Battery module and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

A battery module and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The battery module comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a holder accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a tab member provided in the holder and welded to an electrode terminal of a first battery cell of the plurality of battery cells; and an insulating tape that insulates the tab member. Wherein the tab member includes: a main body portion provided on the holder; a neck portion bent downward from the body portion and at least partially disposed inside the retainer; and a tab portion bent from the neck portion and connected to the electrode terminal, and the insulating tape includes: a main body attachment portion attached to the main body portion; and a tab attachment portion separated from the main body attachment portion by a cutting line and attached to the tab portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module, and more particularly to a battery module that uses an insulating tape to insulate a tab member connecting battery cells. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, rechargeable batteries are batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. Small rechargeable batteries can be used in small portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers or cameras. Large capacity and high density rechargeable batteries can be used to store motor drive power or energy for hybrid vehicles and / or electric vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0003] The embodiment provides a battery module which attaches an insulating tape to a tab member to be insulated even when there is a step between a holder of the battery module and a battery cell of the battery module and the tab member is bent.

[0004] A battery module according to an embodiment includes: a plurality of battery cells; a holder that accommodates the plurality of battery cells; a tab member that is installed in the holder and welded to the electrode terminal of a first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; and an insulating tape that insulates the tab member, wherein the tab member includes: a main body portion that is disposed on the holder; a neck portion that is bent downward from the main body portion and is at least partially disposed inside the holder; and a tab portion that is bent from the neck portion and connected to the electrode terminal; and the insulating tape includes: a main body attachment portion that is attached to the main body portion of the tab member; and a tab attachment portion that is separated from the main body attachment portion by a cutting line and attached to the tab portion of the tab member.

[0005] The insulating tape may include a connection portion connecting the body attachment portion and the tab attachment portion that are separated from each other during the attachment process.

[0006] The plurality of battery cells may be cylindrical batteries, and the holder may form a circular opening that accommodates the first battery cell and corresponds to both ends of the first battery cell in the axial direction.

[0007] The body attaching portion and the tab attaching portion may include a straight boundary line formed along a boundary of the body portion and the neck portion, and a curved boundary line formed along the circular opening of the holder and connected to the straight boundary line.

[0008] A connecting portion may be formed at a curved boundary line and connect the main body attachment portion and the tab attachment portion to each other, the main body attachment portion and the tab attachment portion being separated from each other during the attachment process, and a remaining portion of the curved boundary line except a portion of the curved boundary line forming the connecting portion and the straight boundary line may form a cutting line.

[0009] The connection portion may include a first connection portion and a second connection portion respectively provided at opposite ends in a radial direction of the circular opening at positions parallel to the straight boundary line.

[0010] The connecting portion may include a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion respectively formed on corresponding boundaries of the straight boundary line and the curved boundary line, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion connecting the main body attachment portion and the tab attachment portion to each other, and separating the main body attachment portion and the tab attachment portion from each other during the attachment process, and the remaining portion of the curved boundary line except the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and the remaining portion of the straight boundary line may form a cutting line.

[0011] The first connection portion may be disposed at a center of the straight boundary line, and the second connection portion may be disposed at a center of the curved boundary line, the center of the straight boundary line and the center of the curved boundary line corresponding to both ends of the circular opening in a radial direction.

[0012] According to an embodiment, a battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells; a holder for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a tab member installed in the holder and welded to the electrode terminal of a first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; and an insulating tape for insulating the tab member, wherein the tab member includes: a main body portion disposed on the holder; a neck portion bent downward from the main body portion and at least partially disposed inside the holder; and a tab portion bent from the neck portion and connected to the electrode terminal, the insulating tape includes: a main body attachment portion attached to the main body portion of the tab member; a neck attachment portion connected to the main body attachment portion and attached to the neck portion of the tab member; and a tab attachment portion separated from the main body attachment portion by a cutting line and connected to the neck attachment portion, the tab attachment portion being configured to be attached to the tab portion of the tab member.

[0013] The main body attachment portion and the neck attachment portion of the insulating tape may set a straight boundary line along the boundary between the main body portion and the neck portion of the terminal block member, the neck attachment portion and the terminal block attachment portion may be connected to the straight boundary line by setting a curved boundary line along the circular opening of the retainer, the neck attachment portion may include a portion of the insulating tape adjacent to the main body attachment portion and attached to the neck portion, and the terminal block attachment portion may include the remaining portion of the insulating tape except the neck attachment portion and the main body attachment portion.

[0014] The neck attachment portion may be connected to the body attachment portion by a straight boundary line, and the curved boundary line may form the cutting line.

[0015] The width of the neck attachment portion may be formed to be less than or equal to 1 / 2 of the diameter of the circular opening of the holder.

[0016] The neck attachment portion can be formed at the straight boundary line and connect the main body attachment portion and the terminal piece attachment portion to each other, the neck attachment portion can include a pair of connecting necks arranged at both ends of the straight boundary line and at least one local cutting line formed in the direction of the straight boundary line to partially connect and partially separate the pair of connecting necks, and the curved boundary line can form a cutting line.

[0017] The partial cutting line may be formed as a single line or a plurality of lines arranged along the direction of the straight boundary line.

[0018] A method for manufacturing a battery module according to an embodiment includes the following steps: providing a holder to accommodate a plurality of battery cells; installing a tab member in the holder, the tab member including: a main body portion configured to be provided on the holder; a neck portion bent downward from the main body portion and configured to be at least partially provided inside the holder; and a tab portion bent from the neck portion and configured to be connected to an electrode terminal of a first battery cell among a plurality of battery cells; welding the tab member to the electrode terminal of a first battery cell among a plurality of battery cells; and installing an insulating tape in the battery module, the insulating tape insulating the tab member, wherein the insulating tape includes: a main body attachment portion configured to be attached to the main body portion of the tab member; and a tab attachment portion separated from the main body attachment portion by a cutting line and configured to be attached to the tab portion of the tab member.

[0019] The holder may include a plurality of circular openings, and the method may further include installing respective ones of the plurality of battery cells into respective ones of the plurality of circular openings of the holder.

[0020] The method may also include manufacturing a tab portion of the battery module at least in part by: bending the neck portion downwardly from the body portion; and bending the tab portion relative to the neck portion.

[0021] The step of installing the tab member may include disposing the body portion on the holder and disposing the neck portion at least partially inside the holder, and the step of welding the tab member to the electrode terminal includes connecting the tab portion to the electrode terminal.

[0022] The step of installing the insulating tape may include: attaching the body attachment portion to the body portion of the tab member; and attaching the tab attachment portion to the tab portion of the tab member.

[0023] The insulating tape may further include a connecting portion, and the step of installing the insulating tape includes connecting the body attaching portion and the tab attaching portion via the connecting portion.

[0024] In a battery module according to an embodiment, even if the tab member is bent due to a step between the retainer and the battery cell, an insulating tape can be attached to the main body portion of the tab member and the tab portion (e.g., the first neck portion, the second neck portion) connected to the neck portion (e.g., the first neck portion, the second neck portion) to insulate the main body portion of the tab member and the tab portion.

[0025] Therefore, it is possible to prevent corrosion of the tab portion welded to the electrode terminal, that is, galvanic corrosion. In this way, the insulating tape can be saved by eliminating the space between the insulating tape and the tab portion.

[0026] In addition, since the insulating tape is provided with a main body attaching portion and a terminal piece attaching portion, in the process of attaching the main body attaching portion to the main body portion, the terminal piece attaching portion can be separated from the main body attaching portion and attached to the terminal piece portion, thereby improving the operability of attaching the insulating tape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the upper portion of the assembly of a rechargeable battery module.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a rechargeable battery module rotated on its side.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a tab member of a rechargeable battery module.

[0031] Figure 5 is shown with insulating tape attached to Figure 1 A perspective view of a state of a welding portion of an electrode terminal and a tab member of a rechargeable battery module.

[0032] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a rechargeable battery module cut along line VI-VI in FIG.

[0033] Figure 7 Before attaching the insulating tape to the welding portion of the electrode terminal and the tab member Figure 1 A plan view of a rechargeable battery module.

[0034] Figure 8 is a plan view of a rechargeable battery module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure before an insulating tape is attached to a welding portion of an electrode terminal and a tab member.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a rechargeable battery module having an insulating tape attached to a welding portion of an electrode terminal and a tab member according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig.10 Before attaching the insulating tape to the welding portion of the electrode terminal and the tab member Fig. 9 A plan view of a rechargeable battery module.

[0037] Fig.11 is a plan view of a rechargeable battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure before an insulating tape is attached to a welding portion of an electrode terminal and a tab member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which disclosed embodiments are shown. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings and descriptions are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0039] As described herein, a rechargeable battery is a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. Rechargeable batteries can be used in a rechargeable battery module that includes a plurality of battery cells combined in series and / or in parallel to drive a motor of a hybrid vehicle, for example, where a relatively high energy density is required. For example, a rechargeable battery module can be formed by connecting electrode terminals of a plurality of battery cells. The number of battery cells can depend on the desired amount of power to achieve a relatively high-power rechargeable battery module (e.g., an electric vehicle).

[0040] For example, a rechargeable battery module is formed by accommodating a plurality of battery cells in a holder and connecting the plurality of battery cells in series and / or in parallel with a tab. Since the rechargeable battery module may have a high voltage and a high current according to a consumer's use condition, it may include a tab connecting the battery cells and a battery management system connected to the tab.

[0041] The insulating tape may be used to insulate the terminal tab. Since the insulating tape is integrally formed, there is a step between the retainer and the battery cell, so that when the terminal tab is bent, the insulating tape adheres to the upper side of the retainer and the terminal tab, and the insulating tape cannot directly insulate the electrode terminal and the welding portion of the terminal tab. In other words, the electrode terminal and the welding portion of the terminal tab form a space separated from the insulating tape, and the portion of the rechargeable battery module exposed by the empty space is susceptible to galvanic corrosion.

[0042] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the upper portion of the assembly of a rechargeable battery module. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a rechargeable battery module rotated on its side.

[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the rechargeable battery module 1 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of battery cells 10 , a holder 20 accommodating the plurality of battery cells 10 , a tab member 50 welded to electrode terminals 40 of the plurality of battery cells 10 , and an insulating tape 60 electrically insulating the tab member 50 .

[0044] Each of the plurality of battery cells 10 may be a cylindrical rechargeable battery including electrode terminals 40 at both ends of the cylindrical rechargeable battery in the axial direction. That is, the electrode terminal 40 includes a positive terminal 41 and a negative terminal 42 disposed at both ends of each battery cell 10 in the axial direction.

[0045] The holder 20 includes a bottom holder 21 and a top holder 22. The bottom holder 21 and the top holder 22 form a honeycomb structure inside to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 10 spaced apart in a first direction (x-axis direction) and in a second direction (y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction. The bottom holder 21 and the top holder 22 are combined together in a third direction (z-axis direction) intersecting the second direction and are firmly fastened with a fastening member 23.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the bottom retainer 21 accommodates the lower side of the battery cell 10, and the top retainer 22 accommodates the upper side of the battery cell 10. In this state, the bottom retainer 21 and the top retainer 22 are fastened with the fastening member 23.

[0047] In addition, the bottom retainer 21 and the top retainer 22 may be further combined by a snap-fit ​​structure including a combining portion 24 provided on the outer side of the bottom retainer 21 and a raised portion 25 provided on the outer side of the top retainer 22 corresponding to the combining portion 24 .

[0048] A plurality of battery cells 10 are accommodated in the holder 20 and arranged in a first row R1 and a second row R2 parallel to the first row R1. The first row R1 and the second row R2 are arranged in the second direction and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The rechargeable battery module may include a plurality of sets of the first row R1 and the second row R2.

[0049] As an example, in the first row R1, the negative electrode terminal 42 is placed upward and the positive electrode terminal 41 is placed downward. In addition, in the second row R2, the positive electrode terminal 41 is placed upward and the negative electrode terminal 42 is placed downward.

[0050] The axial centers of the battery cells 10 placed in the first row R1 and the axial centers of the battery cells 10 placed in the second row R2 are arranged offset from each other in a direction crossing the first row R1 and the second row R2. Therefore, intervals between adjacent cylindrical battery cells 10 may be formed to be equal to each other.

[0051] That is, for the battery cells 10 placed in the first row R1, the battery cells 10 placed in the second row R2 are shifted in the second direction (y-axis direction). Therefore, the sides of the two battery cells 10 placed at the ends of the first row R1 and the second row R2 are arranged in a direction deviating from the arrangement direction of the first row R1 and the second row R2.

[0052] The tab members 50 are arranged in the seating grooves 221 of the bottom and top retainers 21 and 22 to connect the corresponding electrode terminals 40 to each other. The protrusions 222 are provided on one side of the seating grooves 221 and coupled to the coupling holes H corresponding to the tab members 50 .

[0053] Therefore, before the tab member 50 is welded to the electrode terminal 40, the seating groove 221 can set the position of the tab member 50 to keep the position of the tab member 50 constant. In addition, the protruding portion 222 is coupled to the coupling hole H when the position setting of the tab member 50 is completed to prevent the tab member 50 from being separated from the seating groove 221.

[0054] As an example, the tab member 50 may be formed of a nickel material and may be electrically connected to a battery management system (BMS) 30 by electrically connecting the battery cells 10 in parallel and / or in series. The tab member 50 may be formed by punching and bending a thin sheet.

[0055] As an example, the battery management system (BMS) 30 may be installed on the side of the bottom retainer 21 and the top retainer 22. The tab members 50 each have an output terminal 54 on one side in the second direction (y-axis direction), and are electrically connected to the battery management system (BMS) 30 through the output terminal 54. In order to install the tab member 50, the bottom retainer 21 and the top retainer 22 may be appropriately opened on the side.

[0056] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Again, refer to Figure 4 The tab member 50 includes a body portion 51 , first and second tabs 521 and 522 designated as tab portions of the tab member 50 , and first and second necks 531 and 532 designated as neck portions of the tab member 50 .

[0057] The top holder 22 accommodates the battery cell 10 and has a circular opening 224 which is open and in contact with the battery cell 10 (see FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) corresponds to both ends in the axial direction of the bottom retainer 21. The opening 224 is formed in a corresponding structure in the bottom retainer 21. For simplicity, the description of the bottom retainer 21 is omitted.

[0058] The connection structure of the first terminal 521 includes a connection portion C11, a connection portion C12 and a connection portion C13, wherein the connection portion C11 is bent into two branches to be welded to the negative terminal 42 and extends in the height direction (z-axis direction), the connection portion C12 extends in a direction orthogonal to the first row R1, and the connection portion C13 extends in the direction of the first row R1 through the first auxiliary portion 511 of the terminal member 50 to be connected to the main portion 51 of the terminal member.

[0059] The connection structure of the second terminal plate 522 includes a connection portion C21, a connection portion C22 and a connection portion C23, wherein the connection portion C21 is bent into two branches to be welded to the positive terminal 41 and extends in the height direction (z-axis direction), the connection portion C22 extends in a direction orthogonal to the second row R2, and the connection portion C23 extends in the direction of the second row R2 to be connected to the main body portion 51 through the second auxiliary portion 512 of the terminal plate member 50.

[0060] In the connection structure of the first terminal 521 including the connection parts C11, C12 and C13 and the connection structure of the second terminal 522 including the connection parts C21, C22 and C23, the negative terminal 42 and the positive terminal 41 are connected to the body part 51 via a long distance.

[0061] Therefore, the difference between the entire distance of the connection structure of the first tab 521 through the body portion 51 to the final output terminal of the tab member 50 and the entire distance of the connection structure of the second tab 522 through the body portion 51 to the final output terminal of the tab member 50 can be minimized. In other words, the voltage difference between the battery cells 10 in the first row R1 and the battery cells 10 in the second row R2 can be minimized.

[0062] Refer again Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The main body portion 51 is placed between the first row R1 and the second row R2 of the battery cells 10 and connected in the second direction (y-axis direction). To this end, the main body portion 51 extending in the second direction (y-axis direction) further includes a first auxiliary portion 511 and a second auxiliary portion 512 connected in the first direction (x-axis direction).

[0063] The first tab 521 is connected to the negative terminal 42 of the first row R1. That is, the first tab 521 is connected to the main body portion 51 through the first auxiliary portion 511 and is placed in the first row R1. The second tab 522 is connected to the positive terminal 41 in the second row R2. That is, the second tab 522 is connected to the main body portion 51 through the second auxiliary portion 512 and is placed in the second row R2.

[0064] The first auxiliary portion 511 electrically connects the pair of first tabs 521 and connects the negative terminals 42 of the two battery cells 10 arranged in the second direction (y-axis direction) in parallel. The first auxiliary portion 511 avoids the two battery cells 10 arranged in the first row R1 direction (for example, the first auxiliary portion 511 is disposed around the two battery cells 10 arranged in the first row R1 direction) and is connected to the main body portion 51 through a portion between the two battery cells 10.

[0065] The first neck portion 531 is bent downward from the first auxiliary portion 511 of the body portion 51 and is placed on the side inside the opening 224 through the opening 224 of the top retainer 22. A pair of first tabs 521 are connected to the first neck portion 531, and the first neck portion 531 avoids two battery cells 10 arranged in the first row R1 direction. The pair of first tabs 521 are connected to the negative terminal 42 of each of the two battery cells 10.

[0066] The second auxiliary portion 512 electrically connects a pair of second wiring tabs 522 and connects the positive terminals 41 of two battery cells 10 arranged in the second direction (y-axis direction) in parallel. The second auxiliary portion 512 avoids the two battery cells 10 arranged in the second row R2 direction and is connected to the main body portion 51 through a portion between the two battery cells 10.

[0067] The second neck portion 532 is bent downward from the second auxiliary portion 512 of the body portion 51 and is placed inside the opening 224 through the opening 224 of the top retainer 22. A pair of second tabs 522 are connected to the second neck portion 532, and the second neck portion 532 avoids two battery cells 10 arranged in the second row R2 direction. The pair of second tabs 522 are connected to the positive terminal 41 of each of the two battery cells 10.

[0068] The first tab 521, the first neck 531, and the first auxiliary portion 511 in the first row R1 may make the current paths of the two battery cells 10 positioned in the first row R1 the same up to the body portion 51. Therefore, the voltage difference between the battery cells 10 in the first row R1 may be minimized (e.g., equal to zero).

[0069] The second tab 522, the second neck 532, and the second auxiliary portion 512 in the second row R2 may make the current paths of the two battery cells 10 positioned in the second row R2 identical up to the body portion 51. Therefore, the voltage difference between the battery cells 10 in the second row R2 may be minimized (e.g., equal to zero).

[0070] In addition, the main body portion 51 is connected to the first auxiliary portion 511 and the second auxiliary portion 512 to combine in series the two battery cells 10 connected in parallel in the first row R1 and the two battery cells 10 connected in parallel in the second row R2 .

[0071] Therefore, currents of two battery cells 10 connected in parallel in the first row R1 flow to the main body portion 51 , and currents of two battery cells 10 connected in parallel in the second row R2 flow to the main body portion 51 .

[0072] At this time, since the body portion 51 of the tab member 50 is shared by the first and second rows R1 and R2, the voltage difference between the battery cells 10 of the first and second rows R1 and R2 can be minimized. As a result, shortening of the cycle life of the battery cells 10 can be prevented or minimized.

[0073] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the insulating tape 60 includes a body attachment portion 61 attached to the body portion 51 and a tab attachment portion 62 attached to the first tab 521 and the second tab 522 of the tab portion. The body attachment portion 61 and the tab attachment portion 62 are separated by a cutting line CL and attached to the body portion 51 and the first tab 521 and the second tab 522 of the tab portion, respectively.

[0074] The insulating tape 60 includes a connecting portion 63 that connects the body attaching portion 61 and the tab attaching portion 62 and separates the body attaching portion 61 and the tab attaching portion 62 from each other during the attaching process. Since the connecting portion 63 is separated during the attaching process, the body attaching portion 61 and the tab attaching portion 62 can be attached to the body portion 51 and the first and second tabs 521 and 522, respectively.

[0075] Meanwhile, the top retainer 22 has a rib 223 that protrudes between the tab members 50 adjacent in the first direction and extends in the second direction. In addition, the insulating tape 60 has a cutout portion 64 corresponding to the rib 223. Before attachment, when the insulating tape 60 is placed on the tab member 50, the cutout portion 64 is coupled to the rib 223, thereby preventing the insulating tape 60 from moving.

[0076] Figure 5 is shown with insulating tape attached to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a state of a welding portion of an electrode terminal and a tab member of a rechargeable battery module. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI. Figure 7 is shown with the insulating tape attached to Figure 1 A plan view of a state before welding the electrode terminal and the tab member of a rechargeable battery module. For ease of explanation, the Figures 5 to 7 The insulating tape 60 is shown attached to the positive terminal 41.

[0077] Reference Figures 5 to 7 , the body attachment portion 61 and the tab attachment portion 62 include a straight boundary line L1 and a curved boundary line L2. The straight boundary line L1 is formed along the boundary between the body portion 51 and the neck portion. In the neck portion, a pair of second necks 532 are arranged as a straight line, and the straight boundary line L1 is set to correspond to the pair of second necks 532. The curved boundary line L2 is formed along the circular opening 224 of the top retainer 22 and is connected to the straight boundary line L1.

[0078] The connection portion 63 is formed at the curved boundary line L2, and connects the body attachment portion 61 and the tab attachment portion 62 to each other. The body attachment portion 61 and the tab attachment portion 62 are separated from each other when the insulating tape 60 is attached to the tab member 50. The remaining portion of the curved boundary line L2 where the connection portion 63 is not provided and the straight boundary line L1 are connected to each other to complete the cutting line CL.

[0079] The connection portion 63 may be provided at both ends in the radial direction of the opening 224 of the top holder 22 at a position parallel to the straight boundary line L1. When the body attachment portion 61 is attached to the body portion 51, the tab attachment portion 62 may be separated from the body attachment portion 61 in a balanced state. In other words, by minimizing the difference between the connection portions 63 on both sides, the tab attachment portion 62 may be accurately attached to the welding portion of the second tab 522 and the positive terminal 41.

[0080] The top retainer 22 and the positive terminal 41 have a step therebetween, and the second neck 532 has a length corresponding to the step. That is, the second neck 532 of the tab member 50 is bent at the second auxiliary portion 512 of the body portion 51, and the second tab 522 is bent at the second neck 532.

[0081] In this case, the insulating tape 60 is attached to the body portion 51 of the tab member 50 through the separated body attaching portion 61 , and the tab attaching portion 62 is separated from the body attaching portion 61 through the connecting portion 63 and attached to the second tab 522 .

[0082] Therefore, the welding portion of the second tab 522 and the positive terminal 41 is insulated by the tab attaching portion 62. The welding portion of the positive terminal 41 and the second tab 522 can be prevented from being corroded (eg, galvanic corrosion).

[0083] In this manner, a space is eliminated between the tab attaching portion 62 of the insulating tape 60 and the second tab 522. In other words, the insulating tape 60 can be reduced by electrically insulating the soldering portion using the insulating tape 60 of a minimum area.

[0084] In addition, since the insulating tape 60 is provided by connecting the main body attachment portion 61 and the terminal piece attachment portion 62 using the connecting portion 63, in the process of attaching the main body attachment portion 61 to the main body portion 51, the terminal piece attachment portion 62 is separated from the main body attachment portion 61 and attached to the second terminal piece 522, thereby improving operability.

[0085] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. Descriptions of the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the previously described embodiments will be omitted, and descriptions of different configurations will be described.

[0086] Figure 8 2 is a plan view showing a state before an insulating tape is attached to a welding portion of an electrode terminal and a tab member in a rechargeable battery module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8In the insulating tape 260 applied to the rechargeable battery module of the second embodiment, the connection portions 263 are formed one by one at the straight boundary line L21 and the curved boundary line L22 to connect the body attachment portion 261 and the tab attachment portion 262 to each other, and then the body attachment portion 261 and the tab attachment portion 262 are separated from each other when the insulating tape 260 is attached to the tab member 50. The remaining portion of the curved boundary line L22 where the connection portion 263 is not provided is connected to the remaining portion of the straight boundary line L21 to complete the cutting line CL2.

[0087] The connection portion 263 may be disposed at the center of the straight boundary line L21 and the center of the curved boundary line L22, respectively. That is, the connection portion 263 may be disposed at both ends of the retainer opening 224 in the radial direction. When the body attachment portion 261 is attached to the body portion 51, the tab attachment portion 262 may be separated from the body attachment portion 261 in a balanced state. In other words, by minimizing the difference between the connection portions 263 on both sides, the tab attachment portion 262 may be accurately attached to the welding portion of the second tab 522 and the positive terminal 41.

[0088] Therefore, the welding portion of the second tab 522 and the positive terminal 41 is electrically insulated by the tab attachment portion 262. The welding portion of the positive terminal 41 and the second tab 522 can be prevented from being corroded (eg, galvanically corroded).

[0089] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which an insulating tape is attached to a welding portion of an electrode terminal and a tab member in a rechargeable battery module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 is shown with the insulating tape attached to Fig. 9 A plan view of a state before welding portions of an electrode terminal and a tab member of a rechargeable battery module.

[0090] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the rechargeable battery module 3 of the third embodiment, the insulating tape 360 ​​includes a body attaching portion 361, a neck attaching portion 363, and a tab attaching portion 362 connected to each other. The body attaching portion 361 and the tab attaching portion 362 are separated by a cutting line CL3.

[0091] The body attachment portion 361 is attached to the body portion 51 , the neck attachment portion 363 is attached to the neck portion (eg, the second neck 532 ), and the tab attachment portion 362 is attached to the tab portion (eg, the second tab 522 ).

[0092] The body attaching portion 361 and the neck attaching portion 363 establish a straight boundary line L31 along the boundary between the body portion 51 and the second neck portion 532. In other words, the neck attaching portion 363 is connected to the body attaching portion 361 through the straight boundary line L31.

[0093] The neck attaching portion 363 and the tab attaching portion 362 are connected to the straight boundary line L31 by providing a curved boundary line L32 along the circular opening 224 of the top holder 22. That is, the curved boundary line L32 forms a cutting line CL3.

[0094] Among the neck attachment portion 363 and the terminal piece attachment portion 362, the one adjacent to the body attachment portion 361 and attached to the neck portion (see Figure 5 A portion of the second neck portion 532 in the embodiment of the present invention defines a neck attachment portion 363, and a remaining portion except the neck attachment portion 363 defines a terminal block attachment portion 362.

[0095] In the attaching process, since the neck attaching portion 363 is connected, if the body attaching portion 361 is attached to the body portion 51 and the neck attaching portion 363 is attached to the second neck 532 , the tab attaching portion 362 may be attached to the second tab 522 .

[0096] In this case, the tab attachment portion 362 is pulled toward the neck attachment portion 363 by the width W of the neck attachment portion 363, but still provides sufficient insulation for the second tab 522. To this end, the width W of the neck attachment portion 363 is formed to be less than or equal to 1 / 2 (W≤D / 2) of the diameter (D) of the opening 224 of the top holder 22. The insulating tape 360 ​​of the third embodiment can further insulate the second neck 532 by further including the neck attachment portion 363.

[0097] Fig.11 : is a plan view showing a state before an insulating tape is attached to a welding portion of an electrode terminal and a tab member in a rechargeable battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 , the insulating tape 460 applied to the rechargeable battery module according to the fourth embodiment includes a body attaching portion 461, a neck attaching portion 463, and a tab attaching portion 462 connected to each other. The body attaching portion 461 and the tab attaching portion 462 are separated by a cutting line CL4.

[0098] The body attachment portion 461 is attached to the body portion 51, and the neck attachment portion 463 is attached to the neck portion (e.g., Fig. 9 532 in the second neck portion 532), and the terminal piece attachment portion 462 is attached to the terminal piece portion (e.g., Fig. 9 The second terminal piece 522 in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] The body attachment portion 461 and the neck attachment portion 463 establish a straight boundary line L41 along the boundary between the body portion 51 and the second neck portion 532. In addition, the neck attachment portion 463 is formed at the straight boundary line L41, and connects the body attachment portion 461 and the tab attachment portion 462 to each other. The neck attachment portion 463 includes a pair of connection necks 631 disposed at both ends of the straight boundary line L41 and a local cutting line 632 for partially connecting and partially separating the pair of connection necks 631. The local cutting line 632 may be formed in the direction of the straight boundary line L41 and may be formed by one portion or a plurality of portions. The curved boundary line L42 forms a cutting line CL4.

[0100] The partial cut line 632 may be formed as one part or separated into a plurality of parts along the direction of the straight boundary line L41. In the present embodiment, the partial cut line 632 is formed as one part along the direction of the straight boundary line L41 and is arranged as a plurality of parts in the direction of the width W, and when the neck attachment portion 463 is attached to the second neck 532, the gap between the partial cut lines 632 is widened to fully cover the welding portion of the positive terminal 41 and the second terminal tab 522 to become electrically insulated.

[0101] According to some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery module is provided. According to an embodiment, the method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery module includes the following steps: providing a holder to accommodate a plurality of battery cells; installing a tab member in the holder, the tab member including: a main body portion configured to be disposed on the holder; a neck portion bent downward from the main body portion and configured to be at least partially disposed inside the holder; and a tab portion bent from the neck portion and configured to be connected to an electrode terminal of a first battery cell among a plurality of battery cells; welding the tab member to the electrode terminal of the first battery cell among a plurality of battery cells; and installing an insulating tape in the rechargeable battery module, the insulating tape insulating the tab member, wherein the insulating tape includes: a main body attachment portion configured to be attached to the main body portion of the tab member; and a tab attachment portion separated from the main body attachment portion by a cutting line and configured to be attached to the tab portion of the tab member.

[0102] The holder may include a plurality of circular openings, and the method may further include installing respective ones of the plurality of battery cells into respective ones of the plurality of circular openings of the holder.

[0103] The method may also include manufacturing a tab portion of the rechargeable battery module at least in part by: bending the neck portion downward from the body portion; and bending the tab portion relative to the neck portion.

[0104] The step of installing the tab member may include disposing the body portion on the holder and disposing the neck portion at least partially inside the holder, and the step of welding the tab member to the electrode terminal includes connecting the tab portion to the electrode terminal.

[0105] The step of installing the insulating tape may include: attaching the body attachment portion to the body portion of the tab member; and attaching the tab attachment portion to the tab portion of the tab member.

[0106] The insulating tape may further include a connecting portion, and the step of installing the insulating tape includes connecting the body attaching portion and the tab attaching portion via the connecting portion.

[0107] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the purview of the appended claims.

[0108] <Description of the symbol>

[0109] 1, 3: Rechargeable battery module

[0110] 10: Battery Cell

[0111] 20: Retainer

[0112] 21: Bottom retainer

[0113] 22: Top retainer

[0114] 23: Fastening components

[0115] 24: Combined parts

[0116] 25: Raised part

[0117] 30: Battery Management System (BMS)

[0118] 40: Electrode terminal

[0119] 41: Positive terminal

[0120] 42: Negative terminal

[0121] 50: Lug component

[0122] 51: Main part

[0123] 54: Output terminal

[0124] 60: Insulation tape

[0125] 61: Main body attachment part

[0126] 62: Lug attachment part

[0127] 63: Connection part

[0128] 64: Cutting part

[0129] 221: Placement Slot

[0130] 222: protruding part

[0131] 223: Rib

[0132] 260: Insulation tape

[0133] 261: Main body attachment part

[0134] 262: Lug attachment part

[0135] 263: Connection part

[0136] 360: Insulation tape

[0137] 361: Main body attachment part

[0138] 363: Neck attachment

[0139] 362: Lug attachment part

[0140] 460: Insulation tape

[0141] 461: Main body attachment part

[0142] 463: Neck attachment

[0143] 462: Lug attachment part

[0144] 511: First auxiliary part

[0145] 512: Second Auxiliary Section

[0146] 521: First lug

[0147] 522: Second terminal lug

[0148] 531: First Neck

[0149] 532: Second Neck

[0150] 631: Connect the neck

[0151] 632: Partial cutting line

[0152] 224: Opening

[0153] C11: Connection

[0154] C12: Connection

[0155] C13: Connection

[0156] C21: Connection

[0157] C22: Connection

[0158] C23: Connection

[0159] CL: Cutting Line

[0160] CL2: Cutting Line

[0161] CL3: Cutting Line

[0162] CL4: Cutting Line

[0163] H: Binding hole

[0164] L1: Straight boundary line

[0165] L2: Curved boundary line

[0166] L21: Straight boundary line

[0167] L22: Curved boundary line

[0168] L31: Straight boundary line

[0169] L32: Curved boundary line

[0170] L41: Straight border line

[0171] L42: Curved boundary line

[0172] R1: First row

[0173] R2: Second row W: Width.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells; a holder for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a tab member mounted in the holder and welded to an electrode terminal of a first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; as well as an insulating tape to insulate the lug member, Wherein, the wiring piece component comprises: a body portion disposed on the retainer; a neck portion bent downward from the body portion and at least partially disposed inside the retainer; and a tab portion bent from the neck portion and connected to the electrode terminal; and The insulating tape comprises: a body attachment portion attached to the body portion of the tab member; and A tab attaching portion is separated from the body attaching portion by a cutting line and attached to the tab portion of the tab member.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating tape further includes a connection portion connecting the body attachment portion and the tab attachment portion, the body attachment portion and the tab attachment portion being separated from each other during an attachment process.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of battery cells include a plurality of cylindrical batteries, and The holder accommodates the first battery cell and forms circular openings corresponding to both ends of the first battery cell in an axial direction.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The main body attachment portion and the terminal piece attachment portion include: a straight boundary line formed along a boundary of the body portion and the neck portion; and A curved boundary line is formed along the circular opening of the holder and connected to the straight boundary line.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The connection portion is formed at the bending boundary line and connects the body attachment portion and the tab attachment portion, which are separated from each other during the attachment process, to each other, and The remaining portion of the curved border line except for a portion of the curved border line forming the connection portion and the straight border line form the cutting line.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The connection portion includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion respectively provided at opposite ends of the circular opening in the radial direction at positions parallel to the straight boundary line.

7. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The connecting portion includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion respectively formed on corresponding boundaries of the straight boundary line and the curved boundary line, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion connecting the body attaching portion and the tab attaching portion to each other and separating the body attaching portion and the tab attaching portion from each other during the attaching process, and The remaining portion of the curved boundary line except the second connection portion and the remaining portion of the straight boundary line except the first connection portion form the cutting line.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The first connection portion is disposed at a center of the straight boundary line, and the second connection portion is disposed at a center of the curved boundary line, the center of the straight boundary line and the center of the curved boundary line corresponding to both ends of the circular opening in a radial direction.

9. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells; a holder for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a tab member mounted in the holder and welded to an electrode terminal of a first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; as well as an insulating tape to insulate the lug member, Wherein, the wiring piece component comprises: A main body portion, arranged on the retainer; a neck portion bent downwardly from the body portion and disposed at least partially within the retainer; and a tab portion bent from the neck portion and connected to the electrode terminal; and The insulating tape comprises: a body attachment portion attached to the body portion of the tab member; a neck attachment portion connected to the body attachment portion and attached to the neck portion of the tab member; and A tab attaching portion is separated from the body attaching portion by a cutting line and connected to the neck attaching portion, the tab attaching portion being configured to be attached to the tab portion of the tab member.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The body attachment portion and the neck attachment portion of the insulating tape set a straight boundary line along a boundary between the body portion and the neck portion of the tab member, The neck attachment portion and the tab attachment portion are connected to the straight boundary line by setting a curved boundary line along the circular opening of the holder, The neck attachment portion includes a portion of the insulating tape adjacent to the body attachment portion and attached to the neck portion, and The tab attaching portion includes a remaining portion of the insulating tape except for the neck attaching portion and the body attaching portion.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The neck attachment portion is connected to the body attachment portion by the straight boundary line, and The curved boundary line forms the cutting line.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The width of the neck attachment portion is formed to be less than or equal to 1 / 2 of the diameter of the circular opening of the holder.

13. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The neck attaching portion is formed at a straight boundary line and connects the body attaching portion and the tab attaching portion to each other, The neck attachment portion includes a pair of connection necks provided at both ends of the straight boundary line, and at least one partial cutting line formed in the direction of the straight boundary line to partially connect and partially separate the pair of connection necks, and The curved boundary line forms the cutting line.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein: The partial cutting line is formed as a single line or a plurality of lines arranged along the direction of the straight boundary line.

15. A method for manufacturing a battery module, the method comprising the following steps: A holder is provided to accommodate a plurality of battery cells; installing a tab member in the holder, the tab member comprising: a body portion configured to be disposed on the holder; a neck portion bent downward from the body portion and configured to be at least partially disposed inside the holder; and a tab portion bent from the neck portion and configured to be connected to an electrode terminal of a first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; welding the tab member to the electrode terminal of the first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; and An insulating tape is installed in the battery module, the insulating tape insulating the terminal tab member, wherein the insulating tape includes: a main body attachment portion configured to be attached to the main body portion of the terminal tab member; and a terminal tab attachment portion separated from the main body attachment portion by a cutting line and configured to be attached to the terminal tab portion of the terminal tab member.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The holder includes a plurality of circular openings, and the method further includes installing respective ones of the plurality of battery cells into respective ones of the plurality of circular openings of the holder.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising manufacturing the tab portion of the battery module at least in part by: bending the neck portion downwardly from the body portion; and The tab portion is bent relative to the neck portion.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The step of mounting the tab member includes disposing the body portion on the holder and disposing the neck portion at least partially inside the holder, and the step of welding the tab member to the electrode terminal includes connecting the tab portion to the electrode terminal.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The step of installing the insulating tape includes: attaching the body attachment portion to the body portion of the tab member; and attaching the tab attachment portion to the tab portion of the tab member.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The insulating tape further includes a connecting portion, and the step of installing the insulating tape includes connecting the body attaching portion and the tab attaching portion via the connecting portion.

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