Apparatus for connector fastening, battery control unit and connector mounting panel

Abstract

An apparatus for connector fastening, a battery control unit, and a connector mounting panel are provided. The apparatus for connector fastening includes a panel, a connector attached to the panel, and a connector guide groove adjacent to the connector in the panel, wherein the connector guide groove includes a bottom surface recessed inward from a surface of the panel, a guide wall connecting the bottom surface to the surface of the panel, and an end portion connected to the guide wall, the end portion being closest to the connector. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily fasten a connector of a unit such as a battery control unit of an energy storage system mounted in a narrow space without visual inspection, thereby improving workability and increasing space utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a device for fastening connectors and a battery control unit. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed for charging, secondary batteries are designed to discharge and recharge. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving motors in vehicles such as hybrid or electric vehicles, as well as for energy storage. These batteries include electrode assemblies with positive and negative electrodes, a housing that houses the electrode assemblies, and terminals connected to the positive and negative electrodes.

[0003] Multiple batteries are combined to form an energy storage system with expanded voltage and / or current capacity. The energy storage system may include battery modules / packs for vehicles or electrical equipment.

[0004] The information disclosed above in this background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] One object of this invention is to provide a connector fastening device for energy storage systems, such as battery control units, that can easily fasten connectors in confined spaces without visual inspection, thereby improving manufacturability and increasing space utilization, as well as a battery control unit and a connector mounting panel. Embodiments include a connector fastening device comprising a panel, a connector attached to the panel, and a connector guide groove adjacent to the connector, the connector guide groove being in the panel, wherein the connector guide groove includes a bottom surface recessed inward from the surface of the panel, a guide wall connecting the bottom surface to the surface of the panel, and an end connected to the guide wall, the end being closest to the connector.

[0006] The connector may include a first connector and a second connector, and the connector guide groove may be between the first connector and the second connector.

[0007] The panel, connector, and connector guide groove can be located in the battery control unit.

[0008] The bottom surface of the connector guide groove and the guide wall can form a space with a quadrilateral shape.

[0009] The boundary between the guide wall of the connector guide groove and the panel may include a chamfered portion.

[0010] Devices for fastening connectors may also include a damping layer applied to the bottom surface of the connector guide groove.

[0011] The end of the connector guide groove can have a quadrilateral shape.

[0012] The guide wall of the connector guide groove may include an inclined portion.

[0013] The guide wall of the connector guide groove may include a stepped portion, where the guide wall meets the end.

[0014] The guide wall of the connector guide groove may include protrusions and recesses.

[0015] The embodiment includes a battery control unit, which includes a connector attached to a panel and a connector guide recess adjacent to the connector in the panel, wherein the connector guide recess includes a bottom surface recessed inward from the surface of the panel, a guide wall connecting the bottom surface to the surface of the panel, and an end connected to the guide wall, the end being closest to the connector relative to the other portion of the connector guide recess.

[0016] The connector may include a first connector and a second connector, and the connector guide groove may be between the first connector and the second connector.

[0017] The bottom surface of the connector guide groove and the guide wall form a quadrilateral space.

[0018] The boundary of the guide wall of the connector guide groove may include a chamfered portion.

[0019] The battery control unit may also include a shock-absorbing layer on the bottom surface of the connector guide groove.

[0020] The end of the connector guide groove can have a quadrilateral shape.

[0021] The guide wall of the connector guide groove may include an inclined portion.

[0022] The guide wall of the connector guide groove may include a stepped portion, where the guide wall meets the end.

[0023] The guide wall of the connector guide groove may include protrusions and recesses.

[0024] The embodiment includes a connector mounting panel including a connector and a connector guide recess adjacent to the connector, wherein the connector guide recess includes a bottom surface recessed inward from the surface, a guide wall connecting the bottom surface to the surface, and an end connected to the guide wall, the end being closest to the connector.

[0025] The aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of this disclosure other aspects and features not specifically mentioned herein. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A pouch-type battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated schematically; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3A This is a top perspective view showing the exterior of a prismatic battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A A sectional view of line I-I' in the middle; Figure 4 This is an exemplary view of a battery module in which batteries are arranged, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 A schematic construction of an energy storage system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 6 This is a plan view showing the interior of a containerized energy storage system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 7 A rear panel of a battery control unit (BCU) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A transverse cross-sectional view of the connector guide groove along line A-A'; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector guide groove according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector guide groove according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 11 This is a front view of a battery control unit including a connector guide groove according to one or more other embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 12 It is used for detailed description Figure 11 A detailed structural diagram of the connector guide groove; and Figure 13 It is used to describe Figure 11 A view of the connector guide groove in operation. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being 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 exemplary implementation to those skilled in the art.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as "on" another layer or substrate, it may be directly on said other layer or substrate, or there may be intervening layers. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "below" another layer, it may be directly below said other layer, and one or more intervening layers may exist. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "between two layers," it may be the only layer between said two layers, or one or more intervening layers may exist. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0029] The terms or words used in this specification and claims shall not be interpreted narrowly according to their ordinary or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor may be his / her own lexicographer to properly define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe his / her embodiments.

[0030] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all aspects, features, and embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify one or more embodiments or features described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0031] It will be understood that if an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to said other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, if a first element is described as being "bonded" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly bonded to or directly connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly bonded to or indirectly connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0032] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, the use of “may” refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure. Expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” modify the entire list of elements if they follow a list of elements, but not individual elements within that list. When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one of the groups selected from A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B, and C,” the phrase may refer to any suitable combination (or subset) of A, B, and C and all suitable combinations (or subsets), such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term “use” and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to explain the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0033] 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 portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0034] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature as shown in the figures and another element or feature(s). It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” or “above” said other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will be further understood that if the terms “comprising and variations thereof” and / or “including and variations thereof” are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges containing the same numerical precision within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (and including both the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0), i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification and the claims to expressly describe any subranges contained within the range expressly described herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that any modification to expressly describe any such subrange will comply with the requirements of the patent rules.

[0037] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with deviations considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, if a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of the mean.

[0038] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0039] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "on (below)" another element can mean that the element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and that the other element can be placed between the element and any element located above (or below) the element.

[0040] Additionally, it will be understood that if a component is referred to as “linked,” “combined,” or “connected” to another component, then these components can be directly “combined,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or another component can be “placed” between these components.

[0041] Throughout the specification, if the statement "A and / or B" is made, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise specified, when "C to D" is stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 1 A pouch cell that can be used in an energy storage system (ESS) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated schematically.

[0044] The pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly 10 and a pouch 20 for housing the electrode assembly 10.

[0045] The first electrode connector 14 and the second electrode connector 15 of the electrode assembly 10 can be electrically connected to corresponding external first terminal lead 16 and second terminal lead 17 by soldering. For insulation from the bag 20, each of the first terminal lead 16 and the second terminal lead 17 may be attached with a connector film 18.

[0046] The bag 20 can accommodate the electrode assembly 10 while being sealed by bringing its sealing portions 21 at their edges into contact with each other. In this case, the seal can be achieved by placing a connecting piece film 18 between the sealing portions 21. The sealing portions 21 of the bag 20 can each be made of a hot-melt material that typically has weak adhesion to metals. Therefore, it can be fused to the bag 20 by placing a thin connecting piece film 18 between the sealing portions 21.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical battery that can be used in an energy storage system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The cylindrical battery includes an electrode assembly 30, a housing 38 therein housing the electrode assembly 30 and an electrolyte, a cover assembly 50 coupled to an opening in the housing 38 to seal it, and an insulating plate 37 located inside the housing 38 between the electrode assembly 30 and the cover assembly 50.

[0048] The electrode assembly 30 may include a diaphragm 30b and a first electrode 30c and a second electrode 30a positioned therebetween, and the electrode assembly 30 may be wound into an electrode core shape.

[0049] The first electrode 30c includes a first substrate and a first active material layer on the first substrate. A first lead tab 35 extends outward from a first uncoated portion of the first substrate on which the first active material layer is not positioned, and the first lead tab 35 can be electrically connected to the cover assembly 50.

[0050] The second electrode 30a includes a second substrate and a second active material layer on the second substrate. A second lead tab 34 extends outward from a second uncoated portion of the second substrate on which the second active material layer is not positioned, and the second lead tab 34 can be electrically connected to the housing 38. The first lead tab 35 and the second lead tab 34 can extend in opposite directions.

[0051] The first electrode 30c can serve as a positive electrode. In such an embodiment, the first substrate can be made of, for example, aluminum foil, and the first active material layer can include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode 30a can serve as a negative electrode. In such an embodiment, the second substrate can be made of, for example, copper foil or nickel foil, and the second active material layer can include, for example, graphite.

[0052] The diaphragm 30b prevents short circuits between the first electrode 30c and the second electrode 30a, while allowing lithium ions to move between the first electrode 30c and the second electrode 30a. The diaphragm 30b can be made of, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, or a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane.

[0053] The housing 38 houses the electrode assembly 30 and the electrolyte, and together with the cover assembly 50 forms the appearance of the battery. The housing 38 may have a generally cylindrical body portion 38b and a bottom 38a connected to one side of the body portion 38b. An inwardly deformed crimped portion 31 (e.g., a rolled edge) may be formed in the body portion 38b, and an inwardly bent crimped portion 33 (e.g., a crimp) may be formed at the open end of the body portion 38b.

[0054] The rolled edge portion 31 reduces or prevents movement of the electrode assembly 30 within the housing 38 and facilitates the placement of the gasket 32 ​​and the cover assembly 50. The crimp portion 33 securely holds the cover assembly 50 in place by pressing the edge of the housing 38 against the gasket 32. The housing 38 may be formed of, for example, nickel-plated steel.

[0055] The cover assembly 50 can be secured to the interior of the crimp portion 33 by a gasket 32 ​​to seal the housing 38. The cover assembly 50 may include an upper cover 51, a safety vent 52, a lower cover 53, an insulating member, and a sub-plate 54, but may be modified in various ways.

[0056] The top cover 51 may be positioned at the uppermost portion of the cover assembly 50 (in the shown orientation). The top cover 51 may include an upwardly projecting terminal portion that connects to an external circuit, and an outlet for venting gas may be arranged around the terminal portion.

[0057] The safety vent 52 may be located below the top cover 51. The safety vent 52 may include a downwardly projecting protrusion that is connected to the sub-plate 54, and at least one recess may be formed in the safety vent around the protrusion.

[0058] When gas is generated due to overcharging or abnormal operation of the secondary battery, the protrusion deforms upward under pressure and separates from the sub-board, while the safety vent is cut off (e.g., ruptured or torn) along the notch. The cut safety vent prevents the secondary battery from exploding by allowing gas to escape to the outside.

[0059] The lower cover 53 may be located below the safety vent 52. The lower cover 53 may have a first opening for exposing a protruding portion of the safety vent 52 and a second opening for gas venting. An insulating member may be positioned between the safety vent 52 and the lower cover 53 to insulate the safety vent 52 from the lower cover 53.

[0060] Subplate 54 can be located below lower cover 53. Subplate 54 can be fixed to the lower surface of lower cover 53 to block the first opening of lower cover 53, and the protruding portion of safety vent 52 can be fixed to subplate 54. First lead connector 35 extending from electrode assembly 30 can be fixed to subplate 54. Therefore, upper cover 51, safety vent 52, lower cover 53, and subplate 54 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 30c of electrode assembly 30.

[0061] The insulating plate 37 can be positioned below the rolled edge portion 31 to contact the electrode assembly 30. The insulating plate 37 may have a tab opening for the first lead tab 35 to extend through it. The cover assembly 50, electrically connected to the first electrode 30c via the first lead tab 35, can face the electrode assembly 30, and the insulating plate 37 is positioned between the cover assembly 50 and the electrode assembly 30, and the cover assembly 50 can be kept insulated (e.g., electrically insulated) from the electrode assembly 30 by the insulating plate. Meanwhile, for insulation between the electrode assembly 30 and the bottom 38a of the housing 38, another insulating plate 36 may be included.

[0062] Figure 3A This is a top perspective view of a prismatic battery that can be used in energy storage systems.

[0063] The housing 59 defines the overall appearance of the prismatic secondary battery and can be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Additionally, the housing 59 can provide space within it for accommodating the electrode assembly.

[0064] The cover assembly 60 may include a cover plate 61 that covers the opening of the housing 59. In some examples, the housing 59 and the cover plate 61 may be made of a conductive material. Here, the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 may be electrically connected to corresponding positive and negative electrodes (or negative and positive electrodes) inside the housing and may be mounted to protrude outward through the cover plate 61.

[0065] An electrolyte inlet 64 may be formed in a cover plate 61, a gas vent 65 may be opened, and an exhaust port (i.e., a gas venting device 66) may be connected to the gas vent 65. The gas venting device 66 is opened by gas generated inside the battery and performs a degassing function.

[0066] Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A The cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' shows the internal structure of the prismatic battery and the structure of the cover assembly 60.

[0067] Electrode assembly 40 can be formed by winding or stacking a first electrode plate, a diaphragm, and a second electrode plate into a thin plate or film. When electrode assembly 40 is a wound stack, the winding axis can be parallel to the length direction of housing 59. In some other embodiments, electrode assembly 40 is stacked rather than wound. The shape of electrode assembly 40 can vary. Alternatively, electrode assembly 40 can be a Z-stacked electrode assembly in which positive and negative electrode plates are inserted into both sides of a diaphragm that is subsequently bent into a Z-stack. Additionally, one or more electrode assemblies can be stacked such that the long sides of the electrode assemblies are adjacent to each other and housed in a housing, and the number of electrode assemblies in the housing can vary. The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly can be used as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate can be used as a positive electrode. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0068] The first electrode plate can be formed by coating a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, onto a first electrode substrate formed of a metal foil such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy. The first electrode plate may include a first electrode tab 43 (e.g., a first uncoated portion) as a region where the first electrode active material is not coated. The first electrode tab 43 can serve as a current flow path between the first electrode plate and the first current collector 41. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the first electrode plate, the first electrode tab 43 is formed by pre-cutting it to protrude toward one side of the electrode assembly 40, or, without separate cutting, the first electrode tab 43 protrudes much more toward one side of the electrode assembly 40 than the diaphragm (e.g., protrudes further toward one side of the electrode assembly 40 than the diaphragm or protrudes beyond the diaphragm).

[0069] The second electrode plate can be formed by coating a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, onto a second electrode substrate formed of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the second electrode plate may include a second electrode tab 44 (or a second uncoated portion) as a region where the second electrode active material is not coated. The second electrode tab 44 can serve as a current flow path between the second electrode plate and the second current collector 42. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the second electrode plate, the second electrode tab 44 may be formed by pre-cutting it to protrude toward the other side (e.g., opposite side) of the electrode assembly, or, without separate cutting, the second electrode plate may protrude much more toward the other side of the electrode assembly than the diaphragm (e.g., far more toward the other side of the electrode assembly than the diaphragm or protruding beyond the diaphragm).

[0070] The separator prevents or substantially reduces short circuits between the first and second electrodes while allowing lithium ions to move between them. The separator can be made of, for example, polyethylene membranes, polypropylene membranes, or polyethylene-polypropylene membranes.

[0071] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 40 is housed together with the electrolyte in the housing 59.

[0072] In the electrode assembly 40, the first current collector 41 and the second current collector 42 can be welded and connected to the first electrode terminal 43 extending from the first electrode plate and the second electrode terminal 44 extending from the second electrode plate, respectively.

[0073] The first current collector 41 and the second current collector 42 are respectively connected to the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 via connecting members 67. In some embodiments, the connecting members 67 may each have a threaded outer peripheral surface and can be fastened to the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 by threaded connection. However, the connecting members 67 may also be riveted or welded to the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63.

[0074] Figure 4 This is an exemplary view of a battery module in which batteries are arranged. To apply this disclosure to an energy storage system (ESS), a battery module is manufactured by arranging and connecting multiple battery cells in a horizontal and / or vertical direction. Multiple secondary batteries can be arranged in a space defined by a pair of facing end plates 68a, 68b and a pair of facing side plates 69a, 69b. The secondary batteries can be arranged in a certain orientation and number to achieve desired voltage and current specifications.

[0075] Figure 4 The battery module shown can be a basic unit of ESS.

[0076] Energy storage systems may include battery management systems (BMS) for managing batteries. BMS uses sensors to pre-measure and determine the voltage (V), current (I), temperature (T), etc., of the batteries used in electric vehicles or energy storage systems (ESS), and controls the batteries to ensure optimal performance. Battery management devices may include detection devices, balancing devices, and control devices.

[0077] The detection device can detect the state of the battery (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) to output state information indicating the battery's state. The detection device can detect the voltage of each individual cell constituting the battery or the voltage of each battery module. The detection device can detect the current flowing through each individual cell constituting the battery module or battery pack. The detection device can also detect the temperature of the individual cells and / or the module and / or the ambient temperature at at least one point on the battery.

[0078] The balancing device can perform balancing operations on the battery module and / or the individual cells constituting the battery module. The control device can receive state information (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the battery module from the detection device. Based on the state information received from the detection device, the control device can monitor and calculate the state of the battery module (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), lifespan (state of health (SOH)), etc.). Furthermore, based on the state monitoring results, the control device can perform control functions (e.g., temperature control, balancing control, and charge / discharge control), protection functions (e.g., prevention of over-discharge, prevention of over-charge and overcurrent, prevention of short circuits, fire suppression, etc.). Additionally, the control device can perform wired or wireless communication functions with external devices of the battery pack (e.g., a host controller, vehicle, charger, power conversion system, etc.).

[0079] The control device can control the charging / discharging operation and protection operation of the battery. Therefore, the control device may include a charging / discharging control unit, a balancing control unit, and / or a protection unit.

[0080] A battery management system is a system that monitors battery status and performs diagnostic and control, communication and protection functions. It can calculate charge / discharge status, calculate battery life or state of health (SOH), cut off battery power as needed (e.g., relay control), control thermal management (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.), perform high-voltage interlock functions, and / or detect and / or calculate insulation and short-circuit conditions.

[0081] A relay can be a mechanical contactor, which is switched on and off by the magnetic force of a coil or a semiconductor switch (such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET)).

[0082] The relay control has the function of cutting off the power supply from the battery if (or when) a problem occurs in the vehicle and battery system, and may include one or more relays and a pre-charge relay at the positive terminal and the negative terminal, respectively.

[0083] In precharge control, there is a risk of inrush current in the high-voltage capacitor on the inverter input side when a battery load is connected. Therefore, to prevent inrush current when starting the vehicle, the precharge relay can be operated before the main relay, and a precharge resistor can be connected.

[0084] High-voltage interlock is a circuit that uses a small signal to detect whether all high-voltage components of the entire vehicle system are connected, and can have the function of forcibly disconnecting the relay if (or when) an open circuit occurs in the entire circuit, even at one location.

[0085] Figure 5 A schematic construction of an energy storage system (ESS) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0086] An ESS typically consists of a battery module / battery rack 102, a battery management system (BMS) 104, a battery control unit (BCU) 106, and a battery control panel (BCP) 108.

[0087] Here, the battery module / battery rack 102 can be as follows: Figure 4 The arrangement shown has Figures 1 to 3B The battery module shown, or battery module / battery rack 102, can be as follows: Figure 6 The rack shown is installed in the container.

[0088] As described above, BMS 104 can detect the voltage, current, and temperature of individual battery cells and determine their state of charge (SOC) and / or state of health (SOH). Additionally, the BMS can perform overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, overheat protection, cell balancing, etc. BMS 104 can be included in BCU 106, or, for example, separately from BCU 106.

[0089] BCU 106 can be responsible for the electrical connection and disconnection of the battery module / battery rack 102, but other situations are also possible. For example, BCU 106 can control the charging / discharging operation, protection operation, etc. of the battery together with BMS 104 or independently. BCU 106 can be designed to perform different functions according to ESS specifications.

[0090] BCP 108 can be a unit for user control of BCU 106's function execution or display of operating status, and can also be used to collect connection cables from other devices and connect the connection cables as a whole to BCU 106. Therefore, in order to connect the cable connected to BCP 108 to BCU 106 from the outside, the cable 110 connected to terminal 109 of BCP 108 is fastened to connector 107 attached to BCU 106.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a plan view showing the interior of a containerized energy storage system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] Multiple racks 114 are designed to house the battery modules with predetermined voltage and current capacities inside the container 112.

[0093] BCU 106 and BCP 108 are installed on one side of container 112, and BMS and / or various auxiliary equipment are installed on the other side.

[0094] In this way, when the ESS is installed inside container 112, the space allocated to other components such as BCU 106, BCP 108, etc., becomes narrow, making installation and maintenance difficult. Specifically, in order to secure the cable to the connector attached to the rear 118 of BCU 106, the connector needs to be secured in a narrow space 120 between the rear 118 of BCU 106 and the wall. It is impossible for a person to enter space 120, almost impossible for an arm to enter, and space 120 is dark because light is blocked. Therefore, it is difficult to precisely secure the cable while visually inspecting the connector, and it requires relying on memory to find the approximate location of the connector, and it may be difficult to apply the force required for tightening.

[0095] Figure 7 A rear (rear side) panel 122 of a BCU 106 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Mounting brackets 124 protrude from the left and right sides of the rear panel 122, but the arrangement may vary.

[0096] Two connectors 126 and 128 are attached to panel 122, but other configurations are also possible. The first connector 126 can be a connector “P-” for a (-) power line, and the second connector 128 can be a connector “P+” for a (+) power line. In this embodiment, the first connector 126 and the second connector 128 can be receptacles (also called female connectors), but can alternatively be “male” connectors. The cable to be connected to the first connector 126 and the second connector 128 can be two cables, each connected to one of the mating connectors (e.g., plugs) for P- and P+ connections, or it can be a single cable connected to two corresponding plugs.

[0097] A connector guide groove 130 is formed in the space between the first connector 126 and the second connector 128. In another example, only one connector may be attached to the panel 122, and the connector guide groove 130 may be formed adjacent to the connector.

[0098] The connector guide groove 130 may include a space formed in the panel into which a mating connector to be fastened to the connector is inserted, and the connector guide groove 130 includes guide walls 130a, 130b and ends 131a, 131b, the guide walls 130a, 130b guiding the movement of the mating connector toward one of the connectors 126, 128, and the movement of the mating connector that has moved along the guide walls 130a, 130b stopping at the ends 131a, 131b.

[0099] The connector guide groove 130 is used to guide the mating connector to be fastened to the correct (e.g., accurate) position, namely, the first connector 126 or the second connector 128. For example, when a worker inserts the mating connector to be fastened into the connector guide groove 130 and pushes the mating connector to the left or right in the direction of arrow B to reach the respective ends 131a, 131b of the groove, the worker can know without visual inspection that the first connector 126 or the second connector 128 is positioned near that point (i.e., end 131a or end 131b). Therefore, the ends 131a, 131b of the connector guide groove 130 are preferably close to (e.g., adjacent to) the first connector 126 and the second connector 128. In other words, the ends 131a, 131b of a portion of the connector guide groove 130 are closest to the first connector 126 and the second connector 128, respectively. In addition, the lateral width W of the connector guide groove 130 (e.g., the distance between the guide walls 130a, 130b) is preferably greater than the corresponding width of the mating connector.

[0100] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector guide groove 130, and it is along... Figure 7 A sectional view of line A-A'.

[0101] The connector guide groove 130 formed on the panel 122 of the BCU 106 has an inner surface that is recessed inward from the surface of the panel 122 (hereinafter, in... Figure 8The space is a quadrilateral formed by the bottom surface 122a and the guide wall connecting the bottom surface 122a to the surface of the panel 122, and the mating connector 132 can be inserted into the respective ends 131a, 131b (also quadrilaterals) of the connector guide groove 130. Here, "134" refers to a cable. Alternatively, the mating connector 132 can be a plug (so-called a male connector), but the connector can vary. Here, the lateral width W of the connector guide groove 130 is preferably greater than the lateral width W of the mating connector 132. p Or diameter.

[0102] To facilitate the function of guiding the mating connector, the cross-sectional shape and / or front shape of the connector guide groove 130 can be designed in various ways.

[0103] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector guide groove 130 according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0104] When the mating connector 132 is inserted into the connector guide groove 130 and slides laterally after insertion, a chamfering process is performed on the boundaries of the guide walls 130a and 130b to form a chamfered portion 136, thereby minimizing damage caused by contact between the mating connector 132 and the portion in the guide walls 130a and 130b where the groove begins to form (i.e., the boundary of the panel 122 and the boundary of the guide walls 130a and 130b).

[0105] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector guide groove 130 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] When the mating connector 132 is inserted into the connector guide groove 130 and slides laterally after insertion, a bottom damping layer 138 is attached to or formed on the bottom surface of the connector guide groove 130 to minimize damage caused by the mating connector 132 contacting the walls of the groove. The bottom damping layer 138 can be achieved by attaching woven or nonwoven fabric or by coating with Teflon or synthetic resin, but the material can vary. In one or more other embodiments, in addition to or instead of the bottom damping layer 138 of the connector guide groove 130, a guide wall damping layer 139 can be attached to or formed on the guide walls 130a, 130b. The material or application method of the guide wall damping layer 139 can be similar to that of the bottom damping layer 138.

[0107] Figure 11 This is a front view of a battery control unit including a connector guide recess 140 according to one or more other embodiments. Figure 7 Compared to the connector guide groove 130, the two ends 146a and 146b have slightly different shapes, and inclined surfaces are added to the guide walls. This will refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 A detailed description is provided.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the connector guide groove 140 has guide walls 140a and 140b with different shapes. The guide walls 140a and 140b face each other and connect the first end 146a adjacent to the first connector 126 to the second end 146b adjacent to the second connector 128. For example, the first guide wall 140a may include a linear portion 141 connected to the first end 146a and the second end 146b, and the second guide wall 140b may include: a linear portion 142 positioned at the center of the second guide wall 140b; a first inclined portion 144a inclined to have a lateral width decreasing from the center to the first end 146a; a first stepped portion 152a, the inclination of the first inclined portion 144a stopping at the first stepped portion 152a upon encountering the first end 146a; a second inclined portion 144b inclined to have a lateral width decreasing from the center to the second end 146a; and a second stepped portion 152b, the inclination of the second inclined portion 144b stopping at the second stepped portion 152b upon encountering the second end 146b.

[0109] Here, the center portion can be located approximately at the midpoint between the first connector 126 and the second connector 128, and the connector guide groove 140 can have a structure that is symmetrical about the center portion. When there is only one connector, it may only be necessary to have half of the connector guide groove 140 relative to the center portion.

[0110] exist Figure 12 In the connector guide groove 140, a portion having a minimum lateral width has a width W between the linear portion 141 of the first guide wall 140a and the first stepped portion 152a of the second guide wall 140b, and also has a width W between the linear portion 141 of the first guide wall 140a and the second stepped portion 152b of the second guide wall 140b. Therefore, Figure 12 The width W of the connector guide groove 140 is preferably greater than the lateral width W of the mating connector 132. p (See Figure 8 and Figure 13 ).

[0111] The connector guide groove 140 has Figure 12 A portion of the maximum lateral width has a width W between the linear portion 141 of the first guide wall 140a and the linear portion 142 of the second guide wall 140b. cTherefore, the mating connector 132 can be most easily inserted into the groove at this part. (The width W will be...) c The width of the variation between them is represented by W. s .

[0112] Reference Figure 13 The user can insert the mating connector 132 into position P1 near the center of the connector guide groove 140 or another random position while holding the mating connector 132 in his or her hand, and make the mating connector 132 in width W s Sliding P2 along inclined portions 144a and 144b in a space that gradually increases in the left or right direction (see arrow B) causes the mating connector 132 to move toward the first connector 126 or the second connector 128. The sliding ends when the mating connector approaches the first end 146a or the second end 146b, and the mating connector 132 can then be positioned along the first step 152a or the second step 152b onto the mounting portions 148a and 148b (P3a, P3b) formed on the ends 146a and 146b, respectively. Here, the space between the first end 146a and the first step 152a is the first mounting portion 148a, and the space between the second end 146b and the second step 152b is the second mounting portion 148b. Figure 12 When the mating connector 132 reaches the first end 146a and the second end 146b and is positioned on each of the placement portions 148a, 148b, the user can know that the mating connector 132 has reached the ends 146a, 146b because the mating connector 132 will not be pushed in opposite directions by each of the step portions 152a, 152b unless it is pulled out of the groove. The user can easily pull the mating connector 132 out from each of the ends 146a, 146b and fasten the mating connector 132 to the adjacent first connector 126 or second connector 128.

[0113] Meanwhile, according to some other embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, before the second inclined portion 144b of the second guide wall 140b terminates in front of the second end portion 146b, there is a protrusion 150 (e.g., a serrated portion) on the surface of the second inclined portion 144b. The protrusion 150 is designed to allow the user to identify the left-right direction of the connector guide groove 140. Therefore, the protrusion 150 is preferably present only on the left or right side of the connector guide groove 140. When the user slides the mating connector 132 and it encounters the protrusion 150, he / she feels a vibration P4, and the worker who feels this vibration can determine whether the corresponding direction of movement is the intended direction.

[0114] Units such as battery management systems (BMS), battery control units (BCU), and battery control panels (BCP) may require connector fastening, and when the units are installed inside the container, the available space is reduced, so there is a difficulty in fastening the connectors in the narrow space between the rear of the unit and the wall.

[0115] This disclosure aims to provide a method for securing connectors of units that require connector fastening, such as battery management systems (BMS), battery control units (BCU), battery control panels (BCP), etc., which may be included in energy storage systems.

[0116] In some embodiments, the connector guide groove may be a groove into which a mating connector, fastened to the connector, is inserted; the guide wall may guide the movement of the mating connector toward the connector; and the end may be a point where the movement of the mating connector, which has already moved along the guide wall, stops.

[0117] According to this disclosure, the connectors of units (such as BMS, BCU, and BCP) of an energy storage system installed in a narrow space (such as a container) can be easily fastened with just one hand without visual inspection, thereby improving manufacturability and increasing space utilization.

[0118] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, although the BCU has been described above as a component of the ESS, the present disclosure can be applied not only to other components, but also to other devices requiring connector fastening besides ESS components, connector mounting panels, etc.

[0119] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terminology has been used, it is used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only, and not for limiting purposes. In some instances, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless specifically instructed otherwise. Therefore, 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 device for fastening connectors, characterized in that, The device for fastening the connector includes: panel; Connector, attached to the panel; and A connector guide groove, adjacent to the connector, is located within the panel. The connector guide groove includes a bottom surface recessed inward from the surface of the panel, a guide wall connecting the bottom surface to the surface of the panel, and an end connected to the guide wall, the end being closest to the connector.

2. The device for fastening connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector includes a first connector and a second connector, and The connector guide groove is located between the first connector and the second connector.

3. The device for fastening connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The panel, the connector, and the connector guide groove are located in the battery control unit.

4. The device for fastening connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the connector guide groove and the guide wall form a space with a quadrilateral shape.

5. The device for fastening connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The boundary between the guide wall of the connector guide groove and the panel includes a chamfered portion.

6. The device for fastening connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device for fastening the connector also includes a shock-absorbing layer on the bottom surface of the connector guide groove.

7. The device for fastening connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the connector guide groove has a quadrilateral shape.

8. The device for fastening connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide wall of the connector guide groove includes an inclined portion.

9. The device for fastening connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide wall of the connector guide groove includes a stepped portion, where the guide wall meets the end portion.

10. The device for fastening connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide wall of the connector guide groove includes protrusions and recesses.

11. A battery control unit, characterized in that, The battery control unit includes: Connectors, attached to the panel; and A connector guide groove, adjacent to the connector, is located within the panel. The connector guide groove includes a bottom surface recessed inward from the surface of the panel, a guide wall connecting the bottom surface to the surface of the panel, and an end connected to the guide wall, the end being closest to the connector relative to the other parts of the connector guide groove.

12. The battery control unit according to claim 11, characterized in that: The connector includes a first connector and a second connector, and The connector guide groove is located between the first connector and the second connector.

13. The battery control unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the connector guide groove and the guide wall form a quadrilateral space.

14. The battery control unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, The boundary of the guide wall of the connector guide groove includes a chamfered portion.

15. The battery control unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, The battery control unit also includes a shock-absorbing layer on the bottom surface of the connector guide groove.

16. The battery control unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, The end of the connector guide groove has a quadrilateral shape.

17. The battery control unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, The guide wall of the connector guide groove includes an inclined portion.

18. The battery control unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, The guide wall of the connector guide groove includes a stepped portion, where the guide wall meets the end portion.

19. The battery control unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, The guide wall of the connector guide groove includes protrusions and recesses.

20. A connector mounting panel, characterized in that, The connector mounting panel includes: Connectors; and Connector guide groove, adjacent to the connector. The connector guide groove includes a bottom surface recessed inward from the surface, a guide wall connecting the bottom surface to the surface, and an end connected to the guide wall, the end being closest to the connector.

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