Battery module mounting device

Abstract

Battery module mounting device, comprising: a mounting unit comprising a first mounting configured to allow a first surface of a first electrode lead to come into contact with it, and a second mounting configured to allow a fourth surface of a second electrode lead to come into contact with it; a press unit configured to move the second bracket towards the first bracket; a guide unit configured to guide a linear movement of the mounting unit; and a connecting unit configured so that the mounting unit can be moved relative to or attached to the guide unit.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present application claims priority over Korean patent application No. 2023-0182398, which was filed on December 14, 2023.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module fastening device, in particular a battery module fastening device for the weldless mounting of battery cells into a battery module in order to electrically connect the battery cells to each other. State of the art

[0003] With the technological development of mobile devices and the increasing demand for them, rechargeable secondary batteries are being used as an energy source for various mobile devices. Secondary batteries have also attracted attention as an energy source for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, which are presented as alternatives to existing gasoline and diesel vehicles that use fossil fuels.

[0004] The required capacity of secondary batteries, which are indispensable as energy sources for various types of electronic devices in modern society, has increased due to the growing use of mobile devices, the increasing complexity of these devices, and the development of electric vehicles. To meet user demand, a large number of battery cells are arranged in a compact device, whereas in a vehicle, a battery module containing a large number of electrically interconnected battery cells, or a battery pack containing a large number of battery modules, is used.

[0005] Fig. Figure 1 is a view illustrating a conventional battery module with a power busbar.

[0006] With reference to Fig. 1. Lines 11 and 21 of a plurality of battery cells 10 and 20 are coupled by welding to a busbar 30, so that the battery cells are joined together to form a battery module.

[0007] In the conventional battery module, the fastening effect is increased because leads 11 and 21 of battery cells 10 and 20 are welded to the busbar 30. However, the problem is that the entire battery module must be replaced if battery cells 10 and 20 need to be replaced. (State of the art document)

[0008] (Patent document 1) Korean registered patent publication no. 10-2256733 Revelation Technical Problem

[0009] The present invention was developed taking into account the problems mentioned above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a battery module fastening device that enables replacement based on battery cells, as well as a corresponding method for fastening the battery module. Technical solution

[0010] As a technical means for fulfilling the above-mentioned task, a battery module mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a mounting unit (100) comprising a first mounting (110) configured so that a first surface (11a) of a first electrode lead (11) can come into contact with it, and a second mounting (120) configured so that a fourth surface (21b) of a second electrode lead (21) can come into contact with it, a pressing unit (200) configured to move the second mounting (120) in the direction of the first mounting (110), a guide unit (300) configured to guide the linear movement of the mounting unit (100), and a connecting unit (400) configured so that the mounting unit (100) can be moved relative to or attached to the guide unit (300).

[0011] Furthermore, in the battery module mounting device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the connecting unit (400) can include a first connecting element (410) on a surface of the first holder (110), which attaches the first holder (110) to the guide unit (300), and a second connecting element (420) on another surface of the second holder (120), wherein the second connecting element is configured to move the second holder (120) linearly relative to the guide unit (300).

[0012] Furthermore, in the battery module fastening device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the guide unit (300) can include a guide recess (310) which corresponds to a linear movement section of the second connecting element (420).

[0013] Furthermore, in the battery module fastening device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the second connecting element (420) can include a projecting part (421) which is inserted into the guide recess (310) and is linearly movable relative to the guide recess (310), and the projecting part (421) can also be coupled to the guide recess (310) by a plug-socket coupling, so that it is linearly movable relative to the guide recess.

[0014] Furthermore, the press unit (200) in the battery module fastening device according to the embodiment of the present invention can include a screw element (210) with an external thread formed on its outer surface, wherein the screw element is connected to the second holder (120), a ratchet wheel (220) coupled to the screw element (210), wherein the ratchet wheel has a plurality of saw teeth (221) on its outer surface, and a stop element (230) clamped between two adjacent (221) of the plurality of saw teeth (221) of the ratchet wheel (220).

[0015] Furthermore, in the battery module fastening device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the ratchet wheel (220) can be configured such that it allows rotation of the screw element (210) in one direction of rotation and restricts rotation of the screw element in the opposite direction of rotation in the state in which the stop element (210) is clamped between two adjacent (221) of the plurality of saw teeth (221).

[0016] In the battery module mounting device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the screw element (210) can also be configured such that it moves the second holder (120) in the direction of rotation towards the first holder (110).

[0017] Furthermore, in the battery module mounting device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first holder (110) can have a first projection on the opposite surface which is in contact with the first surface (11a) of the first electrode line (11), wherein the first projection (111) protrudes towards the other side.

[0018] Furthermore, in the battery module mounting device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the second holder (120) can have a second projection on one of its surfaces which is in contact with the fourth surface (21b) of the second electrode line (21), wherein the second projection (121) protrudes to one side.

[0019] Furthermore, in the battery module mounting device according to the embodiment of the present invention, both the first holder (110) and the second holder (120) can be made of metal.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the battery module mounting device can also include a sensor unit (500) attached to the first holder (110), which is indirectly connected to the first electrode line (11) and the second electrode line (22).

[0021] Furthermore, in the battery module fastening device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the mounting unit (100) can contain a plurality of mounting units, the pressing unit (200) can contain a plurality of pressing units, and the connecting unit (400) can contain a plurality of connecting units. Beneficial effects

[0022] As can be seen from the above description, a mounting unit in a battery module mounting device according to the present invention holds a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead, wherein the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead can be connected to each other without a separate busbar structure and no welding is required, which can be advantageous in a production process.

[0023] Furthermore, as described above, in the battery module mounting device according to the present invention, a pressing unit can effect a linear movement of a second holder, whereby only the battery cell that needs to be replaced actually needs to be replaced when a battery cell replacement is required. This reduces the costs of replacing parts on a module basis. Description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a view illustrating a conventional battery module with a power busbar. Fig. Figure 2 is a view showing the state in which a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead are arranged in a mounting device for battery modules according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting unit of the battery module mounting device according to the present invention. Fig. 4 is a view that shows the state in which the in Fig. 2 The battery module mounting device shown holds the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead. Fig. Figure 5 is a view illustrating the coupling between a guide unit and a second connecting element of the battery module mounting device according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a view illustrating a press unit of the battery module fastening device according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 is a view illustrating the state in which the mounting unit, the pressing unit and the connecting unit are each present multiple times in the battery module mounting device according to the present invention. Best form of execution

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be easily implemented by a person skilled in the art in the field to which the present invention relates. However, in the detailed description of the operating principle of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a detailed presentation of known functions and configurations will be omitted if this could obscure the subject matter of the present invention.

[0025] Furthermore, the same reference symbols are used in all drawings to refer to parts that perform similar functions or operations. If a part is to be connected to another part throughout the description, this connection can be direct or indirect, via another part. Moreover, the inclusion of a particular element does not exclude other elements, but rather indicates that such elements may be included unless otherwise specified.

[0026] The following describes a battery module mounting device according to the present invention.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 is a view showing the state in which a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead are arranged in a mounting device for battery modules according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting unit of the battery module mounting device according to the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a view that shows the state in which the in Fig. 2 The battery module mounting device shown holds the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead.

[0028] Furthermore, Fig. 5 a view illustrating the coupling between a guide unit and a second connecting element of the battery module mounting device according to the present invention, Fig. Figure 6 is a view illustrating a press unit of the battery module fastening device according to the present invention, and Fig. Figure 7 is a view illustrating the state in which the mounting unit, the pressing unit and the connecting unit are each present multiple times in the battery module mounting device according to the present invention.

[0029] With reference to the Fig. 2 to 7 the battery module fastening device according to the present invention comprises a holding unit 100, a pressing unit 200, a guide unit 300, a connecting unit 400 and a sensor unit 500.

[0030] Initially, the mounting unit 100 can contain a first mounting bracket 110 and a second mounting bracket 120.

[0031] The first holder 110 can be configured such that a first surface 11a of a first electrode lead 11 is in contact with it. For example, the first surface 11a of the first electrode lead 11 can be the surface located on one side (in a 9 o'clock direction). Fig. 2).

[0032] Furthermore, the second holder 120 can be configured such that a fourth surface 21b of a second electrode lead 21 can come into contact with it. For example, the fourth surface 21b of the second electrode lead 21 can be the surface located on the opposite side (in a 3 o'clock direction). Fig. 2).

[0033] Additionally, for example, the first holder 110 and the second holder 120 can be spaced apart from each other, and the first electrode lead 11 and the second electrode lead 21 can be inserted into a gap formed between the first holder 110 and the second holder 120.

[0034] The first support 110 can be provided with a first projection 111, and the first projection 111 can extend from the other surface of the first support 110 into contact with the first surface 11a of the first electrode line 11 to the other side.

[0035] Furthermore, the second support 120 can be provided with a second projection 121, and the second projection 121 can extend from a surface of the second support 120 in contact with the fourth surface 21b of the second electrode lead 21 to one side.

[0036] For example, the first projection 111 of the first holder 110 and the second projection 121 of the second holder 120 can be configured to increase the pressing force when the first holder 110 and the second holder 120 hold the first electrode lead 11 and the second electrode lead 21, respectively.

[0037] Furthermore, both the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 can be made of metal.

[0038] The first holder 110 and the second holder 120 can hold the first electrode lead 11 and the inserted (mounted) second electrode lead 21 in a state in which they are pressed by the pressing unit 200. At this point, the second surface 11b of the first electrode lead 11 and the third surface 21a of the second electrode lead 21 can be electrically connected to each other by being in contact.

[0039] The press unit 200 can contain a screw element 210, a ratchet wheel 220 and a stop element 230.

[0040] The screw element 210 has an external thread formed on its outer surface and can be connected to the second bracket 120. For example, the screw element 210 can be connected to the second bracket 120 via a bolt and nut element provided on the second bracket. This allows the screw element 210 to move the second bracket 120 in the direction of the first bracket 110 when rotated in a direction A.

[0041] Furthermore, the ratchet wheel 220 can be coupled to the screw element 210 and provided with a plurality of saw teeth 221 on its outer surface. For example, a hole can be formed in the center of the ratchet wheel 220, and the screw element 210 can be coupled to this hole. The hole can be essentially aligned with the axis of rotation of the ratchet wheel 220.

[0042] The ratchet wheel 220 can be configured to allow rotation of the screw element 210 in the direction of rotation A and to restrict rotation of the screw element in the opposite direction of rotation B in the state in which the stop element 210 is clamped between two adjacent 221 of the plurality of saw teeth 221.

[0043] For example, each of the multitude of saw teeth 221 of the ratchet wheel 220 can be configured such that the angle of its surface facing the direction of rotation A is smaller than the angle of its surface facing the opposite direction of rotation B.

[0044] The stop element 230 can be clamped between two adjacent teeth of the plurality of saw teeth 221 of the ratchet wheel 220.

[0045] For example, the stop element 230 can be configured to have a detent end that tapers towards its end to be engaged by the ratchet wheel 220. For example, the end of the stop element 230 can be pointed so that it is clamped between two adjacent teeth 221 of the plurality of saw teeth 221 of the ratchet wheel 220.

[0046] Additionally, for example, the end of the stop element 230 can be located between the surface of a saw tooth 221 of the plurality of saw teeth 221 of the ratchet wheel 220 facing the direction of rotation A and the surface of another adjacent saw tooth 221 facing the opposite direction of rotation B, in order to allow rotation of the ratchet wheel 220 in the direction of rotation A and to restrict rotation of the ratchet wheel in the opposite direction of rotation B.

[0047] A battery module can be secured using the ratchet wheel 220 and the stop element 230. Furthermore, if it becomes necessary to replace battery cell-based components, the stop element 230 can be detached from the ratchet wheel 220, the screw element 210 can be turned in the opposite direction B to release the battery cell fastening, and only the battery cell that needs replacing can be replaced. This reduces the cost of replacing battery module-based components, and since no busbar components are required, welding is unnecessary, which can be advantageous in the production process.

[0048] The ratchet wheel 220 and the stop element 230 can each be a ratchet wheel and stop element known to a person skilled in the art, which is why a detailed description is omitted.

[0049] Meanwhile, the guide unit 300 can be configured to guide the linear movement of the mounting unit 100. For example, the guide unit 300 can be positioned above and below the first mounting unit 110 and the second mounting unit 120 to secure the first mounting unit 110 and guide the linear movement of the second mounting unit 120. With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. For example, the linear movement of the second bracket 120 can be a movement in an X-axis direction.

[0050] In the control unit 300 a control recess 310 may be formed, and a more detailed description of the control recess 310 will be given later.

[0051] Furthermore, the connecting unit 400 can contain a first connecting element 410 and a second connecting element 420. The first connecting element 410 is located on a surface of the first bracket 110 (in a 9 o'clock direction). Fig. 2) and can be configured to attach the first bracket 110 to the guide unit 300.

[0052] The second connecting element 420 is located on the other surface of the second bracket 120 (in a 3 o'clock direction). Fig. 2) and can be configured such that the second bracket 120 moves linearly relative to the guide unit 300. For example, the second bracket 120 can be connected to the second connecting element 420 so that it moves linearly together with the second connecting element 420 when the second connecting element is moved linearly.

[0053] This means that the connecting unit 400 can be configured so that the mounting unit 100 can be moved relative to or attached to the guide unit 300.

[0054] The second connecting element 420 may have a projecting part 421. The projecting part 421 can be inserted into the guide recess 310 formed in the guide unit 300 and can be configured to be linearly movable relative to the guide recess 310.

[0055] The guide recess 310 can be a recess designed such that the second connecting element 420 can be moved linearly relative to the guide unit 300. The guide recess 310 can be configured to correspond to a linear movement segment of the second connecting element 420.

[0056] The protruding part 421 of the second connecting element 420 can be coupled to the guide recess 310 by a plug-socket coupling such that it is linearly movable relative to the guide recess. For example, the protruding part 421 of the second connecting element 420 can be inserted into the guide recess 310 and is linearly movable along a transversely formed section of the guide recess 310.

[0057] Furthermore, the protruding part 421 of the second connecting element 420 can be moved linearly back and forth along the length section of the guide recess 310.

[0058] Additionally, the guide recess 310 formed in the guide unit 300 can be formed in a top and a bottom of the guide unit 300, which supports or fastens the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120.

[0059] The sensor unit 500 can be attached to the first bracket 110 and can be indirectly connected to the first electrode line 11 and the second electrode line 22.

[0060] For example, the sensor unit 500 can be a temperature sensor attached to the first bracket 110 or to the second bracket 120 to indirectly measure the temperature of the first electrode line 11 and the second electrode line 22, respectively.

[0061] In another example, the sensor unit 500 can be a current sensor attached to the first bracket 110 or the second bracket 120 to detect the current of the first electrode lead 11 and the second electrode lead 22, respectively. The sensor unit 500 is not limited to this, and various sensors known to those skilled in the art can be used.

[0062] In the battery module mounting device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the mounting unit 100, the pressing unit 200 and the connecting unit 400 can each be present multiple times, and the number of sensor units 500 can correspond to the number of mounting units 100.

[0063] Although the specific details of the present invention have been described in detail, the person skilled in the art will recognize that the detailed description only discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention and thus does not limit the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the person skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the generic and technical concept of the present invention, and it is obvious that such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims. (Description of reference symbols)

[0064] 10: First battery cell 11: First electrode lead 11a: First surface 11b: Second surface 20: Second battery cell 21: Second electrode lead 21a: Third surface 21b: Fourth surface 100: Mounting unit 110: First bracket 111: First lead 120: Second bracket 121: Second lead 200: Press unit 210: Screw element 220: Ratchet wheel 221: Sawtooth 230: Stop element 300: Guide unit 310: Guide recess 400: Connection unit 410: First connecting element 420: Second connecting element 421: Protruding part 500: Sensor unit QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 2023-0182398

[0001] KR 10-2256733

[0008]

Claims

[1] Battery module mounting device comprising: a mounting unit comprising a first mounting configured to allow a first surface of a first electrode lead to come into contact with it, and a second mounting configured to allow a fourth surface of a second electrode lead to come into contact with it; a press unit configured to move the second bracket towards the first bracket; a guide unit configured to guide a linear movement of the mounting unit; and a connecting unit configured so that the mounting unit can be moved relative to or attached to the guide unit. [2] Battery module mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting unit comprises: a first connecting element on a surface of the first bracket, wherein the first connecting element fastens the first bracket to the guide unit; and a second connecting element on another surface of the second bracket, wherein the second connecting element is configured to move the second bracket linearly relative to the guide unit. [3] Battery module fastening device according to claim 2, wherein the guide unit includes a guide recess corresponding to a linear movement section of the second connecting element. [4] Battery module fastening device according to claim 3, wherein the second connecting element includes a projecting part which is inserted into the guide recess, wherein the projecting part is linearly movable relative to the guide recess, and The foreground part is coupled to the guide recess via a plug-socket coupling, so that it is linearly movable relative to the guide recess. [5] Battery module fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing unit comprises: a screw element with an external thread formed on its outer surface, wherein the screw element is connected to the second support; a ratchet wheel coupled to the screw element, wherein the ratchet wheel is located on an outer surface thereof with a plurality of saw teeth; and a stop element that is clamped between two adjacent teeth of the ratchet wheel's multitude of saw teeth. [6] Battery module fastening device according to claim 5, wherein the ratchet wheel is configured to allow rotation of the screw element in one direction of rotation and to restrict rotation of the screw element in an opposite direction of rotation in a state in which the stop element is clamped between two adjacent of the plurality of saw teeth. [7] Battery module mounting device according to claim 6, wherein the screw element is configured such that when rotated in the direction of rotation, it moves the second holder in the direction of the first holder. [8] Battery module mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the first holder includes a first projection on its other surface which is in contact with the first surface of the first electrode line, the first projection extending towards the other side. [9] Battery module mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the second holder includes a second projection on a surface thereof which is in contact with the fourth surface of the second electrode conductor, wherein the second projection extends to one side. [10] Battery module mounting device according to claim 1, wherein both the first holder and the second holder are made of metal. [11] Battery module mounting device according to claim 10, which further comprises a sensor unit attached to the first holder, wherein the sensor unit is indirectly connected to the first and the second electrode leads. [12] Battery module mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting unit comprises a plurality of mounting units, the pressing unit comprises a plurality of pressing units and the connecting unit comprises a plurality of connecting units.

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