Battery module and method for manufacturing battery module

Abstract

The invention provides a battery module and a method for manufacturing the battery module. The battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells; a holder accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a tab member mounted at the holder to be welded to the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells; and an insulating tape that insulates the tab member. The tab member includes: a main body portion provided on the holder; an extension portion having a width and extending along at least a portion of the body portion; the battery module includes a holder having an opening, an extension portion bent downward from the holder, a neck portion bent downward from the extension portion to be disposed inside the opening of the holder, and a tab portion bent from the neck portion to be connected to a corresponding one of the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells, and the extension portion and the opening form an outlet at an upper portion of the corresponding one of the electrode terminals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module in which battery cells are connected using a tab member. Background Art

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

[0003] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery module which forms an outlet between a tab member and a holder when there is a step difference between the holder and a battery cell and a tab member is bent.

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a battery module that forms an outlet between a tab member and a holder when there is a step difference between a holder and a battery cell, a tab member is bent, and an insulating tape is attached to the tab member to insulate the tab member.

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery module including a hole in a holder.

[0006] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of battery cells; a holder accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a tab member mounted at the holder to be welded to electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells; and an insulating tape to insulate the tab member. The tab member includes: a main body portion disposed on the holder; an extension portion having a width and extending along at least a portion of the main body portion; a neck portion bent downward from the extension portion to be disposed inside an opening of the holder; and a tab portion bent from the neck portion to be connected to a corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the extension portion and the opening form an outlet at an upper portion of the corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals.

[0007] The insulating tape may include: a main body attachment portion attached to the main body portion; an extension attachment portion connected to the main body attachment portion to be attached to the extension portion; and a tab attachment portion separated relative to the main body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion by a cutting line to be attached to the tab portion and a corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals.

[0008] The insulating tape may further include a connection portion connecting the body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion to the tab attachment portion and separating the body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion from the tab attachment portion in an attachment process.

[0009] Each of the plurality of battery cells may be a cylindrical battery, and the holder may include a plurality of circular openings corresponding to both ends of the plurality of battery cells in the axial direction.

[0010] The extension portion may include a first branch and a second branch arranged on respective sides of a slit opening formed along the extension direction, the neck portion may include a first neck connected to the first branch of the extension portion and a second neck connected to the second branch of the extension portion, and the terminal portion may include a first terminal portion connected to the first neck and a second terminal portion connected to the second neck.

[0011] The battery module may further include a housing to accommodate the holder. The housing may be connected to the outlet and may include a through hole on at least one side of the housing to dissipate heat from the inside of the housing.

[0012] The battery module may further include a second tab member.

[0013] In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a battery module is provided. The method may include: providing a holder for accommodating a plurality of battery cells; installing a tab member in the holder, the tab member to be welded to the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells; and installing an insulating tape for insulating the tab member in the holder, wherein the tab member includes: a main body portion provided on the holder; an extension portion having a width and extending along at least a portion of the main body portion; a neck portion bent downward from the extension portion to be provided inside an opening of the holder; and a tab portion bent from the neck portion to be connected to a corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the extension portion and the opening form an outlet at an upper portion of the corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals.

[0014] The insulating tape may include: a main body attachment portion attached to the main body portion; an extension attachment portion connected to the main body attachment portion to be attached to the extension portion; and a tab attachment portion separated relative to the main body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion by a cutting line, the tab attachment portion to be attached to a corresponding electrode terminal of the tab portion and the electrode terminals. The method may also include attaching the main body attachment portion to the main body portion; attaching the extension attachment portion to the extension portion; and attaching the tab attachment portion to a corresponding electrode terminal of the tab portion and the electrode terminals.

[0015] The insulating tape may further include a connecting portion. The method may further include connecting the body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion to the tab attachment portion using the connecting portion; and separating the body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion from the tab attachment portion using the connecting portion.

[0016] Each of the plurality of battery cells may include a cylindrical battery, and the holder may include a plurality of circular openings corresponding to both ends of the plurality of battery cells in the axial direction.

[0017] The method may also include forming a plurality of circular openings in the holder.

[0018] The extension portion may include a first branch and a second branch arranged on respective sides of a slit opening formed along the extension direction, the neck portion may include a first neck connected to the first branch of the extension portion and a second neck connected to the second branch of the extension portion, and the terminal portion may include a first terminal portion connected to the first neck and a second terminal portion connected to the second neck.

[0019] The method may also include forming a terminal block member at least partially through the following steps: forming a first branch and a second branch of an extension portion on respective sides of a slit opening formed along an extension direction; forming a first neck connected to the first branch of the extension portion and a second neck connected to the second branch of the extension portion; and forming a first terminal block portion connected to the first neck and a second terminal block portion connected to the second neck.

[0020] The method may further include providing a housing to house the holder and connecting the housing to the outlet, wherein the housing includes a through hole on at least one side of the housing to dissipate heat from an interior of the housing.

[0021] The method may further include arranging a plurality of battery cells in a holder.

[0022] In some embodiments, a battery module is provided, the battery module comprising: a holder accommodating a plurality of battery cells; a tab member mounted at the holder to be welded to electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells; and an insulating tape to insulate the tab member. The tab member may include: a main body portion disposed on the holder; an extension portion having a width and extending along at least a portion of the main body portion; a neck portion bent downward from the extension portion to be disposed inside an opening of the holder; and a tab portion bent from the neck portion to be connected to a corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the extension portion and the opening form an outlet at an upper portion of the corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals.

[0023] The insulating tape may include: a main body attachment portion attached to the main body portion; an extension attachment portion connected to the main body attachment portion to be attached to the extension portion; and a tab attachment portion separated relative to the main body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion by a cutting line, the tab attachment portion being attached to the tab portion and a corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals.

[0024] The insulating tape may further include a connection portion connecting the body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion to the tab attachment portion and separating the body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion from the tab attachment portion in an attachment process.

[0025] The extension portion may include a first branch and a second branch arranged on respective sides of a slit opening formed along the extension direction, the neck portion may include a first neck connected to the first branch of the extension portion and a second neck connected to the second branch of the extension portion, and the terminal portion may include a first terminal portion connected to the first neck and a second terminal portion connected to the second neck.

[0026] The battery module of the embodiment can improve safety against thermal runaway by pre-dissipating heat through an outlet formed between the tab member and the retainer. The battery module of the embodiment can include holes in the case to dissipate heat, so that it further improves safety against thermal runaway.

[0027] The battery module of an embodiment may include an insulating tape, the insulating tape including an extended attachment portion connected to the main body attachment portion and a tab attachment portion separated from the extended attachment portion to be attached to the tab portion and the electrode terminal, so that the insulating tape prevents corrosion of the welded tab portion and the electrode terminal and stably maintains the opening state of the outlet (or discharge port) so as not to interfere with the prevention of thermal runaway. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 The insulation tape is shown from Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a rechargeable battery module in a separated state.

[0030] Figure 3 The lug member is shown from Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a rechargeable battery module in a separated state.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 A perspective view of the lug member disclosed in .

[0032] Figure 5 is shown attaching the insulating tape to Figure 1 A perspective view of a state of a welding portion between an electrode terminal and a tab member in a rechargeable battery module.

[0033] Figure 6 is shown attaching the insulating tape to Figure 5 A plan view of the state before the lug member.

[0034] Figure 7 is shown attaching the insulating tape to Figure 6 A plan view of the state of the lug member.

[0035] Figure 8 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in a state in which a rechargeable battery module is included in a case.

[0036] Fig. 9 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in a state where a rechargeable battery module is included in a case. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present disclosure 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 spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings and descriptions are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive in nature. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0038] The rechargeable battery can be used in a rechargeable battery module that includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or in parallel to drive a motor of a hybrid vehicle that may require a relatively high energy density. For example, the rechargeable battery module can be formed by connecting electrode terminals of a plurality of battery cells. The number of battery cells provided can correspond to the desired amount of power for achieving a relatively high output rechargeable battery module (e.g., a rechargeable battery module for an electric vehicle).

[0039] For example, a rechargeable battery module may be formed by accommodating a plurality of battery cells in a holder and connecting the plurality of battery cells in series and / or in parallel through a tab. Since voltage and current may be high depending on the use conditions of a consumer, the rechargeable battery module may include a tab connecting the battery cells and a battery management system connected to the tab.

[0040] In this case, the tab may be insulated using an insulating tape. Because the insulating tape may be formed integrally, there may be a step difference between the retainer and the battery cell. Therefore, if the tab is bent, the insulating tape is attached to the retainer and the upper side of the tab so that the insulating tape does not directly insulate the welded portion between the electrode terminal and the tab. In other words, the welded portion between the electrode terminal and the tab forms a space separated from the insulating tape, and the portion exposed to the empty space may be susceptible to galvanic corrosion.

[0041] In addition, since the insulating tape closes the space between the retainer and the tab member, it may be difficult to dissipate heat, so the risk of thermal runaway may be high. In addition, the internally generated heat stays in the housing that can accommodate the rechargeable battery module, so that the risk of thermal runaway may be high.

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 2 The insulation tape is shown from Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a state where a rechargeable battery module is separated, and Figure 3 The lug member is shown from Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a rechargeable battery module in a separated state.

[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The rechargeable battery module 1 of the embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells 10 , a holder 20 that may accommodate the battery cells 10 , a tab member 50 welded to the electrode terminals 40 of the battery cells 10 , and an insulating tape 60 that electrically insulates the tab member 50 .

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

[0045] The holder 20 may include a bottom holder 21 and a top holder 22. The bottom holder 21 and the top holder 22 may form a honeycomb structure therein to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 10 spaced apart in a first direction (x-axis direction) and a second direction (y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction, such that the top holder 22 and the bottom holder 21 are combined with each other in a third direction (z-axis direction) intersecting the second direction and are securely fastened by the fastening member 23.

[0046] exist Figures 1 to 3In the state shown in , the bottom retainer 21 can accommodate the lower side of the battery cell 10, and the top retainer 22 can accommodate the upper side of the battery cell 10. Figures 1 to 3 In the state shown in , the bottom retainer 21 and the top retainer 22 may be fastened with the fastening member 23 .

[0047] For example, the bottom retainer 21 and the top retainer 22 may be further combined with a snap-fit ​​structure having a combining portion 24 disposed on the outside of the bottom retainer 21 and a protruding portion 25 disposed on the outside of the top retainer 22 corresponding to the combining portion 24 .

[0048] A plurality of battery cells 10 may be accommodated in the holder 20, 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 may be set along the second direction and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The rechargeable battery module may include a plurality of first rows R1 and a plurality of second rows R2.

[0049] As an example, the negative electrode terminal 42 may be disposed at the upper portion of the first row R1, and the positive electrode terminal 41 may be disposed at the lower portion of the first row R1. In some embodiments, the positive electrode terminal 41 may be disposed at the upper portion of the second row R2, and the negative electrode terminal 42 may be disposed at the lower portion of the second row R2.

[0050] The center of the axial direction of each of the battery cells 10 arranged in the first row R1 and the center of the axial direction of each of the battery cells 10 arranged in the second row R2 may be arranged to be offset from each other in the direction along the first row R1 and the second row R2 (e.g., in the second direction along the y-axis). For example, the intervals between the battery cells 10 adjacent to each other may be the same.

[0051] For example, the battery cells 10 disposed in the second row R2 may be offset in the second direction (y-axis direction) relative to the battery cells 10 disposed in the first row R1. In some embodiments, the side surfaces of the two battery cells 10 disposed at the end of the first row R1 and the end of the second row R2 may be disposed so as not to be aligned with the arrangement direction of the first row R1 and the second row R2. In this way, a line passing through the axial centers of the two battery cells 10 disposed at the end of the first row R1 and the end of the second row R2 may form an angle different from 90 degrees with a line along the second row.

[0052] The tab member 50 may be disposed in the seating groove 221 of the bottom retainer 21 and the top retainer 22 to connect the electrode terminal 40 corresponding to the tab member 50. The protrusion 222 may be disposed at one side of the seating groove 221 to be coupled to the coupling hole H corresponding to the tab member 50.

[0053] For example, the seating groove 221 may set the position of the tab member 50 before the tab member 50 is welded to the electrode terminal 40 to keep the position of the tab member 50 constant. In some embodiments, the protrusion 222 may be 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 include nickel, and may electrically connect the battery cells 10 in parallel and / or in series to electrically connect the battery cells 10 to the battery cells 10. Figure 8 The tab member 50 may be formed by punching and bending a thin plate.

[0055] As an example, the battery management system (BMS) 30 may be mounted on the side surfaces of the bottom retainer 21 and the top retainer 22. Each of the tab members 50 may have an output terminal (or output end) 54 at one side in the second direction (y-axis direction) so that the corresponding tab member is electrically connected to the battery management system (BMS) 30 through the output terminal 54. In order to install the tab members 50, the side surfaces of the bottom retainer 21 and the top retainer 22 may be appropriately opened.

[0056] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 A perspective view of a lug member disclosed in Figure 5 is shown attaching the insulating tape to Figure 1 A perspective view of a state of a welding portion between an electrode terminal and a tab member in a rechargeable battery module.

[0057] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The terminal piece member 50 may include a main body portion 51, a first extended terminal piece 541 and a second extended terminal piece 542 as an extended portion of the terminal piece member 50, a first terminal piece 521 and a second terminal piece 522 as a terminal piece portion of the terminal piece member 50, and a first neck portion 531 and a second neck portion 532 as a neck portion of the terminal piece member 50.

[0058] The top retainer 22 may accommodate the battery cell 10 and may include a circular opening 224 that is open and corresponds to both ends in the axial direction of the battery cell 10. The opening 224 may be formed in a structure corresponding to the bottom retainer 21. For simplicity of explanation, the description of the bottom retainer 21 is omitted.

[0059] The connection structure of the first terminal 521 may include an eleventh connection portion C11 bent with two branches extending in the height direction (z-axis direction) through the first neck 531 to be welded to the negative electrode terminal 42, a twelfth connection portion C12 extending in a direction perpendicular to the first row R1 through the first extension tab 541, and a thirteenth connection portion C13 extending in the direction of the first row R1 through the first auxiliary portion 511 to be connected to the main body portion 51.

[0060] The connection structure of the second terminal 522 may include a twenty-first connection portion C21 that is bent with two branches extending in the height direction (z-axis direction) through the second neck 532 to be welded to the positive electrode terminal 41, a twenty-second connection portion C22 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the second row R2 through the second extension terminal 542, and a twenty-third connection portion C23 that extends in the direction of the second row R2 through the second auxiliary portion 512 to be connected to the main body portion 51.

[0061] The connection structure of the first terminal 521 including the eleventh connection part C11, the twelfth connection part C12 and the thirteenth connection part C13 and the connection structure of the second terminal 522 including the twenty-first connection part C21, the twenty-second connection part C22 and the twenty-third connection part C23 allow the negative electrode terminal 42 and the positive electrode terminal 41 to be connected to the main body 51 via a long distance.

[0062] For example, the difference between the total distance of the connection structure of the first tab 521 through the main body portion 51 to the final output terminal of the tab member 50 and the total distance of the connection structure of the second tab 522 through the main body portion 51 to the final output terminal of the tab member 50 can be minimized. In some embodiments, 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 (e.g., equal to zero).

[0063] Return to reference Figures 1 to 5 The main body portion 51 may be disposed between the first row R1 and the second row R2 of the battery cells 10 to be connected in the second direction (y-axis direction). For example, the main body portion 51 extending in the second direction (y-axis direction) may include a first auxiliary portion 511 and a second auxiliary portion 512 connected in the first direction (x-axis direction).

[0064] The first tab 521 may be connected to the negative electrode terminal 42 of the first row R1. For example, the first tab 521 may be connected to the main body portion 51 through the first neck portion 531, the first extension tab 541, and the first auxiliary portion 511, and may be disposed in the first row R1. The second tab 522 may be connected to the positive electrode terminal 41 of the second row R2. For example, the second tab 522 may be connected to the main body portion 51 through the second neck portion 532, the second extension tab 542, and the second auxiliary portion 512, and may be disposed in the second row R2.

[0065] The first auxiliary portion 511 may electrically connect a pair of first tabs 521 to connect the negative electrode terminals 42 of two battery cells 10 disposed in the second direction (y-axis direction) in parallel. The first auxiliary portion 511 may avoid two battery cells 10 disposed in the direction of the first row R1 (e.g., be disposed around the two battery cells 10 disposed in the direction of the first row R1) to be connected to the main body portion 51 through a space between the two battery cells 10.

[0066] The first extension tab 541 may extend horizontally from the first auxiliary portion 511 of the body portion 51 and may be formed into two branches at both sides of a slit opening formed in the extending direction. The second extension tab 542 may extend horizontally from the second auxiliary portion 512 of the body portion 51 and may be formed into two branches at both sides of a slit opening formed in the extending direction.

[0067] The first necks 531 may be provided in pairs, may be bent downward from the first extension tabs 541, and may be provided on the side surface inside the opening 224 through the opening 224 of the top retainer 22. A pair of first tabs 521 may be connected to the pair of first necks 531, and the pair of first necks 531 avoids two battery cells 10 provided in the direction of the first row R1. The pair of first tabs 521 are connected to the negative electrode terminals 42 of the two battery cells 10.

[0068] The second auxiliary portion 512 may include a pair of electrically connected second terminal tabs 522 to connect the positive electrode terminals 41 of two battery cells 10 arranged in the second direction (y-axis direction) in parallel. The second auxiliary portion 512 may avoid two battery cells 10 arranged in the second row R2 direction (e.g., be arranged around two battery cells 10 arranged along the second row R2 direction) to be connected to the main body portion 51 through the space between the two battery cells 10.

[0069] The second extension tab 542 may extend horizontally from the second auxiliary portion 512 of the body portion 51, and the second neck 532 may be provided in pairs, may be bent downward from the second extension tab 542, and may be provided on the side surface inside the opening 224 through the opening 224 of the top retainer 22. A pair of second tabs 522 may be connected to the pair of second necks 532, and the pair of second necks 532 avoids two battery cells 10 provided in the direction of the second row R2. The pair of second tabs 522 are connected to the positive electrode terminals 41 of the two battery cells 10.

[0070] The first tab 521, the first neck 531, the first extension tab 541, and the first auxiliary portion 511 of the first row R1 may make the current paths of the two battery cells 10 disposed in the first row R1 the same to the main body portion 51. For example, the voltage difference between the battery cells 10 of the first row R1 may be minimized (e.g., equal to zero).

[0071] The second tab 522, the second neck 532, the second extension tab 542, and the second auxiliary portion 512 of the second row R2 may make the current paths of the two battery cells 10 disposed in the second row R2 the same to the main body portion 51. For example, the voltage difference between the battery cells 10 of the second row R2 may be minimized (e.g., equal to zero).

[0072] In some embodiments, the main body portion 51 may be connected to the first auxiliary portion 511 and the second auxiliary portion 512 to connect in series two battery cells 10 connected in parallel in the first row R1 and two battery cells 10 connected in parallel in the second row R2 .

[0073] For example, currents of two battery cells 10 connected in parallel in the first row R1 may flow to the main body portion 51 , and currents of two battery cells 10 connected in parallel in the second row R2 may flow to the main body portion 51 .

[0074] In some embodiments, because the first row R1 and the second row R2 share the main body 51 of the tab member 50 , the voltage difference between the battery cells 10 of the first row R1 and the battery cells 10 of the second row R2 can be minimized (eg, equal to zero). As a result, the life of the battery cells 10 can be prevented from being shortened.

[0075] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6, the first and second extended tabs 541 and 542 and the opening 224 may form an outlet OL at the upper portion of the negative electrode terminal 42 and the positive electrode terminal 41. For example, if there is a step difference between the top retainer 22 and the battery cell 10 and the tab member 50 is bent, the outlet OL may be set (or provided) between the tab member 50 and the top retainer 22. The outlet OL may dissipate heat generated inside the rechargeable battery module in advance to prevent thermal runaway of the rechargeable battery module, thereby improving safety against thermal runaway.

[0076] Return to reference Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 5 and Figure 7 The insulating tape 60 may include a main body attachment portion 61 attached to the main body portion 51, an extension attachment portion 621 attached to the first extension terminal tab 541 and the second extension terminal tab 542 of the extension portion, and a terminal tab attachment portion 622 attached to the first terminal tab 521 and the second terminal tab 522 of the terminal tab portion.

[0077] The tab attachment portion 622 may be separated by a cutting line CL relative to the integrally formed main body attachment portion 61 and the extension attachment portion 621. The main body attachment portion 61 and the extension attachment portion 621 may be attached to the main body portion 51 and the first and second extension tabs 541 and 542 as the extension portions, and the tab attachment portion 622 may be attached to the first and second tabs 521 and 522 of the tab portion and the negative and positive electrode terminals 42 and 41.

[0078] The main body attachment portion 61 and the extension attachment portion 621 integrally formed in the insulating tape 60 can be connected to the tab attachment portion 622, and the main body attachment portion 61 and the extension attachment portion 621 and the tab attachment portion 622 can be separated from each other during the attachment process. To this end, the insulating tape 60 may further include a connection portion 63. Since the connection portion 63 is separated during the attachment process, the main body attachment portion 61 and the extension attachment portion 621 can be attached to the main body portion 51 and the first and second extension tabs 541 and 542, and the tab attachment portion 622 can be attached to the first and second tabs 521 and 522.

[0079] For example, the top retainer 22 may include a rib 223 that protrudes between the tab members 50 adjacent to each other in the first direction and extends in the second direction. In some embodiments, the insulating tape 60 may include a cutout portion 64 corresponding to the rib 223. If the insulating tape 60 is disposed above the tab member 50 before attaching the insulating tape 60 to the tab member 50, the cutout portion 64 may be coupled to the rib 223, thereby being able to prevent the sliding of the insulating tape 60.

[0080] Return to reference Figure 7 , the insulating tape 60 attached to the positive electrode terminal 41 will be described.

[0081] The extension attachment portion 621, the body attachment portion 61, and the tab attachment portion 622 may be integrally formed and may include a T-shaped boundary line L1 and a curved boundary line L2. The T-shaped boundary line L1 may be formed along a boundary between the extension attachment portion 621 and the tab attachment portion 622. The curved boundary line L2 may be formed along a boundary between the body attachment portion 61 and the tab attachment portion 622.

[0082] The pair of second necks 532 may be linearly provided at the neck portion, and the second extension tab 542 may be formed in a T-shape at the extension portion such that the T-shaped boundary line L1 is set to correspond to the pair of second necks 532 and the second extension tab 542. The curved boundary line L2 may be formed along the circular opening 224 of the top holder 22 to be connected to the T-shaped boundary line L1.

[0083] The connection portion 63 may be formed at the curved boundary line L2 to connect the body attachment portion 61 and the tab attachment portion 622. If the insulating tape 60 is attached to the tab member 50, the body attachment portion 61 and the tab attachment portion 622 may be separated from each other. The remaining portion of the curved boundary line L2 excluding the connection portion 63 and the T-shaped boundary line L1 may be connected to each other to complete the cutting line CL.

[0084] The connection portion 63 may be provided at both ends of the diameter direction of the opening 224 of the top retainer at a position parallel to the T-shaped boundary line L1. If the body attachment portion 61 is attached to the body portion 51, the tab attachment portion 622 may be separated from the body attachment portion 61 in a balanced state. For example, the separation time difference between the connection portions 63 at both ends may be minimized so that the tab attachment portion 622 is accurately attached to the welding portion between the second tab 522 and the positive electrode terminal 41.

[0085] The top retainer 22 and the positive electrode terminal 41 may have a step difference between each other, and the second neck 532 may have a length corresponding to the step difference. For example, in the tab member 50, the second neck 532 may be bent at the second auxiliary portion 512 of the body portion 51 and the second extension tab 542, and the second tab 522 may be bent at the second neck 532.

[0086] In some embodiments, the main body attachment portion 61 and the extended attachment portion 621 of the separated insulating tape 60 can be attached to the main body portion 51 of the terminal block member 50 and the second extended terminal block 542, and the terminal block attachment portion 622 can be separated from the main body attachment portion 61 by the connecting portion 63 to attach to the second terminal block 522.

[0087] For example, a welded portion between the second tab 522 and the positive electrode terminal 41 may be insulated by the tab attaching portion 622. Corrosion (eg, galvanic corrosion) of the welded portion between the second tab 522 and the positive electrode terminal 41 can be prevented.

[0088] The space between the tab attaching portion 622 of the insulating tape 60 and the second tab 522 may be removed. For example, the insulating tape 60 can be reduced by forming electrical insulation for the welding portion with a minimum area of ​​the insulating tape 60.

[0089] For example, since the insulating tape 60 includes the connection portion 63 connecting the body attaching portion 61 and the tab attaching portion 622, in the process of attaching the body attaching portion 61 to the body portion 51, the tab attaching portion 622 may be separated from the body attaching portion 61 to be attached to the second tab 522. Therefore, workability may be improved.

[0090] If the insulating tape 60 is attached, the first and second extension tabs 541 and 542 and the opening 224 may form an outlet OL at the upper portion of the positive electrode terminal 41. For example, if there is a step difference between the top retainer 22 and the battery cell 10 and the tab member 50 is bent, the outlet OL may be set (or provided) between the tab member 50 and the top retainer 22. The outlet OL may dissipate heat generated inside the rechargeable battery module in advance to prevent thermal runaway of the rechargeable battery module, thereby improving safety against thermal runaway.

[0091] Figure 8 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in a state where the rechargeable battery module is included in the housing, and Fig. 9 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in a state where a rechargeable battery module is included in a case.

[0092] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the rechargeable battery module may further include a housing 70 accommodating the holder 20. The housing 70 may be connected to the outlet OL and may include a through hole TH at least on one side for heat dissipation. In some embodiments, the holder 20 may further include a corresponding hole RH at a portion corresponding to the through hole TH of the housing 70.

[0093] If heat is generated in one of the battery cells 10, the heat may be discharged to the outside through the outlet OL of the holder 20 and the through hole TH of the case 70, and may be discharged to the through hole TH through the corresponding hole RH. As a result, thermal runaway of the rechargeable battery module may be prevented.

[0094] In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery module is provided. The method may include: providing a holder for accommodating a plurality of battery cells; installing a tab member in the holder, the tab member to be welded to the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells; and installing an insulating tape for insulating the tab member in the holder, wherein the tab member includes: a main body portion provided on the holder; an extension portion having a width and extending along at least a portion of the main body portion; a neck portion bent downward from the extension portion to be provided inside an opening of the holder; and a tab portion bent from the neck portion to be connected to a corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the extension portion and the opening form an outlet at an upper portion of the corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals.

[0095] The insulating tape may include: a main body attachment portion attached to the main body portion; an extension attachment portion connected to the main body attachment portion to be attached to the extension portion; and a tab attachment portion separated relative to the main body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion by a cutting line, the tab attachment portion being attached to a corresponding electrode terminal among the tab portion and the electrode terminals. The method may also include: attaching the main body attachment portion to the main body portion; attaching the extension attachment portion to the extension portion; and attaching the tab attachment portion to a corresponding electrode terminal among the tab portion and the electrode terminals.

[0096] The insulating tape may further include a connecting portion. The method may further include connecting the body attaching portion and the extension attaching portion to the tab attaching portion using the connecting portion, and separating the body attaching portion and the extension attaching portion from the tab attaching portion using the connecting portion.

[0097] Each of the plurality of battery cells may include a cylindrical rechargeable battery, and the holder may include a plurality of circular openings corresponding to both ends in an axial direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0098] The method may also include forming a plurality of circular openings in the holder.

[0099] The extension portion may include a first branch and a second branch arranged on respective sides of a slit opening formed along the extension direction, the neck portion may include a first neck connected to the first branch of the extension portion and a second neck connected to the second branch of the extension portion, and the terminal portion may include a first terminal portion connected to the first neck and a second terminal portion connected to the second neck.

[0100] The method may also include forming a terminal block member at least partially through the following steps: forming a first branch and a second branch of an extension portion on respective sides of a slit opening formed along an extension direction; forming a first neck connected to the first branch of the extension portion and a second neck connected to the second branch of the extension portion; and forming a first terminal block portion connected to the first neck and a second terminal block portion connected to the second neck.

[0101] The method may further include: providing a housing to accommodate the holder; and connecting the housing to the outlet, wherein the housing includes a through hole on at least one side of the housing to dissipate heat from an interior of the housing.

[0102] The method may further include arranging a plurality of battery cells in a holder.

[0103] While the disclosure has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be practical 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 spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0104] <Description of Reference Signs> 1: Rechargeable battery module 10: Battery Cell 20: Retainer 21: Bottom retainer 22: Top retainer 23: Fastening components 24: Combined parts 25: Protruding part 30: Battery Management System (BMS) 40: Electrode terminal 41: Positive electrode terminal 42: Negative electrode terminal 50: Lug component 51: Main part 54: Output terminal 60: Insulation tape 61: Main body attachment part 63: Connection part 64: Cutting part 70: Shell 221: Placement groove 222: protruding part 223: Rib 224: Opening 511: First auxiliary part 512: Second Auxiliary Section 521: First lug 522: Second terminal lug 531: First Neck 532: Second Neck 541: First extension lug 542: Second extension lug 621: Extended attachment part 622: Lug attachment part C11: Eleventh connection C12: Twelfth connection C13: Thirteenth connection C21: 21st connection C22: 22nd connection C23: Twenty-third connection CL: Cutting Line H: Binding hole L1: T-shaped boundary line L2: Curved boundary line OL: Export R1: First row R2: Second row RH: corresponding hole TH: Through hole.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells; a holder for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a tab member mounted at the holder to be welded to electrode terminals of 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; an extension portion having a width and extending along at least a portion of the main body portion; a neck portion bent downward from the extension portion to be disposed inside the opening of the retainer; and A tab portion is bent from the neck portion to be connected to a corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the extension portion and the opening form an outlet at an upper portion of the corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating tape comprises: a main body attachment portion, attached to the main body portion; an extension attachment portion connected to the main body attachment portion to be attached to the extension portion; and A tab attaching portion is separated relative to the body attaching portion and the extension attaching portion by a cutting line, the tab attaching portion being attached to the tab portion and the corresponding electrode terminal of the electrode terminals.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The insulating tape further includes a connection portion connecting the body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion to the tab attachment portion and separating the body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion from the tab attachment portion in an attachment process.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a cylindrical battery, and the holder includes a plurality of circular openings corresponding to both ends of the plurality of battery cells in an axial direction.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The extension portion includes a first branch and a second branch arranged on respective sides of a slit opening formed along an extension direction, the neck portion includes a first neck connected to the first branch of the extension portion and a second neck connected to the second branch of the extension portion, and the terminal portion includes a first terminal portion connected to the first neck and a second terminal portion connected to the second neck.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a housing for accommodating the retainer, in, The housing is connected to the outlet, and includes a through hole on at least one side of the housing to dissipate heat from the interior of the housing. 7 . The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a second tab member.

8. A method for manufacturing a battery module, the method comprising: Provide a holder for accommodating a plurality of battery cells; installing a tab member in the holder, the tab member to be welded to the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells; as well as installing an insulating tape for insulating the lug member in the holder, Wherein, the connecting piece component comprises: A main body portion, arranged on the retainer; an extension portion having a width and extending along at least a portion of the main body portion; a neck portion bent downward from the extension portion to be disposed inside the opening of the retainer; and A tab portion is bent from the neck portion to be connected to a corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the extension portion and the opening form an outlet at an upper portion of the corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The insulating tape comprises: a main body attachment portion, attached to the main body portion; an extension attachment portion connected to the main body attachment portion to be attached to the extension portion; and a tab attachment portion separated relative to the main body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion by a cutting line, the tab attachment portion being attached to the tab portion and the corresponding electrode terminal of the electrode terminals; and the method further comprising: attaching the body attachment portion to the body portion; attaching the extension attachment portion to the extension portion; and The tab attaching portion is attached to the tab portion and the corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The insulating tape further includes a connecting portion, and the method further includes: connecting the main body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion to the tab attachment portion using the connecting portion; and separating the main body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion from the tab attachment portion using the connecting portion.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a cylindrical battery, and the holder includes a plurality of circular openings corresponding to both ends of the plurality of battery cells in an axial direction.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming the plurality of circular openings in the holder.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The extension portion includes a first branch and a second branch arranged on respective sides of a slit opening formed along an extension direction, the neck portion includes a first neck connected to the first branch of the extension portion and a second neck connected to the second branch of the extension portion, and the terminal portion includes a first terminal portion connected to the first neck and a second terminal portion connected to the second neck.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising forming the tab member at least in part by: forming the first branch and the second branch of the extending portion on respective sides of the slit opening formed along the extending direction; forming the first neck connected to the first branch of the extension portion and the second neck connected to the second branch of the extension portion; as well as The first tab portion connected to the first neck portion and the second tab portion connected to the second neck portion are formed.

15. The method of claim 8, further comprising providing a housing to house the retainer and connecting the housing to the outlet, wherein: The housing includes through holes on at least one side of the housing to dissipate heat from the interior of the housing. 16 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising arranging the plurality of battery cells in the holder.

17. A battery module, comprising: A holder for accommodating a plurality of battery cells; a tab member mounted at the holder to be welded to electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells; as well as an insulating tape to insulate the lug member, Wherein, the connecting piece component comprises: A main body portion, arranged on the retainer; an extension portion having a width and extending along at least a portion of the main body portion; a neck portion bent downward from the extension portion to be disposed inside the opening of the retainer; and A tab portion is bent from the neck portion to be connected to a corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the extension portion and the opening form an outlet at an upper portion of the corresponding electrode terminal among the electrode terminals.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein: The insulating tape comprises: a main body attachment portion, attached to the main body portion; an extension attachment portion connected to the main body attachment portion to be attached to the extension portion; and A tab attaching portion is separated relative to the body attaching portion and the extension attaching portion by a cutting line, the tab attaching portion being attached to the tab portion and the corresponding electrode terminal of the electrode terminals.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein: The insulating tape further includes a connection portion connecting the body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion to the tab attachment portion and separating the body attachment portion and the extension attachment portion from the tab attachment portion in an attachment process.

20. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein: The extension portion includes a first branch and a second branch arranged on respective sides of a slit opening formed along an extension direction, the neck portion includes a first neck connected to the first branch of the extension portion and a second neck connected to the second branch of the extension portion, and the terminal portion includes a first terminal portion connected to the first neck and a second terminal portion connected to the second neck.

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