Battery module
By overlapping and laser-welding electrode terminals within a bus bar design with slots, the method addresses the limited welding area issue, enhancing electrical connectivity and stability in battery modules.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202024106261
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-07
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-31
AI Technical Summary
The limited area for welding electrode terminals to bus bars in battery cells restricts efficient electrical connections, necessitating a more robust and expansive connection method.
The electrode terminals of multiple battery cells are overlapped and welded, with a bus bar design featuring slots that allow for bending and laser welding to form elongated welds, ensuring secure electrical connections.
This method enhances the electrical connectivity and stability of battery modules by providing a more extensive welding area, improving the efficiency and reliability of battery performance.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module. BACKGROUND
[0002] A battery cell may include a cell body and an electrode terminal protruding from the cell body. The electrode terminal of the battery cell may be attached to a busbar. For example, the electrode terminal of the battery cell may be positioned in a slot of the busbar and may be welded and connected. In this case, the area where the electrode terminal and the busbar are welded may be somewhat limited. SUMMARY
[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided in which electrode terminals of a plurality of battery cells and a bus bar are overlapped and welded.
[0004] A battery module according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells including a cell body and an electrode terminal protruding from the cell body; a bus bar including a bus bar body in which a plurality of bus bar slots are formed, the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells passing through the plurality of bus bar slots, the electrodes of the plurality of battery cells being respectively inserted into the plurality of bus bar slots and bent in the first direction to overlap each other; and a first weld formed by melting and joining a portion of the bus bar body and a portion of the electrode terminal, the first weld extending in the first direction.
[0005] According to a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, electrode terminals of a plurality of battery cells and a bus bar may be overlapped and welded.
[0006] A battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can be widely applied in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-based solar power generation and wind power generation.
[0007] A battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in environmentally friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc. to prevent climate changes by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of the disclosure, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principle of the disclosure. Fig. 1 illustrates a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 illustrates a busbar support of a Fig. 1 illustrated busbar unit. Fig. 3 illustrates a busbar of a Fig. 1 illustrated busbar unit. Fig. 4 illustrates a busbar unit. Fig. 5 illustrates a battery cell. Fig. 6 illustrates that a busbar including a busbar body is connected to a battery cell. Fig. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating that electrode terminals of a plurality of Fig. 6 illustrated battery cells are bent after they have been inserted into busbars. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates that a laser beam is directed onto a Fig. 7 illustrated electrode connection is applied to form a weld. Fig. 9 illustrates an electrode connection and a Fig. 8 illustrated busbar when viewed from the outside of the busbar. Fig. 10 illustrates that a busbar including a busbar body and a busbar cover is connected to a battery cell. Fig. 11 illustrates a busbar including a busbar cover. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating that electrode terminals of a plurality of Fig. 11 illustrated battery cells are inserted into busbar slots and bent, and then covered by a busbar cover. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating that electrode terminals of a plurality of Fig. 11 are inserted into busbar slots and bent, and then covered by a busbar cover forming a stepped section. Fig. 14 illustrates that a laser beam is directed onto a Fig. 12 is applied to form a weld. Fig. 15 illustrates a busbar and a Fig. 14 illustrated weld when viewed from the outside of the busbar. Fig. 16 illustrates that a plurality of electrode terminals are divided and stacked into two groups, as a form of an electrode terminal and a Fig. 8 when viewed from the outside of the busbar. Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 illustrate that a weld is formed using a zigzag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, the following description is merely an example and is not intended to limit the present disclosure to any specific implementation.
[0010] A battery module according to the present disclosure may be applied to a pouch cell, a cylindrical cell, a square cell, etc. An electrode assembly may be a wound type, a stack type, a zigzag fold type (Z-fold type), or a stack fold type.
[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] With reference to Fig. 1, a battery module 10 may include at least one battery cell 100. For example, the battery module 10 may include a plurality of battery cells 100. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked in one direction. For example, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked in a horizontal direction. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be housed in a housing (not shown).
[0013] The battery module 10 may include a busbar unit 20. For example, the busbar unit 20 may electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 100. The busbar unit 20 may be connected to the plurality of battery cells 100. At least a portion of the busbar unit 20 may be housed in a housing (not shown).
[0014] A plurality of bus bar units 20 may be provided. For example, the battery module 10 may include a plurality of bus bar units 20. For example, the battery module 10 may include a first bus bar unit 21 and a second bus bar unit 22. The bus bar unit 20 may include or indicate at least one of the first bus bar unit 21 and the second bus bar unit 22.
[0015] Fig. 2 illustrates a busbar support of a Fig. 1 illustrated busbar unit.
[0016] With reference to Fig. 2, the busbar unit 20 may include a busbar support 300. The busbar support 300 may include a busbar support body 310. The busbar support body 310 may face a portion of each of the plurality of battery cells 100 (see Fig. 1).
[0017] For example, the busbar support body 310 may be a cell body 110 (see Fig. 5) each of the plurality of battery cells 100 (see Fig. 1). For example, the busbar support body 310 may be attached to one end of the cell body 110 (see Fig. 5) each of the plurality of battery cells 100 (see Fig. 1). An electrode connection 120 (see Fig. 5) may protrude from one end of a cell body 110 (see Fig. 5).
[0018] The busbar support body 310 may form a plate or a board shape. For example, the busbar support body 310 may form an inner surface and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface of the busbar support body 310 may correspond to the end of the cell body 110 (see Fig. 5) each of the plurality of battery cells 100 (see Fig. 1).
[0019] The busbar support body 310 may be formed from a material including an electrically insulating material. For example, the busbar support body 310 may be formed from a material including a polymer or a plastic.
[0020] The busbar support body 310 may have an elongated shape in one direction. For example, the busbar support body 310 may extend from one end and lead to another end. A direction in which the busbar support body 310 extends may be parallel to a direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 (see Fig. 1) are stacked. That is, the busbar support body 310 may have an elongated shape in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 (see Fig. 1) are stacked.
[0021] The busbar support 300 may include a busbar support slot 320. The busbar support slot 320 may be a slot formed in the busbar support body 310. The busbar support slot 320 may form an elongated shape in an up-down direction. The busbar support slot 320 may be connected to the inner surface and the outer surface of the busbar support body 310.
[0022] A plurality of busbar support slots 320 may be provided. The plurality of busbar support slots 320 may be arranged sequentially in a direction spaced apart. For example, the plurality of busbar support slots 320 may be arranged sequentially in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 (see Fig. 1) are stacked.
[0023] Fig. 3 illustrates a busbar of a Fig. 1. The busbar unit 20 (see Fig. 1) may include a busbar 200. A plurality of busbars 200 may be provided. The plurality of busbars 200 may be arranged to be spaced apart in a direction in which the busbar support 300 (see Fig. 2). For example, the plurality of bus bars 200 may be arranged one after the other to be spaced apart in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 (see Fig. 1) are stacked.
[0024] The busbar 200 may include a busbar body 210. The busbar body 210 may be formed from a material that includes an electrically conductive material. For example, the busbar body 210 may be formed from a material that includes a metal.
[0025] The busbar body 210 may form a plate or a board shape. For example, the busbar body 210 may form an inner surface and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface of the busbar body 210 may face or contact an outer surface of the busbar support 300 (see Fig. 2).
[0026] The busbar 200 may include a busbar slot 220. The busbar slot 220 may be a slot formed in the busbar body 210. The busbar slot 220 may form an elongated shape in the up-down direction. The busbar slot 220 may be connected to the inner surface and the outer surface of the busbar body 210.
[0027] A plurality of busbar slots 220 may be provided. The plurality of busbar slots 220 may be arranged sequentially in one direction. For example, the busbar slots 220 may be arranged sequentially in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 (see Fig. 1) are stacked.
[0028] Fig. 4 illustrates a busbar unit.
[0029] With reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4, the busbar support 300 can be arranged between the cell body 110 (see Fig. 5) and the busbar 200. The busbar support 300 can support the cell body 110 (see Fig. 5) and electrically insulate the busbar 200.
[0030] The plurality of busbars 200 may be connected or joined to the busbar support 300. For example, an inner surface of each of the plurality of busbars 200 may face the outer surface of the busbar support 300 or may be joined to the outer surface of the busbar support 300.
[0031] The busbar slot 220 and the busbar support slot 320 may face each other, be connected to each other, or communicate with each other. The electrode terminal 120 (see Fig. 5), which extends from the end of the cell body 110 (see Fig. 5) can be inserted successively into the busbar support slot 320 and the busbar slot 220.
[0032] Fig. 5 illustrates a battery cell.
[0033] With reference to Fig. 5, the battery cell 100 may include the cell body 110. The cell body 110 may be elongated in one direction. For example, the cell body 110 may extend from a first end to a second end. The first end and the second end of the cell body 110 may be positioned opposite each other.
[0034] The cell body 110 may include an electrode assembly (not shown). The cell body 110 may include a pouch surrounding the electrode assembly (not shown).
[0035] The electrode assembly (not shown) may contain electrical energy. For example, the electrical energy of the electrode assembly (not shown) of the cell body 110 may increase during a charging process of the battery cell 100. For example, the electrical energy of the electrode assembly (not shown) of the cell body 110 may decrease during a discharging process of the battery cell 100.
[0036] The battery cell 100 may include the electrode terminal 120. The electrode terminal 120 may be connected to the cell body 110. For example, the electrode terminal 120 may extend or protrude from the cell body 110.
[0037] The electrode terminal 120 may be formed from a material that includes a metal. For example, the electrode terminal 120 may be formed from a metal plate. The electrode terminal 120 may be bent or curved. The electrode terminal 120 may be connected to another metal by welding.
[0038] For example, the battery cell 100 may include a plurality of electrode terminals 120. For example, the battery cell 100 may include a first electrode terminal 120a and a second electrode terminal 120b. The electrode terminal 120 may include or indicate at least one of the first electrode terminal 120a and the second electrode terminal 120b.
[0039] For example, the first electrode terminal 120a may extend from or protrude from the first end of the cell body 110. For example, the second electrode terminal 120b may extend from or protrude from the second end of the cell body 110.
[0040] For example, the first electrode terminal 120a and the second electrode terminal 120b may be positioned opposite each other. For example, the first electrode terminal 120a and the second electrode terminal 120b may protrude or extend in opposite directions from the cell body 110.
[0041] The first electrode terminal 120a and the second electrode terminal 120b may have different polarities. For example, the first electrode terminal 120a may be an anode and the second electrode terminal 120b may be a cathode. For another example, the first electrode terminal 120a may be a cathode and the second electrode terminal 120b may be an anode.
[0042] Fig. 6 illustrates that a busbar including a busbar body is connected to a battery cell.
[0043] With reference to Fig. 6, the plurality of busbars 200 may be provided. For example, the busbar unit 20 (see Fig. 1) include the plurality of busbars 200. For example, the busbar unit 20 (see Fig. 1) include a first busbar 201, a second busbar 202, and a third busbar 203. The busbar 200 may include or indicate at least one of the first busbar 201, the second busbar 202, and the third busbar 203.
[0044] The plurality of battery cells 100 may be provided. For example, the battery module 10 (see Fig. 1) include the plurality of battery cells 100. For example, the battery module 10 (see Fig. 1) a first battery cell 101, a second battery cell 102, a third battery cell 103, a fourth battery cell 104, a fifth battery cell 105 and a sixth battery cell 106.
[0045] The battery cell 100 may include or indicate at least one of the first battery cell 101, the second battery cell 102, the third battery cell 103, the fourth battery cell 104, the fifth battery cell 105, and the sixth battery cell 106.
[0046] The battery cell 100 may be connected to the busbar 200. For example, the electrode terminal 120 (see Fig. 5) of the battery cell 100 into the busbar slot 220 (see Fig. 3) formed in the busbar 200, inserted or fitted.
[0047] For example, the second electrode terminal 120b (see Fig. 5) of each of the first battery cell 101, the second battery cell 102 and the third battery cell 103 may be connected to the first busbar 201.
[0048] For example, the first electrode terminal 120a (see Fig. 5) of each of the first battery cell 101, the second battery cell 102 and the third battery cell 103 may be connected to the second busbar 202.
[0049] For example, the first electrode terminal 120a (see Fig. 5) of each of the fourth battery cell 104, the fifth battery cell 105 and the sixth battery cell 106 may be connected to the second busbar 202.
[0050] For example, the second electrode terminal 120b (see Fig. 5) of each of the fourth battery cell 104, the fifth battery cell 105 and the sixth battery cell 106 may be connected to a third busbar 203.
[0051] Thus, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be connected in parallel and in series. For example, the first battery cell 101, the second battery cell 102, and the third battery cell 103 may be connected in parallel and referred to as a "first battery cell group."
[0052] For example, the fourth battery cell 104, the fifth battery cell 105, and the sixth battery cell 106 may be connected in parallel and referred to as a "second battery cell group." The first battery cell group and the second battery cell group may be connected in series.
[0053] Fig. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating that electrode terminals of a plurality of Fig. 6 illustrated battery cells are bent after they have been inserted into busbars.
[0054] With reference to Fig. 7, the electrode terminal 120 extending from the cell body 110 can be bent after being inserted into the busbar slot 220 (see Fig. 3) the busbar 200. A direction in which the electrode terminal 120 is bent may be the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked. For example, the electrode terminal 120 may be bent in the direction in which the cell bodies 110 of the plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked.
[0055] For example, the bent electrode terminal 120 may face or contact an outer surface of the busbar 200. The electrode terminals 120 of the plurality of battery cells 100 may overlap each other when the electrode terminals 120 are inserted into the busbar slots 220 (see Fig. 3) inserted and bent.
[0056] In a state where the electrode terminals 120 are bent and overlap each other while facing the bus bar 200, a laser 500 may apply a laser beam to the electrode terminals 120. For example, the laser 500 may apply the laser beam to the electrode terminals 120 from the outside of the bus bar 200.
[0057] A direction in which the laser 500 applies the laser beam from the outside of the bus bar 200 to the electrode terminal 120 may form an angle with a direction in which the outer surface of the bus bar 200 faces. For example, even if the laser beam is applied to the bus bar slot 220 in a state in which the electrode terminal 120 is not connected to the bus bar 200 (see Fig. 3), the laser beam may not pass through the busbar slot 220 (see Fig. 3) go through.
[0058] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates that a laser beam is directed onto a Fig. 7 illustrated electrode connection is applied to form a weld.
[0059] With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, when the laser beam is applied to the electrode terminal 120, heat energy can be transferred to the electrode terminal 120. Part of the heat energy applied to the electrode terminal 120 can be transferred to the busbar body 210. Through this process, the electrode terminal 120 and the busbar body 210 can be connected.
[0060] Therefore, a technique for connecting the electrode terminal 120 and the bus bar 200 is different from a technique in which the electrode terminals 120 of the plurality of battery cells 100 are individually connected to the bus bar 200.
[0061] For example, the electrode terminals 120 of the plurality of battery cells 100 and the bus bar 200 may form a weld 600. For example, the weld 600 may be formed by melting and joining a portion of the bus bar 200 and a portion of the electrode terminal 120 and then solidifying them.
[0062] For example, a first weld 610 (see Fig. 17) by melting and joining a portion of the busbar body 210 and a portion of the electrode terminal 120 and then solidifying them. As another example, the first weld 610 (see Fig. 18) by melting and joining a portion of the busbar body 210, a portion of a busbar cover 230 (see Fig. 18) and a portion of the electrode terminal 120 and then solidifying them. A second weld seam 620 (see Fig. 18) can be made by melting and joining a portion of the busbar body 210 and a portion of the busbar cover 230 (see Fig. 18) and then solidifying them. The weld seam 600 can be the first weld seam 610 (see Fig. 17) and / or the second weld seam 620 (see Fig. 18) include or specify.
[0063] Fig. 9 illustrates an electrode connection and a Fig. 8 illustrated busbar when viewed from the outside of the busbar.
[0064] With reference to Fig. 9, the weld seam 600 may include the first weld seam 610. The first weld seam 610 may form an elongated shape in one direction. For example, the first weld seam 610 may form an elongated shape in a direction in which the cell bodies 110 of the plurality of battery cells 100 (see Fig. 8) are stacked.
[0065] A plurality of first weld seams 610 may be provided. The plurality of first weld seams 610 may be spaced apart from one another. For example, the weld seam 600 may include the plurality of first weld seams 610. The plurality of first weld seams 610 may be arranged in a longitudinal direction of the busbar slot 220.
[0066] The longitudinal direction of the busbar slot 220 may be a width direction of the cell body 110 (see Fig. 5). For example, the width direction of the cell body 110 (see Fig. 5) cut a direction in which the cell bodies 110 (see Fig. 5) are stacked. The stacking direction of the cell body 110 (see Fig. 5) a thickness direction of the cell body 110 (see Fig. 5).
[0067] Fig. 10 illustrates that a busbar including a busbar body and a busbar cover is connected to a battery cell.
[0068] With reference to Fig. 10, the busbar 200 may include the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230. The busbar cover 230 may include the electrode terminal 120 (see Fig. 5) after the electrode connection 120 (see Fig. 5) into the busbar slot 220 (see Fig. 11) was inserted and bent. A connection relationship between the busbar body 210 and the electrode terminal 120 (see Fig. 5), which in Fig. 10 may be substantially the same as a connection relationship between the busbar body 210 and the electrode terminal 120 (see Fig. 5), which in Fig. 6 is illustrated.
[0069] Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a busbar including a busbar cover. The busbar body 210 and the busbar slot 220 shown in Fig. 11 may be substantially the same as the busbar body 210 and the busbar slot 220, respectively, shown in Fig. 3 are illustrated.
[0070] With reference to Fig. 11, the busbar 200 may include the busbar cover 230. The busbar cover 230 may have a plate or board shape as a whole.
[0071] The busbar cover 230 may be formed from a material that includes a metal. For example, the material forming the busbar cover 230 may be substantially the same as the material forming the busbar body 210. The busbar cover 230 may be welded.
[0072] The busbar cover 230 may face the busbar body 210. The busbar cover 230 may face and cover the outer surface of the busbar body 210. For example, after the electrode terminal 120 (see Fig. 5) was inserted into the busbar slot 220 and bent, the busbar cover 230, the busbar body 210 and the electrode terminal 120 (see Fig. 5) on the outer surface of the busbar body 210.
[0073] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating that electrode terminals of a plurality of Fig. 11 illustrated battery cells are inserted into busbar slots and bent, and then covered by a busbar cover.
[0074] With reference to Fig. 12, the electrode terminal 120 extending from the cell body 110 can be bent after being inserted into the busbar slot 220 (see Fig. 3) the bus bar 200. A direction in which the electrode terminal 120 is bent may be the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked. For example, the electrode terminal 120 may be bent in the direction in which the cell bodies 110 of the plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked. The direction in which the cell bodies 110 of the plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked may be referred to as a "first direction."
[0075] In a state where the electrode terminals 120 are bent, the busbar cover 230 may cover the electrode terminal 120. An inner surface of the busbar cover 230 may face the outer surface of the busbar body 210. A portion of the busbar cover 230 may face and contact the outer surface of the busbar body 210.
[0076] A portion of the electrode terminal 120 may be positioned between the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230. For example, one end of the electrode terminal 120 may be positioned between the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230.
[0077] For example, a distal end portion of the electrode terminal 120 may be positioned between the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230. A proximal end portion of the electrode terminal 120 may be connected to the cell body 110 or extend from the cell body 110.
[0078] For example, the distal end portions of two electrode terminals 120, each extending from two adjacent cell bodies 110, may overlap each other. The distal end portions of the two overlapped electrode terminals 120 may be connected by welding.
[0079] In a state where a portion of the electrode terminal 120 is positioned between the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230, the laser 500 may apply a laser beam to the busbar cover 230. For example, the laser 500 may apply the laser beam to an outer surface of the busbar cover 230.
[0080] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating that electrode terminals of a plurality of Fig. 11 are inserted into busbar slots and bent, and then covered by a busbar cover forming a stepped section.
[0081] The busbar cover 230 may form a stepped section. The electrode terminal 120 may be positioned between the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230. The number of electrode terminals 120 positioned between the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230 may vary depending on the position of the busbar cover 230.
[0082] The electrode terminal 120 may have a thickness. Thus, a distance between the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230 may vary depending on the number of electrode terminals 120 positioned between the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230.
[0083] The busbar cover 230 may form a stepped portion based on the number of electrode terminals 120 positioned between the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230. At least one electrode terminal 120 positioned between the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230 may be in close contact with the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230 as a whole.
[0084] Fig. 14 illustrates that a laser beam is directed onto a Fig. 12 is applied to form a weld.
[0085] With reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 14, when a laser beam is applied to the busbar cover 230, heat energy can be transferred to the busbar cover 230. Part of the heat energy applied to the busbar cover 230 can be transferred to the electrode terminal 120 and the busbar body 210. Through this process, the electrode terminal 120 can be connected to the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230.
[0086] For example, the electrode terminals 120, the busbar bodies 210, and the busbar covers 230 of the plurality of battery cells 100 may form the weld seam 600. Additionally, the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230 may form a new weld seam 600.
[0087] Fig. 15 illustrates a busbar and a Fig. 14 illustrated weld when viewed from the outside of the busbar.
[0088] With reference to Fig. 15, the weld 600 may include the first weld 610 and the second weld 620. An elongated direction of the first weld 610 may intersect an elongated direction of the second weld 620.
[0089] For example, the first weld seam 610 may form an elongated shape in the direction in which the cell bodies 110 of the plurality of battery cells 100 (see Fig. 8) are stacked. For example, the first weld seam 610 may be elongated in a transverse direction.
[0090] For example, the second weld seam 620 may form an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction of the busbar slot 220. For example, the second weld seam 620 may form an elongated shape in the width direction of the cell body 110 (see Fig. 5) be elongated. For example, the second weld seam 620 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction.
[0091] A plurality of first welds 610 may be provided. The plurality of first welds 610 may be spaced apart from one another. The plurality of first welds 610 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second weld 620. The plurality of first welds 610 may be arranged between a pair of second welds 620.
[0092] A plurality of second weld seams 620 may be provided. The plurality of second weld seams 620 may be spaced apart from one another. The plurality of second weld seams 620 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first weld seam 610.
[0093] Fig. 16 illustrates that a plurality of electrode terminals are divided and stacked into two groups, as a form of an electrode terminal and a Fig. 8 when viewed from the outside of the busbar.
[0094] With reference to Fig. 16, the plurality of electrode terminals 120 can be classified into a first electrode terminal group 120x and a second electrode terminal group 120y. Each of the first electrode terminal group 120x and the second electrode terminal group 120y can individually include a plurality of electrode terminals 120.
[0095] The plurality of electrode terminals 120 belonging to the first electrode terminal group 120x may be spaced apart from the plurality of electrode terminals 120 belonging to the second electrode terminal group 120y. In other words, the plurality of electrode terminals 120 belonging to the first electrode terminal group 120x may be separated from the plurality of electrode terminals 120 belonging to the second electrode terminal group 120y.
[0096] The first electrode terminal group 120x and the second electrode terminal group 120y may be individually connected to the busbar body 210 by the weld 600. For example, the electrode terminals 120 belonging to the first electrode terminal group 120x may be connected to the busbar body 210 by a first weld group 610x. For example, the electrode terminals 120 belonging to the second electrode terminal group 120y may be connected to the busbar body 210 by a second weld group 610y.
[0097] The weld seams 600 can form the longitudinal direction when the laser beam 500 (see Fig. 7) generated laser beam moves. For example, the weld seams 600 can form the longitudinal direction, while the laser 500 (see Fig. 7) moves.
[0098] A power of the laser 500 (see Fig. 7) may vary depending on at least one of time and place.
[0099] For example, the power of the laser can be 500 (see Fig. 7) show a decreasing trend when the Laser 500 is based on the Fig. 16 illustrated busbar 200 goes from left to right, and the power of the laser 500 (see Fig. 7) may reach zero or below the lowest output before the laser beam reaches the busbar slot 220 which is not covered by the electrode terminal 120.
[0100] After the laser 500 has passed the busbar slot 220 which is not covered by the electrode terminal 120, the power of the laser 500 (see Fig. 7) show a decreasing trend after reaching the highest output, and the power of the laser 500 (see Fig. 7) may reach zero or below the lowest output before the laser beam reaches another busbar slot 220 that is not covered by the electrode terminal 120.
[0101] Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 illustrate that a weld is formed using a zigzag.
[0102] With reference to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, a clamping device 400 may cover the busbar 200. For example, the clamping device 400 may cover the busbar body 210 and the electrode terminal 120. For example, the clamping device 400 may cover the busbar cover 230.
[0103] The clamping device 400 may include a horizontal clamping device portion 410. The horizontal clamping device portion 410 may form an elongated shape in one direction. For example, the horizontal clamping device portion 410 may be elongated in the direction in which the plurality of busbar slots 220 (see Fig. 3). The horizontal clamping device section 410 may have a beam shape.
[0104] The clamping device 400 may include a vertical clamping device portion 420. The vertical clamping device portion 420 may form an elongated shape in another direction. For example, the vertical clamping device portion 420 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the busbar slot 220 (see Fig. 3) be elongated. The vertical clamping device section 420 may have a beam shape.
[0105] The horizontal chuck portion 410 and the vertical chuck portion 420 may meet or be connected to each other. The vertical chuck portion 420 may cover the busbar slot 220 that is not covered by the electrode terminal 120. As a result, the laser beam can be prevented from passing through the busbar slot 220 and reaching the cell body 110 (see Fig. 5) is reached.
[0106] With reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 18 describes the manufacture of the battery module.
[0107] Manufacturing the battery module may include a step of connecting a busbar unit 20 to a battery cell 100. In the step of connecting the busbar unit 20 to the battery cell 100, the busbar unit 20 may be connected to an electrode terminal 120 of the battery cell 100.
[0108] The step of connecting the busbar unit 20 to the battery cell 100 may include a step of inserting the electrode terminal 120 into a busbar slot 220. In the step of inserting the electrode terminal 120 into the busbar slot 220, one end of the electrode terminal 120 may be inserted into the busbar slot 220 and may pass through the busbar slot 220.
[0109] The step of connecting the busbar unit 20 to the battery cell 100 may include a step of bending the electrode terminal 120. In the step of bending the electrode terminal 120, the electrode terminal 120 may be bent in the busbar slot 220. For example, in the step of bending the electrode terminal 120, the electrode terminal 120 may be bent in a direction in which the cell bodies 110 of the plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked. In the step of bending the electrode terminal 120, the plurality of electrode terminals 120 may be overlapped.
[0110] The step of connecting the busbar unit 20 to the battery cell 100 may include a step of covering the electrode terminal 120 with a busbar cover 230. In the step of covering the electrode terminal 120 with the busbar cover 230, the busbar cover 230 may face the busbar body 210 while covering the electrode terminal 120.
[0111] Manufacturing the battery module may include a step of welding the busbar unit 20 to the electrode terminal 120. In the step of welding the busbar unit 20 to the electrode terminal 120, at least one of the busbar body 210 and the busbar cover 230 may be welded to the electrode terminal 120. In the step of welding the busbar unit 20 to the electrode terminal 120, a weld seam 600 may be formed.
[0112] The step of welding the busbar unit 20 to the electrode terminal 120 may include a step of positioning a jig 400 on the busbar unit 20. In the step of positioning the jig 400 on the busbar unit 20, the jig 400 may be positioned on an outer surface of the busbar cover 230 or on an outer surface of the busbar body 210.
[0113] The step of welding the busbar unit 20 to the electrode terminal 120 may include a step in which the busbar unit 20 and the electrode terminal 120 form the weld 600. In the step in which the busbar unit 20 and the electrode terminal 120 form the weld 600, heat energy may be applied to the busbar unit 20 and the electrode terminal 120. In the step in which the busbar unit 20 and the electrode terminal 120 form the weld 600, at least one of the busbar body 210, the busbar cover 230, and the electrode terminal 120 may form the weld 600.
[0114] The step in which the busbar unit 20 and the electrode terminal 120 form the weld 600 may include a step of forming a first weld 610 in which a portion of the busbar body 210 and a portion of the electrode terminal 120 are melted and joined.
[0115] The manufacture of the battery module may include a step of forming a second weld 620 in which a portion of the busbar body 210 and a portion of the busbar cover 230 are melted and joined.
[0116] Only specific examples of implementations of particular embodiments are described. Variations, improvements, and enhancements of the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments may be made based on the disclosure of this document.
Claims
[1] Battery module (10), comprising: a plurality of battery cells (100) stacked in a first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells (100) including a cell body (110) and an electrode terminal (120) protruding from the cell body (110); a busbar (200) including a busbar body (210) in which a plurality of busbar slots (220) are formed, wherein the electrode terminals (120) of the plurality of battery cells (100) extend through the plurality of busbar slots (220), wherein the electrodes of the plurality of battery cells (100) are respectively inserted into the plurality of busbar slots (220) and bent in the first direction to overlap each other; and a first weld (610) formed by melting and joining a portion of the busbar body (210) and a portion of the electrode terminal (120), the first weld (610) extending in the first direction. [2] The battery module (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a bus bar cover (230) configured to cover the bus bar body (210). [3] The battery module (10) according to claim 2, wherein the electrode terminal (120) portion of each of the plurality of battery cells (100) is positioned between the bus bar body (210) and the bus bar cover (230). [4] The battery module (10) according to claim 3, wherein the bus bar cover (230) forms a stepped portion based on a number of electrode terminals (120) positioned between the bus bar body (210) and the bus bar cover (230). [5] The battery module (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a portion of the busbar cover (230) and the busbar body (210) are in contact with each other and are welded. [6] The battery module (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a second weld seam (620) extending in a longitudinal direction from each of the plurality of busbar slots (220). [7] The battery module (10) according to claim 6, wherein a direction in which the first weld line (610) extends intersects a direction in which the second weld line (620) extends. [8] Battery module (10) according to one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the second weld seam (620) includes a pair of second weld seams (620), the first weld seam (610) being located between the pair of second weld seams (620). [9] The battery module (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second weld (620) is formed by melting and joining another portion of the busbar body (210) and a portion of the busbar cover (230). [10] Battery module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first weld seam (610) includes a plurality of first weld seams (610). [11] The battery module (10) of claim 10, wherein the plurality of first welds (610) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of busbar slots (220). [12] The battery module (10) according to claim 11, wherein the longitudinal direction is a width direction of the cell body (110). [13] Battery module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the electrode terminal (120) includes: a proximal end portion extending from the cell body (110); and a distal end portion that is curved and extends from the proximal end portion in the first direction. [14] The battery module (10) according to claim 13, wherein the first weld (610) connects the busbar body (210) to the distal end portion. [15] The battery module (10) according to claim 14, wherein the distal end portions of the two electrode terminals (120) each extending from two adjacent cell bodies of the plurality of cell bodies are overlapped and connected by the first weld (610).