Battery module and battery pack containing it

Abstract

The battery module of the present invention includes a battery stack in which two or more battery cells are connected in series or parallel, a battery case that houses the battery stack, magnets that are inserted into insertion grooves formed on both side walls of the battery case, and coupling members provided between the magnets and the insertion grooves to increase the coupling force between the magnets and the insertion grooves and to cushion the insertion grooves so that they are not damaged by the magnets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0161003 filed on November 20, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module that can improve the assembly and workability between battery modules using a magnet, and can reduce costs and volume by reducing the number of components, and a battery pack including the same.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery means a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged, and such secondary batteries are widely used in smartphones, notebook computers, camcorders, and the like.

[0004] The above secondary batteries are divided into a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is built into a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is built into a pouch. The can-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a can that houses the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly mounted on an opening of the can. The pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a pouch that houses the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead connected to the electrode assembly and drawn out to the outside of the pouch.

[0005] On the other hand, secondary batteries are not only applied to portable devices but also widely applied to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source.

[0006] That is, an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle includes a battery pack, the battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules, and the battery module includes a plurality of secondary batteries.

[0007] Here, the battery pack applied to electric or hybrid vehicles is configured by connecting a number of battery modules in series or parallel, depending on the required capacity, and the multiple battery modules are assembled using connecting parts including bolts and brackets.

[0008] However, conventional battery packs had a problem in that the number of connecting parts increased significantly as the number of battery modules increased. In particular, the process of assembling or separating multiple battery modules took a long time, which greatly reduced assembly efficiency and workability. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which can improve the ease of assembly and workability between battery modules by realizing a battery module to which magnets are applied, and reduce costs and volume by reducing the number of parts.

[0010] Furthermore, in the present invention, by arranging a coupling member between the insertion groove formed in the battery case of the battery module and the magnet, the coupling force between the magnet and the insertion groove can be increased, and the insertion groove can be cushioned so that it is not damaged by the magnet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention may include a battery module comprising: a battery stack in which two or more battery cells are connected in series or parallel; a battery case housing the battery stack; magnets inserted into insertion grooves formed on both side walls of the battery case; and coupling members provided between the magnets and the insertion grooves to enhance the coupling force between the magnets and the insertion grooves and to cushion the insertion grooves so that they are not damaged by the magnets.

[0012] The connecting member may be provided in a manner that encloses the remaining surface of the magnet's end, excluding the front surface that is exposed to the outside.

[0013] The connecting member can be attached to the end of the magnet so as not to detach from it.

[0014] The connecting member may include a back portion that encloses the back of the magnet facing the front, side portions that enclose both sides of the magnet and are connected on one side to the back portion, and end portion that encloses the end face of the magnet and are connected on one side to the back portion and the side portions.

[0015] The connecting member may be made of a material having an elastic modulus.

[0016] The bonding member may be made of carbon fiber.

[0017] The connecting member can have a mesh-like structure formed by coarsely weaving carbon wires, which are carbon fibers, together.

[0018] The battery case includes a horizontal housing section that is elongated horizontally and a vertical housing section that is elongated vertically at one end of the horizontal housing section. Insertion grooves are formed along the edges of both side walls of the horizontal housing section, and may be formed along the edges of both side walls of the vertical housing section.

[0019] The magnet inserted into the insertion groove may be formed flush with the side wall surface of the battery case so as not to protrude outside the battery case.

[0020] The magnet may be made of neodymium (Nd) magnet.

[0021] On the other hand, the battery pack of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, each battery module including a battery stack in which two or more battery cells are connected in series or parallel, a battery case that houses the battery stack, magnets inserted into insertion grooves formed on both side walls of the battery case, and coupling members provided between the magnets and the insertion grooves to increase the coupling force between the magnets and the insertion grooves and to cushion the insertion grooves so that they are not damaged by the magnets, and the plurality of battery modules can be continuously coupled together by magnets provided on the corresponding side walls of each other.

[0022] The device further includes a fixing plate that secures multiple battery modules together to prevent them from separating, and the fixing plate may be made of a metal plate provided on the outer surface of the multiple battery modules, to which magnets provided on the multiple battery modules connect and secure the multiple battery modules together to prevent them from separating.

[0023] The fixing plate may be inserted into fixing grooves formed on the outer surface of multiple battery modules where the magnets are located. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The battery module of the present invention is characterized by including a battery case with an insertion groove formed therein, a magnet inserted into the insertion groove, and a coupling member disposed between the insertion groove and the magnet. These features allow for increased coupling force between the magnet and the insertion groove, and the magnet can cushion the insertion groove to prevent damage.

[0025] Furthermore, in the battery module of the present invention, the coupling member is provided in a manner that encloses the remaining surface of the magnet's end, excluding the front surface that is exposed to the outside. This feature enhances the coupling force between the magnet and the insertion groove, and stably protects the entire insertion groove that is in close contact with the end of the magnet.

[0026] Further, in the battery module of the present invention, the coupling member is made of carbon fiber, which is a material having an elastic modulus. With such a feature, the coupling force between the magnet and the insertion groove can be increased, and the magnet can buffer so that the insertion groove is not damaged.

[0027] Further, in the battery module of the present invention, the coupling member is characterized by having a mesh shape in which carbon wires are roughly woven like a net. With such a feature, the elastic modulus of the coupling member can be greatly increased.

[0028] The battery pack of the present invention further includes a fixing plate for fixing several battery modules so as not to be separated. In particular, the fixing plate is made of a metal plate. Thereby, the coupling force of a plurality of battery modules can be increased.

[0029] Further, in the battery pack of the present invention, the fixing plate is inserted into fixing grooves formed on the outer surfaces of a plurality of battery modules where magnets are located. With such a feature, the flow phenomenon of the fixing plate can be greatly prevented.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] It is a left perspective view showing a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a right perspective view showing a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a separated perspective view showing a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a front view of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged view of part B shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view illustrating a coupling member included in a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a magnified view of the section shown in Figure 11. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly illustrate the present invention, parts unrelated to the description have been omitted from the drawings, and similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0032] [Battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention] Figure 1 is a left-side perspective view illustrating a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a right-side perspective view illustrating a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a separated perspective view illustrating a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a front view of Figure 2; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of portion A shown in Figure 2; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of portion B shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of line CC shown in Figure 5; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of line DD shown in Figure 5; and Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling member included in the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The battery module 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a structure that improves assembly and coupling properties by applying a magnet 13.

[0034] In particular, in the battery module 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a coupling member 14 is positioned between the magnet 13 and the insertion groove 1211 of the battery case 12 into which the magnet 13 is inserted. That is, the coupling member 14 is positioned in the portion where the magnet 13 and the insertion groove 1211 are supported. This improves the coupling between the magnet 13 and the insertion groove 1211, and the cushioning force of the coupling member 14 prevents damage to the insertion groove 1211 by the magnet 13. This improves the marketability of the battery module 10, improves assembly and workability, and reduces costs by reducing the number of parts.

[0035] A battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] The battery module 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a battery stack 11, a battery case 12, a magnet 13, and a coupling member 14, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0037] [Battery stack] The battery stack 11 has a structure in which two or more battery cells 111 are connected in series or parallel. For example, two or more battery cells 111 are connected in series or parallel to form an electrical stack to match the capacity required for an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle.

[0038] In other words, referring to Figure 3, some of the multiple battery cells 111 are connected by a connecting plate 112 to match the capacity required for the electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0039] On the other hand, the battery cell 111 is a can-type battery cell and includes an electrode assembly, a can that houses the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly that is mounted on the opening of the can.

[0040] On the other hand, the electrode assembly has a structure in which positive and negative electrodes are arranged alternately with a separator in between, and are wound into a jelly roll shape.

[0041] [Battery case] The battery case 12 is for housing the electrical stack. Specifically, the battery case 12 is formed by assembling a one-side case 12a into which one end of the electrical stack is inserted, and a other-side case 12b into which the other end of the electrical stack is inserted.

[0042] On the other hand, the battery case 12 is made of a heat-resistant and insulating synthetic resin material so that multiple battery cases 12 can be attached to each other using magnets 13.

[0043] On the other hand, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery case 12 is equipped with heat sinks 123 on the left and right sides to release the heat generated in the electro-laminated structure to the outside.

[0044] On the other hand, insertion grooves 1211 are formed on both side walls of the battery case 12 (the left side when viewed from Figure 1 and the right side when viewed from Figure 2), and magnets 13 are inserted into the insertion grooves 1211. Here, at least two, preferably three or more, insertion grooves 1211 are provided along the edge of the battery case 12 at predetermined intervals. This ensures a stable magnetic force, and as a result, multiple battery modules can be coupled together without separating.

[0045] On the other hand, the insertion groove 1211 is formed to be long along the edge of the side wall surface of the battery case 12, which allows for a longer length of the magnet 13, and as a result the contact area between the battery modules is increased, thereby improving the bonding force.

[0046] [magnet] The magnet 13 is used to attach multiple battery modules using magnetic force. Specifically, the magnet 13 is inserted into an insertion groove 1211 formed in the battery case 12.

[0047] On the other hand, magnet 13 may be made of neodymium (Nd) magnet in order to ensure a strong magnetic force. Neodymium magnets have a magnetic force 30% stronger than ordinary magnets, and possess a magnetic force of approximately 2500 to 5000 Gauss. Furthermore, neodymium magnets can be used up to a maximum temperature of 200°C.

[0048] For example, the battery case 12 may be arranged in an "L" shape. That is, the battery case 12 includes a horizontal housing section 121 that is long in the horizontal direction and a vertical housing section 122 that is long in the vertical direction at one end of the horizontal housing section 121. In addition, at least three insertion grooves 1211 are formed along the edges of both side walls of the horizontal housing section 121 and at least two are formed along the edges of both side walls of the vertical housing section 122. A magnet 13 is inserted into each of the five insertion grooves 1211. This allows for stable coupling between battery modules by the five magnets 13 inserted into the edges of the battery case 12 when connecting them.

[0049] On the other hand, the magnet 13 inserted into the insertion groove 1211 may be formed flush with the side wall surface of the battery case 12 so as not to protrude outside the battery case 12. This allows the battery modules to be joined in close surface contact, thereby improving the coupling performance.

[0050] [Connecting member] The coupling member 14 is provided between the insertion groove 1211 and the magnet 13, increasing the coupling force between the magnet 13 and the insertion groove 1211, and cushioning the insertion groove 1211 so that it is not damaged by the magnet 13.

[0051] On the other hand, when inserting the magnet 13 into the insertion groove 1211 of the battery case 12, the strength of the magnet 13 can cause damage such as cracks in the insertion groove 1211. In particular, damage can occur at the corners of the insertion groove 1211 where the ends of the magnet 13 are supported. Due to this problem, the bonding force between the insertion groove 1211 and the magnet 13 weakens, resulting in the magnet 13 easily detaching from the insertion groove 1211.

[0052] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention increases the bonding force between the magnet 13 and the insertion groove 1211 by arranging a coupling member 14 between the insertion groove 1211 and the magnet 13, thereby preventing the insertion groove 1211 from being damaged by the magnet 13.

[0053] Here, the connecting member 14 may be provided in a manner that encloses the remaining surface of the end of the magnet 13, excluding the front surface that is exposed to the outside. In other words, by placing the connecting member 14 only in the portion where the magnet 13 and the insertion groove 1211 are supported, costs can be reduced.

[0054] As an example, the connecting member 14 includes a back portion 141 that encloses the back of the magnet 13 facing the front, side portions 142 that enclose both sides of the magnet 13 and are connected on one side to the back portion 141, and end portion 143 that encloses the end face of the magnet 13 and are connected on one side to the back portion 141 and the side portions 142, respectively.

[0055] On the other hand, the connecting member 14 can be attached to the end of the magnet 13 so as not to separate from the magnet 13. For example, the connecting member 14 can be attached to the end of the magnet 13 using an adhesive means such as an adhesive. This allows the connecting member 14 to be stably positioned between the magnet 13 and the insertion groove 1211.

[0056] On the other hand, the connecting member 14 may be made of a material having an elastic modulus. This makes it possible to obtain both bonding force and buffering force between the magnet 13 and the insertion groove 1211 simultaneously. For example, the connecting member 14 may be made of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber has a strength of 10-20 g / d and a specific gravity of 1.5-2.1. In particular, carbon fiber has excellent heat resistance and impact resistance, is resistant to chemicals, and has high resistance to pests. Also, during the heating process, molecules such as oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen are released and the weight decreases, so it is lighter than metal (aluminum), while having superior elasticity and strength compared to metal (iron).

[0057] In particular, the connecting member 14 may have a mesh shape formed by coarsely weaving carbon wires, which are carbon fibers, like a net. This can greatly increase the cushioning force, and as a result, damage to the insertion groove 1211 by the magnet 13 can be greatly prevented.

[0058] Therefore, in the battery module 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the insertion groove 1211 of the battery case 12 is prevented from being damaged by the magnet 13 by the magnet 13, by arranging the coupling member 14 between the insertion groove 1211 of the battery case 12 and the magnet 13.

[0059] In describing other embodiments of the present invention below, the same reference numerals will be used for components having the same function as those described in the embodiments above, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0060] [Battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention] Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] The battery pack 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which a plurality of battery modules 10 according to the first embodiment described above are connected.

[0062] In other words, the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules 10, as shown in Figure 10.

[0063] The battery module 10 includes a battery stack 11 in which two or more battery cells 111 are connected in series or parallel, a battery case 12 in which the battery stack 11 is housed, magnets 13 inserted into insertion grooves 1211 formed on both side walls of the battery case 12, and coupling members 14 provided between the magnets 13 and the insertion grooves 1211 to increase the coupling force between the magnets 13 and the insertion grooves 1211 and to cushion the insertion grooves 1211 so that they are not damaged by the magnets 13.

[0064] Here, the electrical laminate, battery case 12, magnet 13, and coupling member 14 are the same as those included in the battery module 10 according to the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0065] The battery pack 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, having such a structure, includes a plurality of battery modules 10. The plurality of battery modules 10 are connected by magnets 13 provided on their corresponding side walls. This allows the plurality of battery modules 10 to be connected in a line without the need for other connecting means, thereby improving assembly and workability, eliminating the need to prepare other connecting parts, and reducing costs.

[0066] [Battery pack according to the third embodiment of the present invention] Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 11.

[0067] A battery pack 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a fixing plate 15 for improving coupling with a plurality of battery modules 10, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12.

[0068] In other words, the fixing plate 15 is made of a metal plate, is provided on the outer surface of multiple battery modules 10, and is coupled to the magnets 13 provided on the multiple battery modules 10. More specifically, using one fixing plate 15, multiple battery modules 10 can be fixed in a connected state, thereby increasing the coupling force.

[0069] On the other hand, the metal plate may be made of iron.

[0070] Therefore, the battery pack 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention can increase the coupling force to multiple battery modules 10 by including the fixing plate 15.

[0071] On the other hand, in the battery pack 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, fixing grooves 1212 may be formed on the outer surface of a plurality of battery modules 10 on which the magnets 13 are located, and a fixing plate 15 may be inserted into the fixing grooves 1212. This prevents the fixing plate 15 from flowing and improves the coupling between the fixing plate 15 and the magnets 13.

[0072] On the other hand, the outer surface of the fixing plate inserted into the fixing groove is aligned with the outer surface of the battery case, thereby preventing a step from occurring between the fixing plate and the battery case.

[0073] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below, as described in the detailed description above, and various embodiments are possible based on the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Battery pack 10 Battery Modules 11 Battery Stack 111 battery cells 112 Connecting plate 12 Battery Case 12a One-sided case 12b Other side case 121 Horizontal storage section 1211 Insertion groove 1212 Fixed groove 122 Vertical storage section 123 Heat sink 13 Magnets 14 Connecting member 141 Back section 142 Side part 143 End section 15 Fixed plate

Claims

1. A battery stack in which two or more battery cells are connected in series or parallel, A battery case in which the aforementioned battery stack is housed, A magnet inserted into insertion grooves formed on both side walls of the aforementioned battery case, A battery module comprising a coupling member provided between the magnet and the insertion groove, which enhances the coupling force between the magnet and the insertion groove and buffers the insertion groove so that it is not damaged by the magnet.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member is provided in a manner that encloses the remaining surface of the end of the magnet, excluding the front surface that is exposed to the outside.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling member is attached to the end of the magnet so as not to separate from the magnet.

4. The aforementioned connecting member is The back portion encloses the back side facing the front of the aforementioned magnet, The side portions enclose both sides of the magnet and are connected to the back portion on one side, The battery module according to claim 2, comprising an end face portion that encloses the end face of the magnet and is connected on one side to the back portion and the side portion, respectively.

5. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member is made of a material having an elastic modulus.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the bonding member is made of carbon fiber.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein the connecting member has a mesh shape formed by coarsely weaving carbon wires, which are carbon fibers, into a net-like structure.

8. The battery case includes a horizontal housing portion that is elongated in the horizontal direction and a vertical housing portion that is elongated in the vertical direction at one end of the horizontal housing portion. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least three insertion grooves are formed along the edges of both side walls of the horizontal housing portion, and at least two insertion grooves are formed along the edges of both side walls of the vertical housing portion.

9. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the magnet inserted into the insertion groove is formed on the same line as the side wall surface of the battery case so as not to protrude outside the battery case.

10. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the magnet is made of a neodymium magnet.

11. Includes multiple battery modules, The aforementioned battery module is A battery stack in which two or more battery cells are connected in series or parallel, A battery case in which the aforementioned battery stack is housed, A magnet inserted into insertion grooves formed on both side walls of the aforementioned battery case, The system includes a coupling member provided between the magnet and the insertion groove, which enhances the coupling force between the magnet and the insertion groove and buffers the magnet from damaging the insertion groove, A battery pack in which multiple battery modules are continuously connected to each other by magnets located on their corresponding side walls.

12. It further includes a fixing plate that secures multiple battery modules to prevent them from separating, The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the fixing plate is a metal plate provided on the outer surface of a plurality of battery modules, and magnets provided on the plurality of battery modules are connected to it to fix the plurality of battery modules so as not to separate.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the fixing plate is inserted into fixing grooves formed on the outer surface of a plurality of battery modules on which magnets are located.

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