Battery monomer heating equipment and battery module

Abstract

The invention discloses battery monomer heating equipment and a battery module. The battery cell heating apparatus includes: a heater configured to emit heat to heat a battery cell; a circuit portion electrically connected to the heater and configured to supply power to the heater; an insulator at least partially overlapping the circuit portion and the heater, the insulator configured to suppress heat transfer such that the circuit portion is not heated by heat emitted by the heater; and an outer cover surrounding and fixedly holding the heater, the circuit portion, and the insulator.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0171232, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 30, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] An embodiment relates to a battery cell heating device and a battery module. Background Art

[0003] Generally, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptop computers, cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly and the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has officially started, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of being repeatedly charged and discharged is actively underway.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this background art section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background art of the present disclosure, and thus may include information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An embodiment relates to a battery cell heating device including: a heater configured to generate heat to heat a battery cell; a circuit part electrically connected to the heater and configured to supply power to the heater; an insulator at least partially stacked with the circuit part and the heater, the insulator being configured to suppress heat transfer so that the circuit part is not heated by the heat generated by the heater; and an outer cover surrounding and fixedly holding the heater, the circuit part, and the insulator.

[0006] The circuit part may be disposed around the heater, the heater may include heater terminals, the circuit part may include circuit part terminals, and the heater terminals and the circuit part terminals may be stacked and electrically connected to each other.

[0007] Each of the heater terminals and the circuit part terminals may include: a terminal body including a metal material; and a solder layer stacked on the terminal body so that the heater terminals and the circuit part terminals can be joined when the heater terminals and the circuit part terminals are in close contact and melted while being heated.

[0008] The battery cell heating device may further include solder between the stacked heater terminals and circuit part terminals so that the heater terminals and the circuit part terminals can be electrically connected.

[0009] The battery cell heating device may further include rivets passing through and joining the heater terminals and the circuit part terminals so that the heater terminals and the circuit part terminals can be electrically connected.

[0010] The insulator may include: a first insulator that may partially cover the surface of the heater facing the battery cell and the surface of the circuit portion facing the battery cell; and a second insulator that may completely cover the surface of the heater facing away from the battery cell and may partially cover the surface of the circuit portion facing away from the battery cell.

[0011] The circuit portion may be spaced farther from the battery cell than the heater may be spaced from the battery cell.

[0012] The heater may include heater terminals, the circuit portion may include circuit portion terminals that are stacked with the heater terminals, the insulator may be between the heater terminals and the circuit portion terminals, and the insulator may include a terminal connection portion that electrically connects the heater terminals and the circuit portion terminals.

[0013] The circuit portion may be disposed around the heater.

[0014] The outer cover may include: a first film facing the battery cell; and a second film that is spaced farther from the battery cell than the first film is spaced from the battery cell.

[0015] The first film may have an opening such that the heater faces the battery cell.

[0016] The heater may include carbon nanotubes.

[0017] The battery cell heating device may further include a sensor that may be electrically connected to the circuit portion, is configured to measure the state of the battery cell, and is positioned outside the outer cover.

[0018] The sensor may include a voltage sensor configured to measure the voltage of the battery cell and / or a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery cell.

[0019] The heater may include a plurality of heating portions positioned such that they do not overlap each other, the sensor may include a plurality of temperature sensors that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of heating portions and may be configured to measure the temperature of the battery cell around the plurality of heating portions, and each of the plurality of heating portions may be configured such that its operation can be controlled according to the temperature measured by the corresponding temperature sensor among the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0020] The embodiment relates to a battery module, which includes a plurality of battery cells and a battery cell heating device. The battery cell heating device includes: a heater configured to emit heat to heat the plurality of battery cells; a circuit portion adjacent to and electrically connected to the heater and configured to supply power to the heater; an insulator at least partially overlapping with the circuit portion and the heater, the insulator being configured to inhibit heat transfer so that the circuit portion is not heated by the heat emitted by the heater; and an outer cover surrounding and fixedly holding the heater, the circuit portion, and the insulator.

[0021] The plurality of battery cells may be arranged in rows in one direction; and the battery cell heating device may be in contact with the plurality of battery cells and extend in one direction.

[0022] The battery cell heating device may further include: a sensor electrically connectable to the circuit portion, located outside the outer cover, and configured to measure the state of the battery cells among the plurality of battery cells; the heater may include a plurality of heating portions positioned such that they do not overlap each other; the sensor may include a plurality of temperature sensors, the plurality of temperature sensors corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of heating portions and configured to measure the temperatures of the battery cells around the plurality of heating portions; and each of the plurality of heating portions may be configured such that its operation can be controlled according to the temperature measured by its corresponding temperature sensor among the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0023] Each of the plurality of heating portions may be configured to be turned on if the temperature measured by its corresponding temperature sensor among the plurality of temperature sensors is lower than a preset reference temperature; and each of the plurality of heating portions may be configured to be turned off if the temperature measured by its corresponding temperature sensor among the plurality of temperature sensors is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature.

[0024] The plurality of heating portions may include a pair of first heating portions positioned at two ends of the battery cell heating device in the longitudinal direction and a second heating portion positioned between the pair of first heating portions; the length of the second heating portion may be greater than the length of the first heating portion; and the planar area of the second heating portion may be smaller than the planar area of the first heating portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art by referring to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments are described in detail, where: Figure 1 is a plan view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2is an exploded perspective view showing a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of bus bars, and a battery cell heating device included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of Figure 2 ; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery cell heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Figure 2 ; Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing a portion V of Figure 4 ; Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing a portion VI of Figure 4 ; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a first example showing a state in which a terminal of a circuit portion in Figure 5 is electrically connected to a terminal of a heating element in Figure 6 ; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a second example showing a state in which a terminal of a circuit portion in Figure 5 is electrically connected to a terminal of a heating element in Figure 6 ; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a third example showing a state in which a terminal of a circuit portion in Figure 5 is electrically connected to a terminal of a heating element in Figure 6 ; Figure 10 is a plan view showing a plurality of battery cells and a heater included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery cell heating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a battery cell heating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 13 is an enlarged view showing a portion XIII of Figure 11 ; Figure 14 is an enlarged view showing a portion XIV of Figure 11 ; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a first example showing a state in which a terminal of a circuit portion in Figure 13 is electrically connected to a terminal of a heating element in Figure 14 ; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a first example showing a state in which a terminal of a circuit portion in Figure 13 is electrically connected to a terminal of a heating element in Figure 14A cross-sectional view of a second example in the state of the heating element terminals; Figure 17 which shows in Figure 13 the state where the terminals of the circuit portion are electrically connected to Figure 14 the heating element terminals of a third example; and Figure 18 a cross-sectional view of a battery cell heating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0026] Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0027] In the drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or an intermediate layer may also be present. Further, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "under" another layer, it can be directly under the other layer, and one or more intermediate layers may also be present. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intermediate layers may also be present. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0028] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may also be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, no intermediate element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or directly connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or indirectly connected to the second element via one or more intermediate elements.

[0029] In the figures, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire list of elements following the list, rather than individual elements of the list. When a phrase such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from among A, B, and C" is used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use" and its variants can be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize" and its variants, respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0031] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (other) element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "beneath" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" or "on top of" the said other elements or features. Thus, the term "beneath" can encompass both an upper and a lower orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0032] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises", "comprising" and / or their variants are used in this specification, it is specified that there are the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0033] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision included within the recited range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the recited minimum value 1.0 and the recited maximum value 10.0 (and including the recited minimum value 1.0 and the recited maximum value 10.0), that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification and the claims to expressly recite any sub-ranges included within the ranges expressly recited herein.

[0034] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same". Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include cases having a deviation considered low in the art, for example, a deviation of 5% or less. Additionally, when a certain parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, this may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0035] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be single or multiple.

[0036] When any element is said to be disposed (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or under)" a component, this may mean that the any element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be disposed between the component and the any element disposed (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" it.

[0037] In addition, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another element, the element can be directly "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to each other, or there can be one or more intervening elements between them, and the element can be "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to the other element through the intermediate element. In addition, when a component is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another component, the component can be directly electrically connected to the other component, or there can be one or more intervening components between them such that the component and the other component are indirectly electrically connected.

[0038] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, when stating "A and / or B," it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any combination or all combinations of the listed items. When stating "C to D," unless otherwise specified, it means C or greater and D or less. As used herein, the term "or" is not an exclusive term. For example, "A or B" will include A, B, or A and B.

[0039] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of bus bars, and a battery cell heating device included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is along Figure 2 a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III, Figure 4 is showing Figure 2 an exploded perspective view of the battery cell heating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Figure 5 is showing Figure 4 an enlarged view of part V of Figure 6 is showing Figure 4 an enlarged view of part VI of Figure 7 is showing in Figure 5 the state where the circuit part terminals of Figure 6 are electrically connected to Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the first example, Figure 5 is showing in Figure 6 the state where the circuit part terminals of Figure 9 is showing in Figure 5 the state where the circuit part terminals of Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the third example, Figure 10 is a plan view showing a plurality of battery cells and a heater included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 7 andFigure 10 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a plurality of battery cells 11, a plurality of busbars 40, and a battery cell heating device 100. Each of the battery cells 11 may further include a cell housing 12, a pair of cell terminals 25, and an electrode assembly 23.

[0041] The electrode assembly 23 may be accommodated in the cell housing 12. The electrode assembly 23 may be formed by winding or stacking a stack including a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate, and each of the first electrode plate, the separator, and the second electrode plate may be formed in a thin plate shape or a thin film shape.

[0042] In an embodiment, the electrode assembly 23 may be a wound stack, and the winding axis of the electrode assembly 23 may be parallel to the length direction of the cell housing 12. In an embodiment, the electrode assembly 23 may be a stacked type rather than a wound type. In an embodiment, the electrode assembly 23 may be a Z-stack electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate may be between both sides of a separator bent into a Z-stack. In an embodiment, one or more electrode assemblies 23 may be stacked and accommodated in the cell housing 12 such that their long side surfaces may be close to each other. The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly 23 may serve as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate may serve as a positive electrode. However, the opposite case is also possible.

[0043] The first electrode plate may be formed by coating a first current collector plate that may be formed of a metal foil (e.g., copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy foil) with a first electrode active material (e.g., graphite or carbon), and may include a first electrode tab (or first uncoated portion) that may be an area where the first electrode active material may not be coated. The first electrode tab may be a current flow path between the first electrode plate and the first current collector portion. In an embodiment, the first electrode tab may be formed to protrude toward one side by cutting the first electrode plate when manufacturing the first electrode plate, and may protrude farther than the separator toward one side without additional cutting.

[0044] The second electrode plate may be formed by coating a second current collector plate that may be formed of a metal foil (e.g., aluminum or aluminum alloy foil) with a second electrode active material (e.g., transition metal oxide), and may include a second electrode tab (or second non-coated portion) that may be an area where the second electrode active material may not be coated. The second electrode tab may be a current flow path between the second electrode plate and the second current collector portion. In an embodiment, the second electrode tab may be formed to protrude toward the other side by cutting the second electrode plate when manufacturing the second electrode plate, and may protrude farther than the separator toward the other side without additional cutting.

[0045] In an embodiment, the first electrode tab can be positioned on a side surface of the left end of the electrode assembly, the second electrode tab can be positioned on a side surface of the right end of the electrode assembly, or the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab can be positioned on one surface in the same direction. In this case, for ease of description, the terms left side and right side can be used, and the side can change if the battery cell 11 rotates in the left-right or vertical direction.

[0046] The first electrode tab of the first electrode plate and the second electrode tab of the second electrode plate can be positioned at two ends of the electrode assembly 23. In an embodiment, the electrode assembly 23 can be accommodated in a housing together with an electrolyte. In an embodiment, in the electrode assembly 23, the first current collector portion and the second current collector portion can be respectively welded and connected to the first electrode tab of the first electrode plate and the second electrode tab of the second electrode plate and positioned at the first electrode tab of the first electrode plate and the second electrode tab of the second electrode plate.

[0047] The cell housing 12 can have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and can accommodate the electrode assembly 23 and the electrolyte therein. The cell housing 12 can include a metal can having an open side and a cover plate for sealing the open side of the metal can. A pair of cell terminals 25 can be mounted on the cover plate so as to protrude outward from the cover plate.

[0048] One of the pair of cell terminals 25 can be electrically connected to one of the first current collector portion and the second current collector portion, and the other cell terminal 25 can be electrically connected to the other of the first current collector portion and the second current collector portion. In an embodiment, one of the pair of cell terminals 25 can be a positive electrode terminal, and the other of the pair of cell terminals 25 can be a negative electrode terminal.

[0049] The pair of cell terminals 25 can be positioned at two ends in the length direction of the cover plate. One surface from which the pair of cell terminals 25 of the cell housing 12 protrude can be the upper surface 17 of the cell housing 12, one surface opposite to the upper surface 17 of the cell housing 12 can be the lower surface 18 of the cell housing 12, and a pair of surfaces connecting the upper surface 17 and the lower surface 18 and opposite to each other can be a pair of side surfaces 15 of the cell housing 12.

[0050] Each of the battery cells 11 may include a cell vent 19 which may be configured to burst if high-temperature gas, flame material, etc. are generated in the cell housing 12 due to overcharging or abnormal operation, so as to discharge emissions such as gas and flame material (e.g., combustible material) from the interior of the battery cell 11 to the outside. The cell vent 19 may be located in the lower surface 18 of the cell housing 12.

[0051] A plurality of battery cells 11 may be arranged in a row in the front-rear direction. The rear surface of the cell housing 12 of one battery cell 11 among an adjacent pair of battery cells 11 among the plurality of battery cells 11 may face the front surface 13 of the cell housing 12 of the other battery cell 11.

[0052] Hereinafter, the front-rear direction along which the plurality of battery cells 11 may be arranged in a row is referred to as the first direction, the width direction (i.e., the left-right direction) of the cell housing 12 perpendicular to the first direction is referred to as the second direction, and the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is referred to as the third direction.

[0053] The battery module 10 may further include a pair of end frames 30 and a pair of side plates 33. One end frame 30 of the pair of end frames 30 may be in front of the plurality of battery cells 11 to hide (e.g., cover) the front surface 13 of the battery cell 11 positioned at the foremost side among the plurality of battery cells 11 arranged in the first direction.

[0054] The other end frame 30 of the pair of end frames 30 may be behind the plurality of battery cells 11 to hide (e.g., cover) the rear surface of the battery cell 11 positioned at the rearmost side among the plurality of battery cells 11 arranged in the first direction.

[0055] A pair of side plates 33 may hide (e.g., cover) a pair of side surfaces 15 of the plurality of battery cells 11 and face the side surfaces 15 to be in close contact (e.g., direct contact) with the side surfaces 15. The front end portions and the rear end portions of the pair of side plates 33 may be connected to two end portions of the pair of end frames 30 in the second direction by, for example, welding or applying an adhesive.

[0056] A plurality of bus bars 40 may electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 11. Each of the bus bars 40 may electrically connect the positive cell terminal 25 of one battery cell 11 and the negative cell terminal 25 of another battery cell 11 among an adjacent pair of battery cells 11 in the first direction by, for example, a welding method. The plurality of bus bars 40 may be arranged along two imaginary lines extending in the first direction and spaced apart from each other.

[0057] If multiple battery cells 11 and a battery module 10 are in a low-temperature state, the battery cell heating device 100 can heat the battery cells 11. The battery cell heating device 100 can include a heater 130, a circuit part 140, insulators 115, 120, and an outer cover 101. The heater 130 can emit heat to heat the battery cells 11. The circuit part 140 can be electrically connected to the heater 130 to supply power to the heater 130.

[0058] The insulators 115, 120 can inhibit heat transfer so that the circuit part 140 is not heated by the heat emitted by the heater 130. The outer cover 101 can surround and fixedly position the heater 130, the circuit part 140, and the insulators 115, 120, for example, holding them in place.

[0059] The heater 130 can be a plate-like member having a predetermined thickness in a third direction and extending in a first direction, and can include a plurality of heating parts 131, 134. The plurality of heating parts 131, 134 can be spaced apart from each other and positioned so as not to overlap in the third direction.

[0060] The plurality of heating parts 131, 134 can be formed by curing a paste in which carbon nanotubes and a metal are mixed. The metal included in the plurality of heating parts 131, 134 can be, for example, silver (Ag), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), or palladium (Pd).

[0061] In Figure 4 and Figure 10 In the embodiment shown in, the heater 130 can include a pair of first heating parts 131 and a second heating part 134. The pair of first heating parts 131 can be positioned at two ends of the battery cell heating device 100 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the first direction). The second heating part 134 can be positioned between the pair of first heating parts 131. In the longitudinal direction of the battery cell heating device 100 (e.g., in the first direction), the length HL12 of the second heating part 134 can be greater than the length HL11 of the first heating part 131.

[0062] In the width direction of the battery cell heating device 100 (e.g., in the second direction), the width HE12 of the second heating part 134 can be less than the width HE11 of the first heating part 131. The planar area of the second heating part 134 can be less than the planar area of the first heating part 131.

[0063] Each of a pair of first heating portions 131 may be positioned to overlap with the upper surfaces 17 of five battery cells 11 positioned at two end portions in a first direction among the plurality of battery cells 11, and may emit heat for heating the five overlapping battery cells 11. The second heating portion 134 may be positioned to overlap with the upper surfaces 17 of six battery cells 11 positioned at an intermediate portion in the first direction (e.g., between the battery cells 11 positioned at the ends in the first direction) among the plurality of battery cells 11, and may emit heat for heating the six overlapping battery cells 11.

[0064] The amount of heat loss of the six battery cells 11 positioned at the intermediate portion may be smaller than the amount of heat loss of the five battery cells 11 positioned at the two end portions. In an embodiment, power may be supplied to the heater 130, and even if the amount of heat emitted per unit time by the second heating portion 134 is less than the amount of heat emitted per unit time by the first heating portion 131, the temperature of all the battery cells 11 included in the battery module 10 may be uniformly increased.

[0065] The circuit portion 140 may be disposed around the heater 130, for example, around at least a part of the outer periphery of the heater 130. In an embodiment, the circuit portion 140 and the heater 130 may be on the same horizontal plane. The circuit portion 140 may include a pair of protective film layers that are stacked and may be joined, and a plurality of wires formed of a conductive material and extending in the pair of protective film layers. The circuit portion 140 may extend to surround the heater 130. The size of the gap CO12 between the inner peripheral corners of the circuit portion 140 facing each other in a second direction may be slightly greater than or equal to the width HE11 of the first heating portion 131.

[0066] The battery cell heating device 100 may include a plurality of sensors 150, 152, 154, 156 that may be electrically connected to the circuit portion 140 and may measure the states of the plurality of battery cells 11. The plurality of sensors 150, 152, 154, 156 may include temperature sensors 150, 152, 154 and a voltage sensor 156.

[0067] The temperature sensors 150, 152, 154 may measure the temperature of the battery cells 11. The temperature sensors 150, 152, 154 may be provided as a plurality of temperature sensors 150, 152, 154. The plurality of temperature sensors 150, 152, 154 may correspond one-to-one with the plurality of heating portions 131, 134. In an embodiment, the first temperature sensor 150 may measure the temperature of the battery cells 11 around the first heating portion 131 positioned at one side of the pair of first heating portions 131.

[0068] The second temperature sensor 152 can measure the temperature of the battery cell 11 around the second heating part 134. The third temperature sensor 154 can measure the temperature of the battery cell 11 around the first heating part 131 located on the other side in a pair of first heating parts 131.

[0069] The operation of any one of the plurality of heating parts 131, 134, i.e., the heating part 131 or 134, can be controlled according to the temperature measured by one of the plurality of temperature sensors 150, 152, 154 corresponding to the one heating part 131 or 134.

[0070] If the temperature measured by one of the temperature sensors 150, 152 or 154 is lower than a preset reference temperature, one of the heating parts 131 or 134 corresponding to the temperature sensor 150, 152 or 154 can be turned on. If the temperature measured by one of the temperature sensors 150, 152 or 154 is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature, one of the heating parts 131 or 134 corresponding to the temperature sensor 150, 152 or 154 can be turned off.

[0071] In an embodiment, if the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 150 is lower than the preset reference temperature, the first heating part 131 on the side corresponding to the first temperature sensor 150 can be turned on, and if the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 150 is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature, the first heating part 131 on the side corresponding to the first temperature sensor 150 can be turned off.

[0072] In an embodiment, if the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 152 is lower than the preset reference temperature, the second heating part 134 corresponding to the second temperature sensor 152 can be turned on, and if the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 152 is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature, the second heating part 134 corresponding to the second temperature sensor 152 can be turned off.

[0073] In an embodiment, if the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 154 is lower than the preset reference temperature, the first heating part 131 on the other side corresponding to the third temperature sensor 154 can be turned on, and if the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 154 is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature, the first heating part 131 on the other side corresponding to the third temperature sensor 154 can be turned off.

[0074] The voltage sensor 156 can measure the voltage of the battery cell 11. The voltage sensor 156 can be provided as a plurality of voltage sensors 156 in a one-to-one correspondence with the number of busbars 40. Each of the voltage sensors 156 can be electrically connected to the corresponding busbar 40 by a method such as a welding method.

[0075] The circuit portion 140 electrically connects a plurality of voltage sensors 156 and a plurality of temperature sensors 150, 152, 154 to a battery management system (BMS). The circuit portion 140 can be connected to the BMS through a connector. In an embodiment, detection signals generated by the plurality of temperature sensors 150, 152, 154 can be transmitted to the BMS through the circuit portion 140, and if the BMS determines that the temperature of the battery cell 11 measured by the plurality of temperature sensors 150, 152, 154 is lower than a preset reference temperature, the BMS can supply power for operating the heater 130 through the circuit portion 140.

[0076] The insulators 115, 120 can include a first insulator 115 and a second insulator 120. The first insulator 115 can partially cover the surface of the heater 130 facing the battery cell 11 and the surface of the circuit portion 140 facing the battery cell 11. In an embodiment, the first insulator 115 can partially cover the lower surface of the heater 130 and also partially cover the lower surface of the circuit portion 140 at the same time.

[0077] An opening 118 for transferring radiant heat emitted by the heater 130 to the upper surface 17 of the cell housing 12 of the battery cell 11 can be formed in the central portion of the first insulator 115.

[0078] In the second direction, the width SLO1 between the outer peripheral corner portions 116 of the first insulator 115 can be greater than the size of the gap CO12 between the inner peripheral corner portions of the circuit portion 140 and less than the size of the gap CO11 between the outer peripheral corner portions of the circuit portion 140. In the second direction, the width SLI1 between the inner peripheral corner portions 117 of the first insulator 115 can be less than the widths HE11, HE12 of the heater 130.

[0079] The second insulator 120 can completely cover the surface of the heater 130 facing away from (e.g., departing from) the battery cell 11, and partially cover the surface of the circuit portion 140 departing from the battery cell 11. For example, the second insulator 120 can completely cover the surface of the heater 130 facing away from the surface of the heater 130 covered by the first insulator 115, and partially cover the surface of the circuit portion 140 facing away from the surface of the circuit portion 140 covered by the first insulator 115. In an embodiment, the second insulator 120 can completely cover the upper surface of the heater 130 and also partially cover the upper surface of the circuit portion 140.

[0080] In the second direction, the width SU1 between the outer peripheral corners 121 of the second insulator 120 can be greater than the size of the gap CO12 between the inner peripheral corners of the circuit portion 140 and less than the gap CO11 between the outer peripheral corners of the circuit portion 140. According to the above configuration, heat transfer from the heater 130 to the circuit portion 140 can be suppressed to the greatest extent.

[0081] The outer cover 101 can include a first film 103 and a second film 110. The first film 103 can face the plurality of battery cells 11. The second film 110 can be spaced farther from the plurality of battery cells 11 than the first film 103.

[0082] The first film 103 and the second film 110 can be formed of materials such as polyimide (PI) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). If the heater 130, the circuit portion 140, and the insulators 115, 120 are between the first film 103 and the second film 110, and the first film 103 and the second film 110 are heated and pressed in the direction in which the first film 103 and the second film 110 are in close contact with each other (e.g., in the third direction), the outer peripheral corner 104 of the first film 103 and the outer peripheral corner 111 of the second film 110 can be joined to form the outer cover 101.

[0083] An adhesive that melts by heat can be applied in advance on the surfaces of the first film 103 and the second film 110 (e.g., the upper surface of the first film 103 and the lower surface of the second film 110).

[0084] The first film 103 can be partially open (e.g., have an opening) such that the heater 130 faces the plurality of battery cells 11. In an embodiment, the opening 107 can be formed in the central portion of the first film 103. The radiant heat emitted by the heater 130 can be transferred to the upper surface 17 of the cell housing 12 of the battery cell 11 through the opening 118 of the first insulator 115 and the opening 107 of the first film 103.

[0085] In the second direction, the width FLO1 between the outer peripheral corners 104 of the first film 103 can be greater than the size of the gap CO11 between the outer peripheral corners of the circuit portion 140. In the second direction, the width FLI1 between the inner peripheral corners 105 of the first film 103 can be greater than the width SLI1 between the inner peripheral corners 117 of the first insulator 115 and less than the width SLO1 between the outer peripheral corners 116 of the first insulator 115.

[0086] The battery cell heating device 100 can be installed in the battery module 10 such that the first film 103 contacts the upper surface 17 of the cell housing 12. In an embodiment, the battery cell heating device 100 can contact a plurality of battery cells 11. A plurality of temperature sensors 150, 152, 154 and a plurality of voltage sensors 156 can be positioned outside the outer cover 101, rather than inside the outer cover 101 where the heater 130, the circuit portion 140, and the insulators 115, 120 can be positioned.

[0087] The heater 130 can include heater terminals 135. In an embodiment, a pair of heater terminals 135 can be provided for each of the heating portions 131, 134 to independently supply power to each of a pair of first heating portions 131 and a second heating portion 134 that can be included in the heater 130. The heater terminals 135 can be formed on the upper surfaces of the heating portions 131, 134.

[0088] The circuit portion 140 can include circuit portion terminals 145 that are stacked with the heater terminals 135. The circuit portion 140 can include a terminal support 143 having a pair of circuit portion terminals 145 formed on its lower surface. The terminal support 143 can protrude in one direction in a manner stacked with the heater 130.

[0089] The circuit portion terminals 145 can correspond to the heater terminals 135 one by one. In an embodiment, three pairs of circuit portion terminals 145 can be provided to correspond to three pairs of heater terminals 135, and three terminal supports 143 can be provided. The heater terminals 135 and the circuit portion terminals 145 can be stacked and electrically connected to each other.

[0090] As Figure 7 shown, the heater terminals 135 and the circuit portion terminals 145 can be in close contact (e.g., direct contact) with each other while being heated to be electrically connected. In an embodiment, the heater terminal 135 can include a terminal body 1351 formed of a metal material and a solder layer 1352 stacked and cured on the surface of the terminal body 1351. Similar to the heater terminal 135, the circuit portion terminal 145 can include a terminal body 1451 formed of a metal material and a solder layer 1452 stacked and cured on the surface of the terminal body 1451.

[0091] If the heater terminals 135 and the circuit portion terminals 145 are aligned in a third direction and simultaneously pressed to be in close contact with each other, the solder layer 1352 of the heater terminal 135 and the solder layer 1452 of the circuit portion terminal 145 can be joined by melting, such that the heater terminals 135 and the circuit portion terminals 145 can be electrically connected.

[0092] In an embodiment, referring toFigure 8 The heater terminal 135 and the circuit part terminal 145 can be stacked to be electrically connected to each other, and the solder 147 is placed between the heater terminal 135 and the circuit part terminal 145. In an embodiment, if the heater terminal 135 is coated with the solder 147, and the circuit part terminal 145 is aligned with the heater terminal 135 and then moved toward the heater terminal 135, the circuit part terminal 145 can be surface-mounted on the heater terminal 135. In an embodiment, the heater terminal 135 and the circuit part terminal 145 can be electrically connected.

[0093] Referring to Figure 9 The heater terminal 135 and the circuit part terminal 145 can be electrically connected by a rivet 148 that passes through and joins the heater terminal 135 and the circuit part terminal 145 that are aligned with each other in the third direction. In an embodiment, the rivet 148 can pass through the terminal support 143, the circuit part terminal 145, the heater terminal 135, and the heater 130 to join the heater terminal 135 and the circuit part terminal 145 so that the heater terminal 135 and the circuit part terminal 145 can be non-separable. In an embodiment, the heater terminal 135 and the circuit part terminal 145 can be electrically connected.

[0094] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery cell heating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a battery cell heating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 is showing Figure 11 an enlarged view of part XIII of Figure 14 is showing Figure 11 an enlarged view of part XIV of Figure 15 is showing in Figure 13 the state where the circuit part terminal of Figure 14 is electrically connected to the heating element terminal of Figure 16 is showing in Figure 13 the state where the circuit part terminal of Figure 14 is electrically connected to the heating element terminal of Figure 17 is showing in Figure 13 the state where the circuit part terminal of Figure 14 is electrically connected to the heating element terminal of

[0095] Referring to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figures 11 to 14 ,a battery cell heating device 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be installed in place of the battery cell heating device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in Figure 1In the battery module 10 shown in [the figure]. The battery cell heating device 200 may include a heater 230, a circuit part 240, an insulator 220, and an outer cover 201. The heater 230 may generate heat to heat the battery cells 11. The circuit part 240 may be electrically connected to the heater 230 to supply power to the heater 230.

[0096] The insulator 220 may inhibit heat transfer so that the circuit part 240 may not be heated by the heat generated by the heater 230. The outer cover 201 may surround and fixedly position the heater 230, the circuit part 240, and the insulator 220.

[0097] The heater 230 may be a plate-like member having a predetermined thickness in a third direction and extending in a first direction, and may include a plurality of heating parts 231, 234 that may be spaced apart from each other and positioned not to overlap in the third direction.

[0098] The plurality of heating parts 231, 234 may be formed by curing a paste mixed with carbon nanotubes and a metal. The metal included in the plurality of heating parts 231, 234 may be, for example, silver (Ag), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), or palladium (Pd).

[0099] The heater 230 may include a pair of first heating parts 231 and a second heating part 234. The pair of first heating parts 231 may be positioned at two ends of the battery cell heating device 200 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., in the first direction). The second heating part 234 may be positioned between the pair of first heating parts 231. The length HL22 of the second heating part 234 may be greater than the length HL21 of the first heating part 231.

[0100] In the width direction (i.e., in the second direction) of the battery cell heating device 200, the width HE22 of the second heating part 234 may be less than the width HE21 of the first heating part 231. The planar area of the second heating part 234 may be less than the planar area of the first heating part 231.

[0101] Each of the pair of first heating parts 231 may be positioned to overlap the upper surfaces 17 of five battery cells 11 positioned at two ends in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells 11, and may generate heat for heating the five overlapping battery cells 11. The second heating part 234 may overlap the upper surfaces 17 of six battery cells 11 positioned in the middle part in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells 11, and may generate heat for heating the six overlapping battery cells 11.

[0102] The heat loss of the six battery cells 11 located in the middle part can be less than that of the five battery cells 11 located at the two ends. In an embodiment, power can be supplied to the heater 230, and even if the heat generated per unit time by the second heating portion 234 is less than the heat generated per unit time by the first heating portion 231, the temperatures of all the battery cells 11 included in the battery module 10 can be uniformly increased.

[0103] The circuit portion 240 can be disposed around the heater 230, for example, in contact with the heater 230. In an embodiment, the circuit portion 240 may not overlap the heater 230 in the third direction. However, compared with the heater 230, the circuit portion 240 may be spaced farther from the battery cells 11. For example, the circuit portion 240 and the heater 230 may be spaced apart from each other in the third direction. In an embodiment, the distance between the heater 230 and the battery cells 11 may be less than the distance between the circuit portion 240 and the battery cells 11.

[0104] The circuit portion 240 can include a pair of protective film layers that are stacked and can be joined, and a plurality of wires formed of a conductive material and extending in the pair of protective film layers. The size of the gap CO22 between the inner peripheral corners of the circuit portion 240 that face each other in the second direction can be slightly larger than or equal to the width HE21 of the first heating portion 231.

[0105] The battery cell heating device 200 can include a plurality of sensors 250, 252, 254, 256 that can be electrically connected to the circuit portion 240 and measure the states of the plurality of battery cells 11. The plurality of sensors 250, 252, 254, 256 can include temperature sensors 250, 252, 254 and a voltage sensor 256.

[0106] The temperature sensors 250, 252, and 254 can measure the temperatures of the battery cells 11. The temperature sensors 250, 252, 254 can be provided as a plurality of temperature sensors 250, 252, 254. The plurality of temperature sensors 250, 252, 254 can correspond one-to-one with the plurality of heating portions 231, 234. In an embodiment, the first temperature sensor 250 can measure the temperature of the battery cells 11 around the first heating portion 231 located on one side of a pair of first heating portions 231.

[0107] The second temperature sensor 252 can measure the temperature of the battery cells 11 around the second heating portion 234. The third temperature sensor 254 can measure the temperature of the battery cells 11 around the first heating portion 231 located on the other side of a pair of first heating portions 231.

[0108] The operation of any one of the plurality of heating portions 231, 234, i.e., heating portion 231 or 234, can be controlled according to the temperature measured by one of the plurality of temperature sensors 250, 252, 254 corresponding to the one heating portion 231 or 234.

[0109] If the temperature measured by one of the temperature sensors 250, 252 or 254 is lower than a preset reference temperature, one of the heating portions 231 or 234 corresponding to the temperature sensor 250, 252 or 254 can be turned on, and if the temperature measured by one of the temperature sensors 250, 252 or 254 is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature, one of the heating portions 231 or 234 corresponding to the temperature sensor 250, 252 or 254 can be turned off.

[0110] In an embodiment, if the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 250 is lower than the preset reference temperature, the first heating portion 231 at the side corresponding to the first temperature sensor 250 can be turned on, and if the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 250 is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature, the first heating portion 231 at the side corresponding to the first temperature sensor 250 can be turned off.

[0111] In an embodiment, if the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 252 is lower than the preset reference temperature, the second heating portion 234 corresponding to the second temperature sensor 252 can be turned on, and if the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 252 is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature, the second heating portion 234 corresponding to the second temperature sensor 252 can be turned off.

[0112] In an embodiment, if the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 254 is lower than the preset reference temperature, the first heating portion 231 at the other side corresponding to the third temperature sensor 254 can be turned on, and if the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 254 is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature, the first heating portion 231 at the other side corresponding to the third temperature sensor 254 can be turned off.

[0113] The voltage sensor 256 can measure the voltage of the battery cell 11. The voltage sensor 256 can be provided as a plurality of voltage sensors 256 in a one-to-one correspondence with the number of busbars 40. Each of the voltage sensors 256 can be electrically connected to the corresponding busbar 40 by a method such as a welding method.

[0114] The circuit portion 240 can electrically connect a plurality of voltage sensors 256 and a plurality of temperature sensors 250, 252, 254 to the BMS. The circuit portion 240 can be connected to the BMS through a connector. In an embodiment, detection signals generated by the plurality of temperature sensors 250, 252, 254 can be transmitted to the BMS through the circuit portion 240, and if the BMS determines that the temperature of the battery cell 11 measured by the plurality of temperature sensors 250, 252, 254 is lower than a preset reference temperature, the BMS can supply power for operating the heater 230 through the circuit portion 240.

[0115] The insulator 220 can be positioned between the heater 230 and the circuit portion 240. The width SU2 in the second direction between the outer peripheral corners 221 of the insulator 220 can be greater than the widths HE21, HE22 of the heater 230 (specifically, the width HE21 of the first heating portion 231), and less than the size of the gap CO21 between the outer peripheral corners of the circuit portion 240.

[0116] The insulator 220 can completely cover the surface of the heater 230 facing away from the battery cell 11, and partially cover the surface of the circuit portion 240 facing the battery cell 11. In an embodiment, the insulator 220 can completely cover the upper surface of the heater 230 and also partially cover the lower surface of the circuit portion 240.

[0117] In the internal space of the outer cover 201, if the heater 230, the insulator 220, and the circuit portion 240 are pressed to be in close contact with each other, the insulator 220 can be bent, and then the heater 230 can move to the space between the inner peripheral corners of the circuit portion 240. In an embodiment, the upper surface of the heater 230 can be surrounded by the insulator 220 to maximally inhibit the heat emitted by the heater 230 from being transferred to the circuit portion 240.

[0118] The outer cover 201 can include a first film 203 and a second film 210. The first film 203 can be positioned to face the plurality of battery cells 11. The second film 210 can be spaced farther from the plurality of battery cells 11 than the first film 203 is spaced from the plurality of battery cells 11.

[0119] The first film 203 and the second film 210 can be formed of materials such as PI or PEN. If the heater 230, the circuit portion 240, and the insulator 220 are placed between the first film 203 and the second film 210, and the first film 203 and the second film 210 are heated and pressed in the direction in which the first film 203 and the second film 210 are in close contact with each other, the outer peripheral corners 204 of the first film 103 and the outer peripheral corners 211 of the second film 210 can be joined to form the outer cover 201.

[0120] An adhesive that can be melted by heat can be pre-applied on the surfaces of the first film 203 and the second film 210 (e.g., the upper surface of the first film 203 and the lower surface of the second film 210).

[0121] The first film 203 can be partially open (e.g., having an opening) such that the heater 230 faces a plurality of battery cells 11. In an embodiment, the opening 207 can be formed in the central portion of the first film 203. The radiant heat emitted by the heater 230 can be transmitted through the opening 207 of the first film 203 to the upper surface 17 of the cell housing 12 of the battery cells 11.

[0122] In the second direction, the width FLO2 between the outer peripheral corner portions 204 of the first film 203 can be greater than the size of the gap CO21 between the outer peripheral corners of the circuit portion 240. In the second direction, the width FLI2 between the inner peripheral corner portions 205 of the first film 203 can be less than the widths HE21 and HE22 of the heater 230 (specifically, the width HE22 of the second heating portion 234).

[0123] The battery cell heating device 200 can be installed in the battery module 10 such that the first film 203 can be in contact with the upper surface 17 of the cell housing 12. In an embodiment, the battery cell heating device 200 can be in contact with a plurality of battery cells 11. A plurality of temperature sensors 250, 252, 254 and a plurality of voltage sensors 256 can be positioned outside the outer cover 201, rather than inside the outer cover 201 where the heater 230, the circuit portion 240 and the insulator 220 can be positioned.

[0124] The heater 230 can include heater terminals 235. In an embodiment, a pair of heater terminals 235 can be provided for each of the heating portions 231, 234 to independently supply power to each of a pair of first heating portions 231 and one second heating portion 234 that can be included in the heater 230. The heater terminals 235 can be formed on the upper surfaces of the heating portions 231, 234.

[0125] The circuit portion 240 can include circuit portion terminals 245 that are stacked with the heater terminals 235. The circuit portion 240 can include a terminal support 243 having a pair of circuit portion terminals 245 formed on its lower surface. The terminal support 243 can protrude in one direction in a manner that is stacked with the heater 230.

[0126] The circuit portion terminals 245 can correspond to the heater terminals 235 one by one. In an embodiment, three pairs of circuit portion terminals 245 can be provided to correspond to three pairs of heater terminals 235, and three terminal supports 243 can be provided.

[0127] The insulator 220 can be between the heater terminal 235 and the circuit section terminal 245. The insulator 220 can include a terminal connection portion 223 that electrically connects the heater terminal 235 and the circuit section terminal 245.

[0128] The terminal connection portion 223 can have an insulator through-hole that passes through the insulator 220 in the thickness direction. The heater terminal 235 and the circuit section terminal 245 can be in direct contact and electrically connected to each other through the insulator through-hole of the terminal connection portion 223.

[0129] As Figure 15 shown, the heater terminal 235 and the circuit section terminal 245 can be in close contact with each other while being heated to electrically connect to each other. In an embodiment, the heater terminal 235 can include a terminal body 2351 formed of a metallic material and a solder layer 2352 stacked and solidified on the surface of the terminal body 2351. Similar to the heater terminal 235, the circuit section terminal 245 can include a terminal body 2451 formed of a metallic material and a solder layer 2452 stacked and solidified on the surface of the terminal body 2451.

[0130] If the heater terminal 235, the insulator through-hole of the terminal connection portion 223, and the circuit section terminal 245 are aligned in a third direction and simultaneously pressed to be in close contact with each other, at least one of the insulator 220, the heater 230, and the circuit section 240 can be elastically compressed, and then the heater terminal 235 can contact the circuit section terminal 245. In an embodiment, the solder layer 2352 of the heater terminal 235 and the solder layer 2452 of the circuit section terminal 245 can be melted and bonded to electrically connect the heater terminal 235 and the circuit section terminal 245.

[0131] In an embodiment, referring to Figure 16 , the heater terminal 235 and the circuit section terminal 245 can be stacked to electrically connect to each other, and solder is therebetween at 247. In an embodiment, if the heater terminal 235 is coated with solder 247, and the circuit section terminal 245 is aligned with the heater terminal 235, passes through the insulator through-hole of the terminal connection portion 223, and then moves toward the heater terminal 235, at least one of the insulator 220, the heater 230, and the circuit section 240 can be elastically compressed, and then the circuit section terminal 245 can be surface-mounted on the heater terminal 235. In an embodiment, the heater terminal 235 and the circuit section terminal 245 can be electrically connected.

[0132] Referring to Figure 17, the heater terminal 235 and the circuit part terminal 245 can be electrically connected by a rivet 248, and the rivet 248 can pass through and bond the heater terminal 235 and the circuit part terminal 245 that are aligned with each other in the third direction. In an embodiment, in a state where the heater terminal 235 and the circuit part terminal 245 can contact each other through the insulator through-hole of the terminal connection part 223, the rivet 248 can pass through the terminal support 243, the circuit part terminal 245, the heater terminal 235, and the heater 230 to bond the heater terminal 235 and the circuit part terminal 245 so that the heater terminal 235 and the circuit part terminal 245 can be non-separable. In an embodiment, the heater terminal 235 and the circuit part terminal 245 can be electrically connected.

[0133] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery cell heating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 18 , a battery cell heating device 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be installed in the battery module 10 shown in Figure 1 instead of the battery cell heating device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery cell heating device 300 can include a heater 330, a circuit part 340, an insulator 320, and an outer cover 301. The heater 330 can generate heat to heat the battery cell 11. The circuit part 340 can be electrically connected to the heater 330 to supply power to the heater 330.

[0134] The insulator 320 can suppress heat transfer so that the circuit part 340 can not be heated by the heat generated by the heater 330. The outer cover 301 can surround and fixedly position the heater 330, the circuit part 340, and the insulator 320.

[0135] The heater 330 can be a plate-like member having a predetermined thickness in the third direction and extending in the first direction. The heater 330 can be formed by curing a paste mixed with carbon nanotubes and a metal. The metal included in the heater 330 can be, for example, silver (Ag), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), or palladium (Pd).

[0136] The circuit part 340 can be spaced farther from the battery cell 11 than the heater 330 can be spaced from the battery cell 11. For example, the circuit part 340 and the heater 330 can be spaced apart from each other in the third direction. In other words, the distance between the heater 330 and the battery cell 11 can be less than the distance between the circuit part 340 and the battery cell 11.

[0137] The circuit portion 340 may include a pair of protective film layers that are stacked and may be joined, and a plurality of wires formed of a conductive material and extending in the pair of protective film layers.

[0138] The battery cell heating device 300 may include a plurality of sensors that may be electrically connected to the circuit portion 340 and may measure the states of the plurality of battery cells 11. The plurality of sensors may include a temperature sensor and a voltage sensor 356. The temperature sensor may measure the temperature of the battery cell 11, and the voltage sensor 356 may measure the voltage of the battery cell 11. The voltage sensor 356 may be provided as a plurality of voltage sensors 356 in a one-to-one correspondence with the number of bus bars 40.

[0139] The insulator 320 may be positioned between the heater 330 and the circuit portion 340. In an embodiment, the upper surface of the heater 330 may be surrounded by the insulator 320 to most suppress the heat emitted from the heater 330 from being transferred to the circuit portion 340.

[0140] The outer cover 301 may include a first film 303 and a second film 310. The first film 303 may face the plurality of battery cells 11. The second film 310 may be spaced farther from the plurality of battery cells 11 than the first film 303 may be spaced from the plurality of battery cells 11.

[0141] The first film 303 and the second film 310 may be formed of, for example, PI or PEN materials. If the heater 330, the circuit portion 340, and the insulator 320 are positioned between the first film 303 and the second film 310, and the first film 303 and the second film 310 are heated and pressed in a direction in which they are in close contact with each other, the outer peripheral corners of the first film 303 and the outer peripheral corners of the second film 310 may be joined to form the outer cover 301.

[0142] The battery cell heating device 300 may be installed in the battery module 10 such that the first film 303 may contact the upper surface 17 of the cell housing 12. In an embodiment, the battery cell heating device 300 may contact the plurality of battery cells 11. The plurality of temperature sensors and the plurality of voltage sensors 356 may be positioned outside the outer cover 301, rather than inside the outer cover 301 where the heater 330, the circuit portion 340, and the insulator 320 may be positioned.

[0143] The heater 330 may include heater terminals. The heater terminals may be on the upper surface of the heater 330. The circuit portion 340 may include circuit portion terminals that are stacked with the heater terminals. The circuit portion terminals may correspond to the heater terminals one by one.

[0144] The insulator 320 can be between the heater terminal and the circuit section terminal. The insulator 320 can include a terminal connection portion 323 that can electrically connect the heater terminal and the circuit section terminal.

[0145] The terminal connection portion 323 can have an insulator through-hole that passes through the insulator 320 in the thickness direction. The heater terminal and the circuit section terminal can be in direct contact through the insulator through-hole of the terminal connection portion 323 to be electrically connected to each other.

[0146] By way of summary and review, secondary batteries for driving devices or energy storage can be used not only for small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also for medium to large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Specifically, in the case of medium to large devices, a battery module can be formed in such a form that a plurality of battery cells can be electrically connected to each other to increase the output power and / or capacity of the battery.

[0147] The charge and discharge performance of the battery module at temperatures below zero (i.e., at low temperatures) is lower than that at room temperature, and the decrease in charge and discharge performance can be proportional to the decrease in temperature.

[0148] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell can be heated in a low-temperature environment, and thus the temperatures of the battery cell and the battery module can be rapidly increased. Therefore, deterioration of the charge and discharge performance of the battery cell and the battery module including a plurality of battery cells can be suppressed. Specifically, one aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure can relate to providing a battery cell heating device and a battery module that heat a battery cell to suppress deterioration of the battery module in a low-temperature environment.

[0149] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms have been employed, they have been used and will be interpreted only in a general and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing this application, unless otherwise specifically stated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery cell heating device, the battery cell heating device comprising: a heater configured to emit heat to heat the battery cell; a circuit portion electrically connected to the heater and configured to supply power to the heater; an insulator at least partially overlapping the circuit portion and the heater, the insulator being configured to suppress heat transfer so that the circuit portion is not heated by heat emitted by the heater; as well as An outer cover surrounds and fixedly holds the heater, the circuit portion, and the insulator.

2. The battery cell heating device according to claim 1, wherein: The circuit portion is disposed around the heater; The heater includes a heater terminal; The circuit portion includes a circuit portion terminal; and The heater terminal and the circuit portion terminal overlap and are electrically connected to each other.

3. The battery cell heating device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the heater terminal and the circuit portion terminal includes: a terminal body including a metal material; and A solder layer is stacked on the terminal main body so that the heater terminal and the circuit portion terminal are joined with the heater terminal and the circuit portion terminal being in close contact and melted while being heated. 4 . The battery cell heating device according to claim 2 , further comprising solder between the stacked heater terminals and the circuit portion terminals so that the heater terminals and the circuit portion terminals are electrically connected. 5 . The battery cell heating device according to claim 2 , further comprising a rivet penetrating through and bonding the heater terminal and the circuit portion terminal so that the heater terminal and the circuit portion terminal are electrically connected.

6. The battery cell heating device according to claim 2, wherein: The insulator comprises: a first insulator partially covering a surface of the heater facing the battery cell and a surface of the circuit portion facing the battery cell; and The second insulator completely covers a surface of the heater facing away from the battery cell and partially covers a surface of the circuit portion facing away from the battery cell.

7. The battery cell heating device according to claim 1, wherein: The circuit portion is spaced farther from the battery cell than the heater is spaced from the battery cell.

8. The battery cell heating device according to claim 7, wherein: The heater includes a heater terminal; The circuit portion includes a circuit portion terminal overlapping the heater terminal; The insulator is between the heater terminal and the circuit portion terminal; and The insulator includes a terminal connection portion that electrically connects the heater terminal and the circuit portion terminal.

9. The battery cell heating device according to claim 8, wherein: The circuit portion is disposed around the heater.

10. The battery cell heating device according to claim 1, wherein: The outer cover comprises: a first film facing the battery cell; and A second film is spaced further from the battery cell than the first film is spaced from the battery cell.

11. The battery cell heating device according to claim 10, wherein: The first film has an opening such that the heater faces the battery cell.

12. The battery cell heating device according to claim 1, wherein: The heater includes carbon nanotubes.

13. The battery cell heating device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor, wherein: electrically connected to the circuit portion; is configured to measure a state of the battery cell; and Positioned outside the outer cover.

14. The battery cell heating device according to claim 13, wherein: The sensor comprises: a voltage sensor configured to measure the voltage of the battery cell; and / or The temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the battery cell.

15. The battery cell heating device according to claim 13, wherein: The heater includes a plurality of heating portions, the plurality of heating portions being positioned such that they do not overlap one another; The sensor includes a plurality of temperature sensors corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of heating portions and configured to measure temperatures of the battery cells around the plurality of heating portions; and Each of the plurality of heating sections is configured such that an operation thereof is controlled according to a temperature measured by a corresponding temperature sensor of the plurality of temperature sensors.

16. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells; as well as A battery cell heating device includes: a heater configured to emit heat to heat the plurality of battery cells; a circuit portion adjacent to and electrically connected to the heater and configured to supply power to the heater; an insulator at least partially overlapping the circuit portion and the heater, the insulator being configured to suppress heat transfer so that the circuit portion is not heated by the heat emitted by the heater; and an outer cover surrounding and fixedly holding the heater, the circuit portion and the insulator.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of battery cells are arranged in a row in one direction; and The battery cell heating device contacts the plurality of battery cells and extends in the one direction.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein: The battery cell heating device further includes a sensor electrically connected to the circuit portion, positioned outside the outer cover, and configured to measure a state of a battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; The heater includes a plurality of heating portions, the plurality of heating portions being positioned such that they do not overlap one another; The sensor includes a plurality of temperature sensors corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of heating portions and configured to measure temperatures of the battery cells around the plurality of heating portions; and Each of the plurality of heating sections is configured such that its operation is controlled according to a temperature measured by its corresponding temperature sensor of the plurality of temperature sensors.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein: each of the plurality of heating parts is configured to be turned on if a temperature measured by its corresponding temperature sensor of the plurality of temperature sensors is lower than a preset reference temperature; and Each of the plurality of heating parts is configured to be turned off if a temperature measured by its corresponding temperature sensor of the plurality of temperature sensors is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature.

20. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein: the plurality of heating portions include a pair of first heating portions positioned at both ends of the battery cell heating apparatus in a length direction and a second heating portion positioned between the pair of first heating portions; The length of the second heating portion is greater than the length of the first heating portion; and A plane area of ​​the second heating portion is smaller than a plane area of ​​the first heating portion.

Images