Battery module, battery module assembling device, and battery module assembling method

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells including an exterior member accommodating an electrode assembly, a sealing portion formed by sealing the exterior member, and an electrode lead exposed to an outside of the exterior member; a bus bar assembly electrically connected with the electrode lead; a plate portion surrounding the battery cell stack and the bus bar assembly; and at least one heat insulation member disposed to face the sealing portion and the bus bar assembly, the heat insulation member may be of a solid type.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module, an assembly device for a battery module, and an assembly method for a battery module. Background Art

[0002] Batteries are widely used in small electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops, as well as medium and large mechanical devices such as electric vehicles (EVs), and have the advantage of being rechargeable and reusable.

[0003] A battery cell constituting such a battery may be manufactured by housing an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator in a case and sealing the case after injecting an electrolyte into the case.

[0004] A battery module may be constructed by stacking a plurality of battery cells, and a battery pack may be formed by combining a plurality of battery modules.

[0005] During use, a battery module or battery pack may catch fire due to high-temperature exhaust gas, flames or sparks, etc. Since a battery module or battery pack has a structure in which multiple battery cells are combined together, it is necessary to quickly block the heat, flames or sparks of the battery cell that has caught fire from spreading or transferring to other battery cells.

[0006] Therefore, delaying or preventing thermal runaway or thermal propagation in a battery module or battery pack is a very important factor in improving battery safety. Summary of the invention

[0007] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module that delays thermal runaway and heat propagation is provided.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided that prevents thermal runaway and heat propagation and improves durability.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module that improves convenience and efficiency of an assembly operation is provided.

[0011] In addition, the present disclosure can also be widely applied to green technology fields such as solar power generation and wind power generation.

[0012] In addition, the present disclosure can be applied to environmental protection devices such as eco-friendly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles that prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0013] (II) Technical solution

[0014] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells, wherein the battery cell includes an outer casing for accommodating an electrode assembly, a sealing portion formed by sealing the outer casing, and an electrode lead exposed to the outside of the outer casing; a bus bar assembly electrically connected to the electrode lead; a plate portion surrounding the battery cell stack and the bus bar assembly; and at least one thermal insulation member disposed facing the sealing portion and the bus bar assembly, wherein the thermal insulation member may be a solid type.

[0015] The insulation member according to one embodiment may be disposed in a partitioned space formed by sealing portions of an adjacent pair of battery cells, the electrode leads of the pair of battery cells, and the bus bar assembly, and may be inserted into the partitioned space in a solid state.

[0016] The heat insulation member according to one embodiment may be disposed to face the sealing portion and the bus bar assembly in a thickness-direction cross section of the battery cell.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the heat insulating member may be provided in plurality and may be provided between each adjacent pair of battery cells.

[0018] In one embodiment, in a cross section of the battery cell in a height direction, the length of the heat insulating member may have a value greater than or equal to 90% and less than or equal to 110% of the height of the battery cell.

[0019] In one embodiment, the thickness of the thermal insulation member and the separation space may have an intermediate fitting tolerance or a loose fitting tolerance.

[0020] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation member may include a first inclined region, which is inclined from one side end of the thermal insulation member toward the center of the thermal insulation member based on the height direction of the thermal insulation member, and the thickness of one side end of the thermal insulation member may be the thinnest.

[0021] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation member may include a second inclined region, and based on the height direction of the thermal insulation member, the second inclined region is inclined from the other side end of the thermal insulation member toward the center direction of the thermal insulation member, and the thickness of the other side end of the thermal insulation member may be the same as the thickness of the one side end.

[0022] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation member may be made of a material including at least one of a polymer material including polyurethane, silicone and glass fiber and mica.

[0023] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a battery module assembly device

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an assembly device for a battery module may include: a device base; an operating table, on which a pre-battery module is placed, and the operating table moves on the device base, the pre-battery module including: a battery cell stack, including a plurality of battery cells, the battery cells including an outer casing for accommodating an electrode assembly, a sealing portion formed by sealing the outer casing, and an electrode lead exposed to the outside of the outer casing; a bus bar assembly electrically connected to the electrode lead; and a plate portion surrounding the battery cell stack and the bus bar assembly; a battery cell stack alignment portion, including an alignment member, the alignment member entering into a separation space formed by the sealing portions of an adjacent pair of battery cells, the electrode leads of the pair of battery cells, and the bus bar assembly; and a thermal insulation member insertion portion, for inserting a solid thermal insulation member into the separation space when the alignment member is detached from the separation space.

[0025] In one embodiment, the battery cell stack aligning part may include an aligning member moving part connected to the aligning member to move the aligning member.

[0026] In one embodiment, the insulation member insertion portion may include: a clamping member supporting the insulation member; a pressurizing member pushing the insulation member supported by the clamping member into the separated space; and a pressurizing member moving portion connected to the pressurizing member to move the pressurizing member.

[0027] In one embodiment, the heat insulation member insertion portion may further include: a pressure sensing sensor connected to at least one of the pressurizing member and the pressurizing member moving portion to obtain pressure information applied to at least one of the pressurizing member and the pressurizing member moving portion.

[0028] In one embodiment, the clamping member may include: a first clamping member, including a first support groove having a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the thermal insulation member; and a second clamping member, including a second support groove having a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the thermal insulation member, and the thermal insulation member insertion portion may further include: a clamping member moving portion, connected to the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move the first clamping member and the second clamping member.

[0029] In one embodiment, the device may further include: an inspection unit disposed on the device base and configured to obtain at least one of height information of the battery unit and height information of the heat insulating member when the battery module is placed on the operation table.

[0030] In one embodiment, the inspection part may include: a support frame, which is arranged on the device base; and a position sensing sensor, which is arranged on the support frame and obtains at least one of the height information of the battery cell and the height information of the thermal insulation member when the operating table enters the support frame.

[0031] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for assembling a battery module.

[0032] According to an assembling method of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is a method for assembling a pre-battery module, the pre-battery module includes: a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells, the battery cells including an outer casing for accommodating an electrode assembly, a sealing portion formed by sealing the outer casing, and an electrode lead exposed to the outside of the outer casing; a bus bar assembly electrically connected to the electrode lead; and a plate portion surrounding the battery cell stack and the bus bar assembly, the method may include the following steps: flipping the pre-battery module; aligning a plurality of the battery cells; and inserting at least one solid-type thermal insulation member into a separation space formed by the sealing portions of an adjacent pair of battery cells, the electrode leads of the pair of battery cells, and the bus bar assembly to assemble the battery module.

[0033] In one implementation, the method may further include the following step: after the step of aligning the plurality of battery cells, obtaining at least one of height information of the thermal insulation member inserted into the partitioned space and height information of the battery cells.

[0034] (III) Beneficial effects

[0035] According to the present disclosure, a battery module that delays thermal runaway and heat propagation is provided.

[0036] According to the present disclosure, a battery module that prevents thermal runaway and heat propagation and improves durability is provided.

[0037] According to the present disclosure, a battery module that improves convenience and efficiency of assembly operation is provided.

[0038] In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module that can be widely used in the field of green technology such as solar power generation and wind power generation.

[0039] In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module that can be applied to environmentally friendly devices such as environmentally friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc., which prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a bottom view of a portion of a battery module, in which a bus bar assembly is shown in cross section.

[0042] Figure 3 It is a bottom view of a portion of the battery module with the insulation member inserted, wherein the bus bar assembly is shown in cross section.

[0043] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a thermal insulation member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 5 is a front view of a battery cell and a heat insulating member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a heat insulating member inserted between a pair of battery cells.

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an assembly device of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the operating state of the battery cell stack alignment unit.

[0048] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a heat insulation member insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig.10 2 is a diagram showing an operating state of a heat insulation member insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.11 is a bottom view of a clamping member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Operation status diagram.

[0052] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of an assembly device of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of an inspection unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig.15 is a conceptual diagram of a battery module assembly method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Fig.16 is a conceptual diagram of a battery module assembling method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Description of Reference Numerals

[0057] 110: Battery cell stack 120: Bus bar assembly

[0058] 130: Plate 140: Heat insulation member

[0059] 210: Device base 220: Operation table

[0060] 230: Battery cell stack alignment portion 231: Alignment member

[0061] 240: Heat insulation member insertion portion 241: Clamping member

[0062] 250: Inspection Department DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] In order to facilitate understanding of the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, components denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings are the same components. Some components in the drawings are exaggerated, omitted or schematically shown, and the size of each component does not fully reflect the actual size.

[0064] Additionally, in order to clarify the gist of the present disclosure, descriptions of components and techniques known in the related art will be omitted, and hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] However, the idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited to the proposed embodiments, and those skilled in the art may propose other forms in which specific components are added, changed, or deleted, but this is also included in the scope of the same idea as the present disclosure.

[0066] Hereinafter, the X axis shown in the figure is the thickness direction of the battery cell 111, the Y axis is the length direction of the battery cell 111, and the Z axis is the height direction of the battery cell 111. However, these are directions arbitrarily set for convenience of description, and the above directions may be changed.

[0067] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a bottom view of a portion of a battery module, in which a bus bar assembly is shown in cross section.

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a battery cell stack 110, including a plurality of battery cells 111, wherein the battery cell 111 includes an outer casing 112 for accommodating an electrode assembly 113, a sealing portion 115 formed by sealing the outer casing 112, and an electrode lead 114 exposed to the outside of the outer casing 112; a bus bar assembly 120, electrically connected to the electrode lead 114; a plate portion 130, surrounding the battery cell stack 110 and the bus bar assembly 120; and a heat insulating member 140, disposed to face at least one of the electrode lead 114, the sealing portion 115 and the bus bar assembly 120, and the heat insulating member 140 may be a solid type.

[0069] The battery cell 111 may have a form in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, a separator, and an electrolyte are present inside the outer casing 112. The electrode assembly 113 may be composed of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The region in the outer casing 112 that accommodates the electrode assembly 113 may be an electrode assembly accommodating portion ( Figure 3 111a).

[0070] The battery cell 111 may include the electrode assembly receiving portion ( Figure 3 111a), a folded portion 116, and a sealed portion 115. The folded portion 116 may be a region formed by folding one side of the outer casing 112. The folded portion 116 may be formed by folding one side of the outer casing 112 in a state where the electrode assembly 113 is placed on the outer casing 112, and the sealed portion 115 may be formed by sealing the remaining region of the outer casing 112 except the folded portion 116 in a state where both side ends of the outer casing 112 face each other.

[0071] There may be a plurality of sealing portions 115 on the YZ plane. The plurality of sealing portions 115 may include a pair of sealing portions 115 connected to one side and the other side of the folding portion 116 on the YZ plane, respectively, and another sealing portion 115 connected to the pair of sealing portions 115 and opposite to the folding portion 116 across the electrode assembly 113. Therefore, the exterior member 112 may be sealed by the sealing portion 115 and the folding portion 116. The sealing portion 115 may be a region formed by sealing the exterior member 112 by a method such as heat fusion.

[0072] In one embodiment, the sealing portion 115 may exist in three edge regions of the exterior member 112. One edge region may be a region of the exterior member 112 where the positive electrode lead 114 protrudes, another edge region may be a region of the exterior member 112 where the negative electrode lead 114 protrudes, and yet another edge region may be a region of the exterior member 112 that exists at the uppermost portion in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery cell 111. In one embodiment, the sealing portion 115 region that exists at the uppermost portion in the height direction of the battery cell 111, i.e., the sealing portion 115 region that is opposite to the folding portion 116 across the electrode assembly 113, may have a form in which the end of the exterior member 112 is wound and fixed by an adhesive or the like.

[0073] The battery cell 111 may have a form in which each electrode lead 114 connected to the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate protrudes to the outside of the exterior member 112. The battery cell 111 may have a bidirectional battery cell form in which a plurality of electrode leads 114 protrude from both sides of the battery cell 111, and the battery cell 111 may also have a unidirectional battery cell form in which a plurality of electrode leads 114 protrude from one side of the battery cell 111. In the present disclosure, the bidirectional battery cell form is described as an example.

[0074] Before forming the sealing portion 115, a portion of the electrode lead 114 may be exposed to the outside of the exterior member 112. The exterior member 112 may be sealed to seal the region accommodating the electrode assembly 113 while a portion of the electrode lead 114 is exposed to the outside of the exterior member 112.

[0075] The electrode tabs may protrude from the positive plate and the negative plate, respectively. Each electrode tab may be combined with each electrode lead 114, and a joint 117a of the electrode tab and the electrode lead 114 may be located in a terrace 117. The terrace 117 may refer to the remaining space in the exterior component 112 except the electrode assembly 113. The terrace 117 may include a sealing portion 115, and a joint 117a of the electrode tab and the electrode lead 114 may be present in the terrace 117. In one embodiment, an insulating member may be provided at the joint 117a of the electrode tab and the electrode lead 114.

[0076] The heat insulating member 140 may be disposed to face the terrace portion 117. In addition, in one embodiment, the heat insulating member 140 may be disposed to face the junction 117a of the electrode tab and the electrode lead 114.

[0077] The battery cell stack 110 may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 111 formed as above. Among the plurality of battery cells 111, a pair of adjacent battery cells 111 may be placed as an electrode assembly receiving portion ( Figure 3The battery cells 111a) face each other and the sealing portions 115 face each other. A plurality of battery cells 111 may be stacked in the same principle.

[0078] The bus bar assembly 120 may include a bus bar member 121 electrically connected to the electrode lead 114 and a bus bar plate 122 supporting the bus bar member 121. The electrode lead 114 may be connected to the bus bar member 121 by welding. In one embodiment, the bus bar plate 122 may be disposed between the battery cell 111 and the bus bar member 121, and may be made of an insulating material to perform an insulating function.

[0079] In one embodiment, the heat insulating member 140 may be disposed to simultaneously face the bus bar assembly 120 and the sealing portion 115 facing the bus bar assembly 120. For example, the sealing portion 115 disposed in the region where the electrode lead 114 connected to the positive plate of the battery cell 111 is located may face the bus bar assembly 120 to which the electrode lead 114 connected to the positive plate is connected. In addition, another sealing portion 115 disposed in the region where another electrode lead 114 connected to the negative plate of the battery cell 111 is located may face the bus bar assembly 120 to which the electrode lead 114 connected to the negative plate is connected. As described above, on the YZ plane, a pair of sealing portions 115 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other across the electrode assembly 113, and a pair of bus bar members 121 and a pair of bus bar plates 122 may also be disposed to be spaced apart from each other across the electrode assembly 113.

[0080] Therefore, the heat insulating member 140 may be disposed in the region where the electrode lead 114 on one side of the battery cell 111 is located and in the region where the electrode lead 114 on the other side is located. The heat insulating member 140 may be disposed to simultaneously face the sealing portion 115 and the bus bar assembly 120 existing in the corresponding region in the region where the electrode lead 114 connected to the positive electrode plate is located and in the region where the electrode lead 114 connected to the negative electrode plate is located. For example, the heat insulating member 140 may be disposed to face the sealing portion 115 existing in the corresponding region in the region where the electrode lead 114 connected to the positive electrode plate is located and in the region where the electrode lead 114 connected to the negative electrode plate is located, and to face at least a portion of the region of the bus bar assembly 120 disposed in the corresponding region.

[0081] The plate portion 130 may be provided to surround the battery cell stack 110 and the bus bar assembly 120. In one embodiment, the plate portion 130 may include: a plurality of first plate members 131 facing the bus bar plate 122; and a plurality of second plate members 132 facing the outermost battery cells 111 on one side and the outermost battery cells 111 on the other side of the battery cell stack 110.

[0082] In one embodiment, the plate portion 130 may further include: a third plate member 133, which is disposed at the lowermost portion in the Z-axis direction of the battery module and faces the lower surface of the battery cell 111; and a fourth plate member 134, which is disposed at the uppermost portion in the Z-axis direction and faces the upper surface of the battery cell 111. The fourth plate member 134 may cover the upper portion of the battery cell stack 110, and may form a vent (not shown) for venting. A heat insulating material such as a mica sheet or a polycarbonate sheet may be disposed between the fourth plate member 134 and the battery cell stack 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be appropriately selected and applied according to the specifications of the battery module, the specifications of the battery pack formed by a plurality of battery modules, and the like.

[0083] Since there are multiple battery cells 111 in a battery module or battery pack, when a thermal event such as a flame or fire occurs in one battery cell 111, it is necessary to minimize the transfer or propagation of the thermal event to other battery cells 111. Preventing the transfer of thermal events in battery cells 111 is very important for preventing thermal runaway of a battery module or battery pack.

[0084] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of insulation members 140. In addition, each insulation member 140 may be disposed between each adjacent pair of battery cells 111 of the battery cell stack 110. In one embodiment, the insulation member 140 may be disposed between the electrode leads 114 of an adjacent pair of battery cells 111. In the case of a bidirectional battery cell, the insulation member 140 may be disposed between the positive electrode leads 114 and the negative electrode leads 114 of a pair of battery cells 111, respectively. The insulation member 140 may be disposed between the negative electrode leads 114 in the same principle as that between the positive electrode leads 114. Below, the description will be taken as an example of the positive electrode lead 114.

[0085] like Figure 2 As shown, a pair of adjacent battery cells 111 may be placed as an electrode assembly receiving portion ( Figure 3 111a) face each other and the electrode leads 114 face each other. At this time, a pad 101 may be provided between the battery cells 111. The pad 101 may be made of a heat insulating material, for example, a material containing mica. The pad 101 may perform various functions, such as cooling the battery cell 111, providing surface pressure to the battery cell 111, etc., and the application, material, quantity, etc. of the pad 101 may be appropriately selected and applied according to the specifications of the battery module, etc.

[0086] The terrace portions 117 of the adjacent pair of battery cells 111 may face each other, and the electrode leads 114 may also face each other. A separation space S may be formed between the terrace portions 117 of the adjacent pair of battery cells 111 and between the electrode leads 114.

[0087] For example, Figure 2 As shown, the separation space S may include: a first separation space S1, which exists at the uppermost portion along the +X direction; a second separation space S2, which exists at the lower portion of the first separation space S1; and a third separation space S3, which exists at the lower portion of the second separation space S2. In the same principle, the separation space S may be formed between each adjacent pair of battery cells 111 in the plurality of battery cells 111.

[0088] The separation space S may be formed by the electrode assembly receiving portion ( Figure 3 The space S is formed by the terrace portion 117 of the adjacent pair of battery cells 111, the electrode lead 114 of the adjacent pair of battery cells 111, the bus bar member 121 and the bus bar plate 122. The separation space S can be formed by the electrode assembly receiving portion ( Figure 3 111a), terraces 117 of a pair of adjacent battery cells 111, electrode leads 114 of a pair of adjacent battery cells 111, busbar members 121, and busbar plates 122 surround the space S. The upper portion of the space S may be separated by a fourth plate member ( Figure 1 The lower portion of the space S may be covered by a cooling plate (not shown) of the battery module or a third plate member ( Figure 1 133) coverage.

[0089] The first partitioned space S1 and the second partitioned space S2 may share one battery cell 111. In addition, the second partitioned space S2 and the third partitioned space S3 may also share one battery cell 111. Based on this principle, a plurality of partitioned spaces S may exist in the battery cell stack 110.

[0090] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a portion of a battery module with an insulating member inserted therein, wherein a busbar assembly is shown in cross section. Figure 3 As shown, the heat insulation member 140 may be inserted into each of the plurality of partitioned spaces S. As shown in FIG.

[0091] The heat insulating member 140 may be provided in a solid type. The heat insulating member 140 may be made of a material having a predetermined rigidity, a predetermined strength, and a predetermined hardness. At this time, the heat insulating member 140 may be made of a material having a degree of rigidity, strength, and hardness that does not damage the battery cell 111 or the bus bar assembly 120.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermal insulation member 140 may be made of a material including at least one of a polymer material and mica, wherein the polymer material includes polyurethane, silica gel, and glass fiber. In addition, in one embodiment, the thermal insulation member 140 may be made of a material including resin.

[0093] In addition, in one embodiment, the thermal insulation member 140 may be made of a material including polyurethane, and in another embodiment, the thermal insulation member 140 may be made of a material mixed with polyurethane and a curing agent. The curing agent may help improve the physical properties of the thermal insulation member 140. The thermal insulation member 140 made of resin may be injection molded.

[0094] The insulation member 140 may be pre-molded and solid before the battery module assembly operation is performed. Therefore, since the molding operation of the insulation member 140 is not performed within the battery module, the molding operation of the insulation member 140 may be performed separately from the battery module assembly operation.

[0095] In addition, the heat insulating member 140 having a solid form can maintain its form before being inserted into the partition space S even after being inserted into the partition space S. For example, even after the heat insulating member 140 is inserted into the partition space S, the outer shape of the heat insulating member 140 is not deformed, and the outer shape of the heat insulating member 140 before being inserted into the partition space S and the outer shape after being inserted into the partition space can be the same.

[0096] In addition, the insulation member 140 may be inserted into the partition space S so that the insulation member 140 faces the terrace portion 117 and the electrode lead 114 in the thickness direction cross section of the battery cell 111, that is, the XY plane. The outer surface of the insulation member 140 inserted into the partition space S may be disposed close to the battery cell 111, the electrode lead 114, and the bus bar assembly 120.

[0097] Regarding the heat insulating member 140 inserted into the separated space S where the mat 101 is located, the heat insulating member 140 may be disposed close to the end of the mat 101 but separated from the end of the mat 101 .

[0098] The heat insulating member 140 inserted between the battery cells 111 may cover at least a portion of the electrode lead 114. Therefore, when the exhaust gas generated in the electrode assembly receiving portion 111a of the battery cell 111 opens the outer casing 112 of the battery cell 111 and is discharged in the direction of the electrode lead 114, it faces the heat insulating member 140. The heat insulating member 140 may delay the high-temperature exhaust gas from propagating to the adjacent other battery cell 111 regions, and may also perform the function of cooling the high-temperature exhaust gas.

[0099] When a thermal event occurs, the thermal insulation member 140 may delay or minimize the transfer of heat, flame, etc. to other adjacent battery cells 111 .

[0100] The heat insulating member 140 may be circular in the thickness direction cross section of the battery cell 111. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cross-sectional shape of the heat insulating member 140 may be polygonal. This is a matter that may be appropriately selected and applied in consideration of the specifications of the battery module, exhaust characteristics, etc.

[0101] When the cross section of the heat insulating member 140 in the thickness direction of the battery cell 111 is circular, the thickness 145, i.e., the diameter, of the heat insulating member 140 may be set to have an intermediate assembly tolerance or a loose assembly tolerance with the separation space S. In the assembly tolerance between the axis and the hole, the diameter of the thickest part of the heat insulating member may be used as the axis, and the periphery of the separation space S may be formed as follows.

[0102] In one embodiment, the edge L of the partitioned space S is formed by two sides parallel to the X axis and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval, and two sides parallel to the Y axis connected to the sides and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval.

[0103] One edge of the separation space S may be a line extending along the X-axis direction of the electrode assembly receiving portion 111a of the battery cell 111, another edge may be a line extending along the Y-axis direction of the electrode lead 114 of one battery cell 111, and another edge may be a line extending along the X-axis direction of the area of ​​the busbar plate 122 that protrudes most toward the heat insulating member 140. The last further edge may be a line extending along the Y-axis direction of the electrode lead 114 of the adjacent battery cell 111. As described above, if one separation space S is replaced with a shape as large as corresponding to a quadrilateral, the separation space S may become a hole.

[0104] The diameter of the insulation member 140 and the width of the partition space may be set to have an intermediate or loose fit tolerance with each other in the tolerance of the shaft and the hole.

[0105] When the pad 101 exists in the partition space S, a line where the end of the pad 101 extends in the X-axis direction may be one edge of the partition space S.

[0106] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a heat insulating member 140 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 is a front view of a battery cell 111 and a heat insulating member 140 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the heat insulating member 140 inserted between a pair of battery cells 111 .

[0107] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the heat insulating member 140 may include at least one of a first inclined region 143 and a second inclined region 144 in a cross section in the height direction of the battery cell 111 , ie, a YZ plane.

[0108] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation member 140 may include: a first inclined region 143, which is inclined from one end 141 of the thermal insulation member 140 toward the center C of the thermal insulation member 140; and a second inclined region 144, which is inclined from the other end 142 of the thermal insulation member 140 toward the center C. The center C of the thermal insulation member 140 may be a weight center.

[0109] The heat insulating member 140 can be easily inserted into the partitioned space S through the first inclined region 143 and the second inclined region 144. In addition, even if the heat insulating member 140 is inserted in any direction, since the heat insulating member 140 has the inclined region, the directionality of the heat insulating member 140 can be eliminated when inserting the heat insulating member 140. This can improve the convenience of operation of inserting the heat insulating member 140, and can contribute to improving the convenience of assembling the battery module and the productivity of the battery module.

[0110] In addition, in one embodiment, the heat insulating member 140 may be provided in a form in which the thickness 141a of one side end portion 141 and the thickness 142a of the other side end portion 142 are the thinnest. In addition, in one embodiment, the thickness 141a of one side end portion 141 and the thickness 142a of the other side end portion 142 of the heat insulating member 140 may be the same. Therefore, since the heat insulating member 140 has a symmetrical shape with respect to its center C, the directionality of the heat insulating member 140 may be eliminated. In addition, the first inclined region 143 and the second inclined region 144 may help to remove unnecessary portions of the heat insulating member 140 and may help to slightly reduce the weight of the heat insulating member 140.

[0111] Between the battery cells 111, one side end 141 and the other side end 142 of the insulation member 140 may exist outside the electrode lead 114. The length 146 of the insulation member 140 may be a value greater than 90% and less than 110% of the height 118 of the battery cell 111. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the length 146 of the insulation member 140 may be a value corresponding to 90% of the height of the battery cell 111. Therefore, the insulation member 140 may cover the electrode lead 114 and the terrace portion 117, and the fourth plate member ( Figure 1 134) is coupled to the upper portion of the battery cell 111, it is possible to avoid contact with the fourth plate member ( Figure 1 134) interference occurs.

[0112] On the other hand, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plate portion 130 may include a third plate member 133 disposed at the bottom of the battery cell 111. The third plate member 133 may be made of a heat insulating material and in contact with the lower surface of the battery cell 111. In addition, in one embodiment, a cooling pipe (not shown) or the like may be provided inside the third plate member 133, and the cooling pipe (not shown) may also be connected to a cooling water pump or the like so that the cooling water circulates in the cooling pipe (not shown). Based on this, bottom cooling of the battery cell 111 may be performed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be appropriately selected and applied by those skilled in the art.

[0113] On the other hand, when the third plate member 133 is provided, the end portion of the insulation member 140 may be in contact with the third plate member 133 and supported by the third plate member 133 .

[0114] like Figure 6 As shown, when the upper end of the battery cell 111 is in a state where the sealing portion 115 is rolled, folded and squeezed, the length 146 of the heat insulating member 140 can be set to a value that is greater than 90% and less than 95% of the height of the battery cell 111. Therefore, the heat insulating member 140 can be prevented from interfering with the outer casing 112 of the battery cell 111.

[0115] When a heat insulating member 140 is inserted between a pair of battery cells 111, if the heat insulating member 140 faces the electrode lead 114 and the terrace portion 117, when the high-temperature exhaust gas opens the terrace portion 117 and flows out to the outside of the battery cell 111, heat propagation and heat transfer between the battery cells 111 can be more effectively blocked.

[0116] As described above, the terrace portion 117 may include an area corresponding to the end of the outer casing 112 from the outer periphery of the electrode assembly accommodating portion 111a to the -Y direction. In addition, a connection portion of the electrode lead 114 and the electrode tab (not shown) may exist in the terrace portion 117. In addition, the terrace portion 117 may include an area that seals the outer casing 112 in the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In this case, the sealing portion 115 present in the terrace portion 117 may have a predetermined width in the Y-axis direction and exist continuously in the Z-axis direction.

[0117] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a battery module assembly device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 2 is a diagram showing an operating state of the battery cell stack alignment section 230 .

[0118] like Figure 7As shown, a battery module assembly device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a device base 210; an operating table 220, on which a pre-battery module 100' is placed, and the operating table 220 moves on the device base 210, wherein the pre-battery module 100' includes: a battery unit stack ( Figure 1 110), including a plurality of battery cells ( Figure 1 111), the battery cell includes an outer casing ( Figure 1 112), by sealing the outer component ( Figure 1 The sealing portion ( Figure 1 115) and exposed to the exterior component ( Figure 1 112) of the external electrode lead ( Figure 1 114); busbar assembly ( Figure 1 120), electrically connected to the electrode lead ( Figure 1 114); and the plate portion ( Figure 1 130), surrounding the battery cell stack ( Figure 1 110) and the bus bar assembly ( Figure 1 120); battery cell stack alignment portion 230, including an alignment member 231, enters the sealing portion (of a pair of adjacent battery cells 111) Figure 1 115), the electrode leads ( Figure 1 114) and the bus bar assembly ( Figure 1 and a thermal insulation member insertion portion 240, when the alignment member 231 is separated from the separation space S when the solid thermal insulation member 140 is inserted into the separation space S.

[0119] The pre-battery module 100' may be inserted into a heat insulating member ( Figure 1 The battery module assembly device can be assembled by placing the heat insulating member ( Figure 1 140) is inserted or assembled into the pre-battery module 100' to manufacture the battery module.

[0120] When the pre-battery module 100' is provided with a third plate member ( Figure 1 133) and the fourth plate member ( Figure 1 134), the pre-battery module 100' placed on the operating table 220 may be assembled with only the fourth plate member ( Figure 1 134) without assembling the third plate member ( Figure 1 In this case, the fourth plate member ( Figure 1134) can be in contact with the operation table 220, and the pre-battery module 100' can be in a state of being turned upside down along the Z-axis direction. Turn over the pre-battery module 100' so that the fourth plate member ( Figure 1 The operation of contacting the operating table 220 with the operating table 220 can be performed automatically or manually by the operator.

[0121] The third plate member ( Figure 1 133) can be combined with the first plate member, the second plate member and the fourth plate member ( Figure 1 131, 132, 134) at least one of which is provided in the heat insulation member ( Figure 1 After the insertion operation of the first plate member 140 is completed, the battery cell 111 is covered. Therefore, the battery cell 111 can be accommodated in the first plate member, the second plate member, the third plate member and the fourth plate member ( Figure 1 131, 132, 133, 134) of the interior.

[0122] On the other hand, the operating table 220 and the device base 210 on which the pre-battery module 100' is placed may be provided with a device LM guide 211. The operating table 220 may be moved on the device base 210 by the device LM guide 211. The device LM guide 211 may be connected to a control unit (not shown), and the movement, moving distance, and moving speed of the operating table 220 may be controlled by the control unit (not shown). In one embodiment, the control unit (not shown) may be a programmable logic controller (PLC) device.

[0123] The operation stage 220 moves along the device base 210 and sequentially passes through the battery cell stack alignment part 230 and the insulation member insertion part 240. In one embodiment, the operation stage 220 may be controlled to first pass through the battery cell stack alignment part 230 and then reach the insulation member insertion part 240.

[0124] After sequentially passing through the battery cell stack alignment portion 230 and the heat insulation member insertion portion 240, the pre-battery module 100' may become a battery cell module having a heat insulation member ( Figure 1 140) status of the battery module.

[0125] Insulation components ( Figure 1 The pre-battery module 100' after the insertion of the pre-battery module 140 can be transferred to a subsequent process. The operation of transferring the pre-battery module 100' to a subsequent process can also be automatically performed by the device LM guide rail 211 installed on the device base 210.

[0126] The battery cell stack aligning part 230 may include an aligning member 231 , and after the aligning member 231 is inserted into the spaced apart space S, the aligning member 231 is taken out again from the spaced apart space S to complete the aligning operation of the battery cells 111 .

[0127] Reference Figure 8 Describing in more detail, the battery cell stack aligning part 230 may include: the aligning member 231 ; and an aligning member moving part 232 connected to the aligning member 231 to move the aligning member 231 .

[0128] In one embodiment, the alignment member moving part 232 may include: a first direction moving part 233, which is arranged in a direction parallel to the Y axis; and a second direction moving part 234, which is arranged in a direction parallel to the Z axis. The first direction moving part 233 and the second direction moving part 234 may be arranged as LM guides and connected to a control unit (not shown), and the first direction moving part 233 and the second direction moving part 234 may be controlled by the control unit (not shown) to operate or not.

[0129] In one embodiment, the first moving frame 233a may be connected to the first direction moving portion 233. The first moving frame 233a may be moved in the +Y direction and the -Y direction by the first direction moving portion 233.

[0130] The second moving frame 234a may be connected to the first moving frame 233a. The second direction moving portion 234 described above may be disposed on the second moving frame 234a. The second direction moving portion 234 may be disposed on the second moving frame 234a in a direction parallel to the Z axis.

[0131] The third moving frame 235 may cooperate with the second direction moving portion 234. The third moving frame 235 may be moved in the +Z direction and the -Z direction by the second direction moving portion 234.

[0132] The alignment frame 236 may be provided at a lower portion of the third moving frame 235. The alignment frame 236 may be provided to have a predetermined length in the X-axis direction and fixed to the third moving frame 235. Therefore, the alignment frame 236 may be moved in +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z directions.

[0133] The alignment member 231 may be fixed to a lower portion of the alignment frame 236. The alignment member 231 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of alignment members 231 may be spaced apart from each other in the alignment frame 236 at a predetermined interval.

[0134] The thickness of the alignment member 231 may be at least as thick as the insulation member ( Fig. 9The alignment member 231 can move with the alignment frame 236 and can be inserted between the plurality of battery cells 111 at the lower portion of the alignment member 231. The lowering operation of the alignment member 231 can be performed by the second direction moving portion 234. However, the number and form of the above-mentioned frames are according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the number, combination relationship and form of the frames can be replaced in various forms to achieve the movement of the alignment member.

[0135] In one embodiment, the alignment member 231 may also be configured to move along three axes, namely, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, and may be combined with various components to achieve the three-axis movement of the alignment member 231. The three-axis movement may be achieved by combining a plurality of LM guide rails. However, the device for achieving the movement of the alignment member 231 disclosed in the present invention is not limited thereto and may be appropriately selected and applied by those skilled in the art.

[0136] On the other hand, in one embodiment, the alignment member 231 may include a section 231 a inclined from the end toward the center thereof. The inclined section 231 a of the alignment member 231 may facilitate the operation of inserting the alignment member 231 between the battery cells 111 .

[0137] The second direction moving part 234 may be configured to move the alignment member 231 along the -Z direction until the end of the alignment member 231 contacts the bottom surface of the pre-battery module 100'. Figure 7 After the alignment member 231 contacts the bottom surface of the alignment member 231, the alignment member 231 is raised along the +Z direction.

[0138] In one embodiment, the alignment member 231 may be inserted into a region where the insulation member 140 will be subsequently inserted. The alignment member 231 may be inserted into a region where the terraces 117 of the adjacent battery cells 111 and the electrode leads 114 of the adjacent battery cells 111 face each other.

[0139] The alignment member 231 can make the distance between the battery cells 111 constant, and ensure that the heat insulation member ( Fig. 9 140) will be inserted into the position, and the separation space between the battery cells 111 ( Figure 7 The volume of S) is constant.

[0140] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a heat insulation member inserting portion 240 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.10 2 is an operational state diagram of the heat insulation member insertion part 240 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the heat insulating member inserting portion 240 includes: a gripping member 241 that grips and supports the heat insulating member 140; and a pressurizing member 242 that pressurizes the heat insulating member 140 supported by the gripping member 241 to push the heat insulating member 140 into the separated space between the battery cells 111 ( Figure 7 and a pressurizing member moving portion 540, connected to the pressurizing member 242 to move the pressurizing member 242.

[0142] In one embodiment, the pressurizing member moving part 540 may include a first fixing frame 541 and a second fixing frame 542. A driving member 248 and a pressure sensing sensor 249 may be disposed inside the second fixing frame 542. The pressure sensing sensor 249 may be connected to the driving member 248 and sense the pressure applied to the driving member 248.

[0143] In one embodiment, the driving member 248 may be configured as a servo drive, a motor, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0144] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the drive member 248 may be a motor having a drive shaft. A reducer may be connected to the drive shaft as needed, and the motor may be connected to a control unit (not shown) to automatically control the rotation speed, direction of rotation, and whether to rotate or not. However, this is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the drive member 248 may be a device such as a robotic arm, CAM, and the type of the drive member 248 of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Below, the case where the drive member 248 is a motor is described as an example.

[0145] The first fixed frame 541 may be provided with a gear box 246 inside, which is connected to the driving member 248 and receives the power of the driving member 248. The gear box 246 may be connected to the driving shaft of the driving member 248, and may be built with a gear member (not shown) capable of converting the rotary motion into a linear reciprocating motion along the +Z, -Z directions. The gear member may include various gears, such as a rack, a pinion, a bevel gear, and a helical gear. The function of the gear box 246 is to convert the rotary motion into a linear motion, and the type and number of the gear members are not limited, as long as they can play a corresponding role.

[0146] The pressure sensing sensor 249 may be connected to the driving member 248 to obtain pressure information applied to the driving member 248. In one embodiment, a separate sensor member (not shown) may be provided to obtain information such as the rotation direction and rotation speed of the driving member 248. In this case, the sensor member (not shown) may be connected to a control unit (not shown). Therefore, the control unit may receive pressure information of the driving member 248 and information related to the rotation direction and rotation speed.

[0147] In one embodiment, the control unit (not shown) can receive values ​​measured by the pressure sensing sensor 249 and the sensor member (not shown), and can control the driving member 248 by comparing the measured information with preset information so that the measured information is consistent with the preset information.

[0148] Using the same principle, the alignment component moving part ( Figure 8 232) and the pressurizing member moving part 540 can be connected to a control unit (not shown) and sequentially controlled. Therefore, the convenience and accuracy of the operation of inserting the heat insulating member 140 between the battery cells 111 can be improved.

[0149] A driving rod 246a may be connected to the gear box 246. The driving rod 246a may be movable in the +Z and -Z directions. An elastic member 247 may be present on the outer circumference of the driving rod 246a.

[0150] The pressurizing member 242 may be connected to the lower portion of the driving rod 246a. One end of the pressurizing member 242 may be in contact with the heat insulating member 140. The pressurizing member 242 moves in the -Z direction while in contact with the heat insulating member 140, thereby enabling the heat insulating member 140 to move in the -Z direction. The heat insulating member 140 may be pressurized by the pressurizing member 242 and inserted between the terrace portions 117 of the battery cell 111 and between the electrode leads 114. Such an operation may be performed by rotating the driving member 248 in one direction.

[0151] In one embodiment, the pressurizing member moving part 540 may further include: a second pressurizing frame 245 disposed at a lower portion of the second fixed frame 542 ; and a first pressurizing frame 244 disposed at a lower portion of the second pressurizing frame 245 .

[0152] The first pressurizing frame 244 may include a plurality of first through holes 244a, and the second pressurizing frame 245 may include a plurality of second through holes 245a. The number of the first through holes 244a and the second through holes 245a may be the same, and the center of the first through hole 244a and the center of the second through hole 245a may be located on the same line along the Z-axis direction. At this time, the center of the first through hole 244a and the center of the second through hole 245a may be the center of the cross section of the first through hole 244a and the center of the cross section of the second through hole 245a on the XY plane.

[0153] The pressurizing member 242 may be inserted into the first through hole 244a and the second through hole 245a. The inner diameter of the first through hole 244a and the inner diameter of the second through hole 245a may be greater than the thickness of the pressurizing member 242. The pressurizing member 242 may move in the +Z direction and the -Z direction while being inserted into the first through hole 244a and the second through hole 245a. Therefore, even in the case where the pressurizing member 242 is long or a relatively large load is applied to the pressurizing member 242, the meandering of the pressurizing member 242 can be prevented, and the pressurizing member 242 can be prevented from bending. This helps to improve the accuracy and precision of the operation of the device.

[0154] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the clamping member 241 may be provided in a split manner. The clamping member 241 may include: a first clamping member 341 surrounding a predetermined area of ​​the periphery of the thermal insulation member 140; and a second clamping member 441 facing the first clamping member 341 and surrounding the peripheral area of ​​the thermal insulation member 140 not surrounded by the first clamping member 341.

[0155] The first clamping member moving part 343 may be connected to the first clamping member 341, and the second clamping member moving part 443 may be connected to the second clamping member 441. The first clamping member moving part 343 and the second clamping member moving part 443 may apply a cylinder, a robot arm, etc., but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0156] The first clamping member moving portion 343 and the second clamping member moving portion 443 may move the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 441 , respectively, and the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 441 may move in a direction away from each other and in a direction approaching each other.

[0157] The first clamping member moving part 343 and the second clamping member moving part 443 may move the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 441 in a direction approaching each other to support and fix the insulation member 140 .

[0158] At this time, the heat insulating member 140 may be automatically supplied between the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 441 by a device such as a cassette (not shown), or may be manually supplied by an operator.

[0159] In a state where the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 441 support the heat insulating member 140, the pressurizing member 242 may push the heat insulating member 140 between the battery cells 111. In a state where the plurality of battery cells 111 are located under the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 441, the pressurizing member 242 may push the heat insulating member 140 between the battery cells 111.

[0160] In one embodiment, the blocking member 242a may be provided at the other side end of the pressurizing member 242 that is not in contact with the heat insulating member 140. The blocking member 242a may be formed by the pressurizing member 242 protruding a predetermined length in the diameter direction of the pressurizing member 242. The diameter of the blocking member 242a may be greater than the inner diameter of the second through hole 245a. The blocking member 242a may be provided to contact the second pressurizing frame 245 when the pressurizing member 242 moves to the end in the -Z direction. Therefore, the pressurizing member 242 may be prevented from being disengaged from the second pressurizing frame 245 when the movement is completed. Therefore, the reliability of the moving operation of the pressurizing member 242 may be improved.

[0161] In one embodiment, the blocking member 242a can be fixed to the driving rod 246a, and the pressure member 242 can move with the driving rod 246a. The elastic member 247 can be disposed between the blocking member 242a and the first fixed frame 541. When the pressure member 242 moves, the elastic member 247 can play a buffering role to absorb the impact. This can help improve the durability of the device.

[0162] like Fig.10 As shown, the pressurizing member 242 pushes the insulation member 140 in the −Z direction so that the insulation member 140 can be fully inserted between the battery cells 111 .

[0163] At this time, if the heat insulation member 140 is not fully inserted between the battery cells 111 and collides with other obstacles or contacts the battery cells 111, the driving member 248 will be subjected to a pressure different from the preset pressure. At this time, the pressure sensing sensor 249 can obtain the pressure information, and the pressure sensing sensor 249 can transmit the measured pressure value to the control unit (not shown).

[0164] When the preset pressure value is different from the measured pressure value, the control unit (not shown) immediately stops the operation of the driving member 248 or rotates the driving member 248 in the other side direction to raise the pressurizing member 242 in the +Z direction. Therefore, the battery cells 111 and the assembly device 200 of the pre-battery module 100' can be prevented from being damaged, and the reliability of the assembly device 200 of the pre-battery module 100' can be improved.

[0165] Fig.11 is a bottom view of a clamping member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Operation status diagram.

[0166] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the first clamping member 341 may include a first supporting groove 342 having a shape corresponding to the outer circumference of the insulation member 140 , and the second clamping member 441 may include a second supporting groove 442 having a shape corresponding to the outer circumference of the insulation member 140 .

[0167] The first supporting groove 342 and the second supporting groove 442 may have a semicircular form. The radius of curvature of the first supporting groove 342 and the second supporting groove 442 may have a value at least equal to the radius of the insulation member 140 .

[0168] Therefore, the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 441 can move in a direction approaching each other, so that the heat insulating member 140 can be inserted into the first supporting groove 342 and the second supporting groove 442. The operation of inserting the heat insulating member 140 into the first supporting groove 342 and the second supporting groove 442 can be manually performed by an operator, or can be automatically performed in a state where the heat insulating member 140 is supported by a cassette (not shown) or a backup pin (not shown).

[0169] For example, a member such as a support pin (not shown) capable of supporting the load of the thermal insulation member 140 may be provided at the lower portion of the thermal insulation member 140, and while supporting the load of the thermal insulation member 140, the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 441 may be moved to a position where the thermal insulation member 140 is supported.

[0170] In addition, if Fig.12 As shown, the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 441 can move in a direction close to each other. When the movement of the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 441 is completed, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, the operation of fixing and supporting the heat insulating member 140 by the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 441 is completed. Then, the pressurizing member ( Fig.10242) can push the insulation member 140 between the battery cells 111.

[0171] Fig.13 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a battery module assembly device 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 As shown, the battery module assembly device 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an inspection unit 250 .

[0172] The battery module entering the inspection unit 250 may be a battery module having a heat insulating member ( Figure 1 140) of the battery module 100.

[0173] The inspection part 250 may be disposed on the device base 210, and the inspection part 250 may be disposed behind the heat insulating member insertion part 240 along the moving direction of the operation table 220. Therefore, the pre-battery module 100' only needs to be moved along the device base 210 while being placed on the operation table 220 to complete the heat insulating member ( Figure 1 Therefore, the time required for the assembly operation and the inspection operation of the pre-battery module 100' or the battery module 100 can be shortened, and the convenience of the assembly operation and the productivity of the battery module can be improved.

[0174] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of the inspection unit 250 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0175] like Fig.14 As shown, the inspection part 250 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may obtain at least one of height information of the battery module 100 , height information of the battery cells 111 , and height information of the heat insulation member 140 on the device base 210 .

[0176] In one embodiment, the inspection part 250 may include a support frame 251 disposed on the device base 210 and at least one position sensing sensor 252 disposed on the support frame 251 .

[0177] First, the support frame 251 may be installed in a predetermined section of the device base 210, and the inspection portion first LM guide rail 253 cooperating with the operating table 220 may be installed on the support frame 251. The operating table 220 may enter the support frame 251 along the inspection portion first LM guide rail 253. However, this is one embodiment according to the present disclosure, and the operating table 220 may be moved by other means other than the LM guide rail.

[0178] In one embodiment, an inspection part moving frame 257 may be installed on an upper portion of the support frame 251, and an inspection part second LM guide rail 256 may be installed on the inspection part moving frame 257. In addition, a pair of sensor frames 254 may be matched with the inspection part second LM guide rail 256. The pair of sensor frames 254 may be connected to each other by a connecting frame 255. However, the pair of sensor frames 254 may be provided in an integrated type.

[0179] In one embodiment, the pair of sensor frames 254 may be movable in the +X direction and the −X direction on the inspection section moving frame 257 along the inspection section second LM guide rail 256 .

[0180] A first position sensing sensor 252a may be mounted on one side sensor frame 254, and a second position sensing sensor 252b may be mounted on the other side sensor frame 254. The first position sensing sensor 252a may face one side electrode lead 114 of the battery cell 111, and the second position sensing sensor 252b may face the other side electrode lead of the battery cell 111. For example, one side electrode lead 114 may be a positive electrode lead, and the other side electrode lead may be a negative electrode lead.

[0181] Therefore, by moving the sensor frame 254 in the +X direction and the -X direction, it is possible to simultaneously obtain the position information of the electrode lead side on both sides of the battery cell 111 and the position information of the negative electrode lead side. The position information includes the alignment state of the battery cell 111 and the insertion state of the heat insulating member 140 inserted between the battery cells 111.

[0182] In one embodiment, the first position sensing sensor 252a and the second position sensing sensor 252b may include at least one of a vision camera and a laser sensor. In addition, the first position sensing sensor 252a and the second position sensing sensor 252b may be connected to a control unit (not shown).

[0183] When a visual camera is applied as the first position sensing sensor 252a and the second position sensing sensor 252b, the visual camera can obtain image information of the battery module 100 and transmit the alignment status of the battery module 100 and the insertion status of the insulation member 140 to a control unit (not shown) or directly display them, so that the alignment status of the battery module 100 can be directly confirmed with the naked eye.

[0184] For example, information that the spacing between the battery cells 111 is not appropriate, that the heat insulating members 140 do not exist between the battery cells 111, or that the positions or the number of the heat insulating members 140 are not appropriate can be qualitatively obtained through the visual camera.

[0185] On the other hand, a plurality of laser sensors may be provided to obtain X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis information of the battery module 100. The plurality of laser sensors may measure the distance from the battery module 100 or the thermal insulation member 140 and transmit it to a control unit (not shown). The control unit (not shown) may be configured to determine whether the alignment state of the battery module 100 or the thermal insulation member 140 is normal or abnormal by comparing the measured information with the preset information.

[0186] For example, the laser sensor can calculate distance values, coordinate values, etc., and thus can quantitatively obtain information that the spacing between the battery cells 111 is inappropriate, there is no insulation member 140 between the battery cells 111, or the position or quantity of the insulation member 140 is inappropriate.

[0187] Additionally, in one embodiment, a visual camera and a laser sensor may be used in combination.

[0188] on the other hand, Fig.15 A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ( Fig.13 A conceptual diagram of an assembly method of 100).

[0189] The pre-battery module 100' is inserted into the heat insulation member ( Figure 1 140) before the state, and the assembly method of the battery module according to the present disclosure may be a method involving a heat insulation member ( Figure 1 140) is inserted or assembled into the pre-battery module 100' to manufacture a battery module method.

[0190] like Fig.15 As shown, a battery module ( Fig.13 The assembly method of 100) provides a method of assembling a heat insulating member ( Figure 1 140) is inserted or assembled into the pre-battery module ( Fig.13 100') to assemble into battery modules ( Fig.13 100), wherein the pre-battery module 100' comprises: a battery cell stack ( Figure 1 110), including a plurality of battery cells ( Figure 1 111), the battery cell includes an electrode assembly ( Figure 1 113) exterior parts ( Figure 1 112), by sealing the outer component ( Figure 1 The sealing portion ( Figure 1 115) and exposed to the exterior component ( Figure 1 112) of the external electrode lead ( Figure 1 114); busbar assembly ( Figure 1 120), electrically connected to the electrode lead ( Figure 1 114); and the plate portion ( Figure 1 130), surrounding the battery cell stack ( Figure 1 110) and the bus bar assembly ( Figure 1 of 120).

[0191] First, the battery module ( Fig.13 The assembly method of 100 may include the following steps: turning over the uninserted thermal insulation member ( Figure 1 140) pre-battery module ( Fig.13 100') (S110); aligning a plurality of the battery cells ( Figure 1 111) (S120); and inserting a solid type heat insulating member into a pair of adjacent battery cells ( Figure 1 The sealing part (111) Figure 1 115), the pair of battery cells ( Figure 1 111) electrode lead ( Figure 1 114) and the bus bar assembly ( Figure 1 The space formed by 120) Figure 2 The battery module is assembled in S130.

[0192] The insulation components ( Figure 1 140) insert the pre-battery module ( Fig.13 100') can be operated in the fourth plate member ( Figure 1 134) covers the pre-battery module ( Fig.13 100') and after the upper part of the third plate member ( Figure 5 133) assembled into the pre-battery module ( Fig.13 100') before the lower part.

[0193] Since the pre-battery module ( Fig.13 The upper part of 100') is formed by a fourth plate member ( Figure 1 134) is covered, so that the pre-battery module ( Fig.13 100'), so that the space ( Figure 2 S) is located in the pre-battery module ( Fig.13 100') of the upper part, and the fourth plate member ( Figure 1 134) is located in the pre-battery module ( Fig.13 100') bottom.

[0194] After completing the flipping of the pre-battery module ( Fig.13 After the step (S110) of 100'), the plurality of battery cells ( Figure 1In this step, the battery cells ( Figure 1 111) or electrode lead ( Figure 1 114) to provide a location for inserting the thermal insulation member ( Figure 1 By aligning a plurality of the battery cells ( Figure 1 111) of step (S120), the heat insulation member ( Figure 1 140) are inserted into the battery cells evenly and constantly ( Figure 1 114).

[0195] After completing the alignment of the plurality of battery cells ( Figure 1 After the step (S120) of 111), the solid thermal insulation member ( Figure 1 140) is inserted into the sealing portion ( Figure 1 115), the electrode leads of the pair of battery cells ( Figure 1 114) and the bus bar assembly ( Figure 1 The space formed by 120) Figure 2 In the step (S130) of assembling the battery module. In this step, the heat insulating member ( Figure 1 140) is inserted into the spaced apart space to complete the alignment ( Figure 2 This step can be performed automatically or manually by an operator.

[0196] Fig.16 is a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure ( Fig.13 A conceptual diagram of an assembly method of 100).

[0197] like Fig.16 As shown, a battery module ( Fig.13 The assembly method of 100) may further include the following steps: Figure 1 140) is inserted into a pair of adjacent battery cells ( Figure 1 The sealing part (111) Figure 1 115), the pair of battery cells ( Figure 1 111) electrode lead ( Figure 1 114) and the bus bar assembly ( Figure 1 The space formed by 120) Figure 2 The step (S130) of assembling the battery module is performed after obtaining the insertion of the separated space ( Figure 2 The heat blocking member heat insulating member (S) in Figure 1 140) height information and the battery cell ( Figure 1at least one of the height information of 111) (S140).

[0198] Obtain the thermal insulation member ( Figure 1 140) height information and the battery cell ( Figure 1 The step (S140) of checking the completed assembly of the heat insulating member ( Figure 1 140) battery module ( Fig.13 100) to determine the battery module ( Fig.13 The step of determining whether there is a defect in 100) can be performed by at least one of a visual camera or a laser sensor.

[0199] In addition, in one embodiment, the thermal insulation member ( Figure 1 140) height information and the battery cell ( Figure 1 The step (S140) of obtaining at least one of the height information of the battery cells 111) may be performed after the step of aligning the plurality of battery cells. In one embodiment, the heat insulation member ( Figure 1 140) and battery cells ( Fig.14 111) location information.

[0200] In addition, the insertion of the separated space ( Figure 2 The thermal insulation member ( Figure 1 140) height information and the battery cell ( Fig.14 The step (S140) of providing at least one of the height information of the battery cell ( Fig.14 111) of the height information of the measured value and the insulation member ( Figure 1 The measured value of the height information of 140) is compared with the preset value to determine the battery module ( Fig.13 The step (S140) can be automatically performed using a PLC device or the like. In one embodiment, when the thermal insulation member ( Figure 1 The height measurement of the insulation member ( Figure 1 140) is different from the preset value of the height, or the battery cell ( Fig.14 The height measurement value of 111) is related to the battery cell ( Fig.14 If the preset value of the height of 111) is different, it can be determined that there is a defect.

[0201] The present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of electrochemical devices including, for example, digital cameras, cell phones, laptop computers, hybrid cars, electric cars, energy storage systems, wind turbines, and other green tech power generators.

[0202] In addition, the present disclosure may be implemented in various electrochemical devices using secondary batteries, and may be implemented in devices for preventing climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0203] The above contents are merely examples of applying the principles of the present disclosure, and other configurations may be included or replaced with other configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells, the battery cells including an exterior member accommodating an electrode assembly, a sealing portion formed by sealing the exterior member, and an electrode lead exposed to the outside of the exterior member; a busbar assembly electrically connected to the electrode lead; a plate portion surrounding the battery cell stack and the bus bar assembly; as well as At least one heat insulating member is disposed to face the sealing portion and the bus bar assembly, and the heat insulating member is a solid type.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The heat insulating member is disposed in a partitioned space formed by the sealing portions of an adjacent pair of battery cells, the electrode leads of the pair of battery cells, and the bus bar assembly, and is inserted into the partitioned space in a solid state.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The heat insulating member is disposed to face the sealing portion and the bus bar assembly in a thickness-direction cross section of the battery cell.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The heat insulating member is provided in plurality and is disposed between each adjacent pair of battery cells.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: In a cross section of the battery cell in a height direction, the length of the heat insulating member has a value of not less than 90% and not more than 110% of the height of the battery cell.

6. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The thickness of the thermal insulation member and the separation space have an intermediate fitting tolerance or a loose fitting tolerance.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal insulation member includes a first inclined region, which is inclined from one end portion of the thermal insulation member toward the center of the thermal insulation member based on the height direction of the thermal insulation member, and the thickness of the one end portion of the thermal insulation member is the thinnest.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The thermal insulation component includes a second inclined area, which is inclined from the other side end of the thermal insulation component toward the center direction of the thermal insulation component based on the height direction of the thermal insulation component, and the thickness of the other side end of the thermal insulation component is the same as the thickness of the one side end.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal insulation member is made of a material including at least one of a polymer material and mica, the polymer material including polyurethane, silica gel, and glass fiber.

10. A battery module assembly device, comprising: Device base; an operating table on which a pre-battery module is placed, the operating table being moved on the device base, the pre-battery module comprising: a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells, the battery cells including an outer casing for accommodating an electrode assembly, a sealing portion formed by sealing the outer casing, and an electrode lead exposed to the outside of the outer casing; a bus bar assembly electrically connected to the electrode lead; and a plate portion surrounding the battery cell stack and the bus bar assembly; a battery cell stack alignment portion including an alignment member that enters a partitioned space formed by the sealing portions of an adjacent pair of battery cells, the electrode leads of the pair of battery cells, and the bus bar assembly; and The heat insulating member inserting portion inserts a solid heat insulating member into the partition space when the alignment member is separated from the partition space.

11. The battery module assembly device according to claim 10, wherein: The battery cell stack alignment portion comprises: An alignment member moving portion is connected to the alignment member to move the alignment member.

12. The battery module assembly device according to claim 10, wherein: The heat insulation member insertion portion comprises: A clamping member supporting the thermal insulation member; a pressurizing member for pushing the heat insulating member supported by the clamping member into the isolated space; and A pressurizing member moving portion is connected to the pressurizing member to move the pressurizing member.

13. The battery module assembly device according to claim 12, wherein: The thermal insulation member insertion portion further comprises: A pressure sensing sensor is connected to at least one of the pressing member and the pressing member moving portion, and obtains pressure information applied to at least one of the pressing member and the pressing member moving portion.

14. The battery module assembly device according to claim 12, wherein: The clamping member comprises: A first clamping member including a first supporting groove having a shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of the heat insulating member; and The second clamping member includes a second supporting groove having a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the heat insulating member, The thermal insulation member insertion portion further comprises: A clamping member moving portion is connected to the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move the first clamping member and the second clamping member.

15. The battery module assembly device according to claim 10, further comprising: The inspection unit is provided on the device base and obtains at least one of the height information of the battery cell and the height information of the heat insulating member when the battery module is placed on the operation table.

16. The battery module assembly device according to claim 15, wherein: The inspection unit comprises: A support frame, disposed on the device base; and A position sensing sensor is provided on the support frame and obtains at least one of height information of the battery unit and height information of the heat insulating member when the operation platform enters the support frame.

17. A method for assembling a battery module, which is a method for assembling a pre-battery module, the pre-battery module comprising: A battery cell stack, comprising a plurality of battery cells, the battery cells comprising an outer casing for accommodating an electrode assembly, a sealing portion formed by sealing the outer casing, and an electrode lead exposed to the outside of the outer casing; a bus bar assembly electrically connected to the electrode lead; and a plate portion surrounding the battery cell stack and the bus bar assembly, the method comprising the following steps: Turning over the pre-battery module; aligning a plurality of said battery cells; and At least one solid type heat insulating member is inserted into a partitioned space formed by the sealing portions of an adjacent pair of battery cells, the electrode leads of the pair of battery cells, and the bus bar assembly to assemble a battery module.

18. The method for assembling a battery module according to claim 17, further comprising the following steps: The method is performed after the step of aligning the plurality of battery cells, and obtaining at least one of height information of the insulation member inserted into the partitioned space and height information of the battery cells.

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