portion of the connection PCB is inserted into the locking protrusion in the second direction to prevent the end portion of the first portion from being lifted relative to the module housing.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The locking protrusion is provided as a pair of locking protrusions bent in an “L” shape in directions facing each other.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The pair of locking protrusions are disposed at positions contacting both end portions of the connection PCB in the first direction.

12. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The locking protrusion comprises: a first extending portion, the first extending portion extending in the first direction; and a second extending portion extending from an end of the first extending portion in a direction parallel to the third direction, The second extension portion of the locking protrusion prevents the end portion of the connection PCB from being separated in the first direction.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of bus bar frames, the pair of bus bar frames being disposed at both ends of the battery cell stack and connected to electrode leads of the battery cells, in, The fixing portion is disposed on the bus bar frame so that the module connector is combined with the bus bar frame.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein: The external connector is configured as a battery pack connector, and The information of the battery cells is transmitted from the module connector to the battery pack through the battery pack connector.

15. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The module housing comprises: a tubular housing having two open sides; and an end plate configured to cover the two opening sides of the housing, respectively, Wherein, one side of the module connector is exposed to the outside of the end plate.

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