Cell support structure

Abstract

A cell support structure is provided that supports the cells and improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the cells. [Solution] The support structure for a cell (40) includes a heat dissipation member (1) for accommodating the cell and a first support frame (50). The heat dissipation member includes a main body (10), a first position restriction wall (20), and a second position restriction wall (30). The first position restriction wall extends from one side of the main body, and the second position restriction wall extends from the other side of the main body corresponding to the first position restriction wall. Furthermore, a first fixing portion (22) and a second fixing portion (32) extend from the same side of the first position restriction wall and the second position restriction wall. A first support frame is provided at one side end of the main body and is connected and fixed to the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, thereby fixing the heat dissipation member and the first support frame.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell support structure, and more particularly to a structure that supports the cells and enables heat dissipation. [Background technology]

[0002] Under the current dual pressures of worsening environmental pollution and energy shortages, governments and major automakers around the world are stepping up their efforts in research and development of electric vehicles. As one of the three core components of electric vehicles (battery, motor, and electronic control), power batteries are inevitably attracting widespread attention from automakers.

[0003] However, conventional pouch cell technology faces three main challenges:

[0004] First issue: The support frame structure of conventional pouch-type cells consists of a heat-dissipating sheet and a plastic frame attached to the outer periphery of the heat-dissipating sheet. The pouch-type cells dissipate heat by directly contacting the heat-dissipating sheet. To provide a certain level of mechanical strength to this support frame, the thickness of the plastic frame must be increased. However, this design increases the overall thickness and weight of the support frame. This increases the overall volume and weight of the module, affecting the performance and use of the entire module.

[0005] The second challenge is that using plastic for the support frame structure increases manufacturing costs. When using plastic as the support frame material, a mold for the plastic frame must be created in advance, which increases development costs. In particular, if the external dimensions of the cell change, it is not possible to continue using the previous support frame, which further increases development costs and time. This challenge is particularly serious in a production environment where designs and specifications change frequently.

[0006] The third issue is the limited heat dissipation effect. The structural design of the support frame, which uses a plastic frame to cover the heat dissipation sheet, means that the cells can only come into contact with the heat dissipation sheet (which has high thermal conductivity) in certain areas, such as the surface. The sides of the cells are in contact with the plastic frame (which has low thermal conductivity), so they cannot come into contact with the heat dissipation sheet. This affects the overall heat dissipation efficiency, thereby hindering the performance and lifespan of the cells.

[0007] As is clear from the above, the support frames of conventional pouch-type cells have many problems in terms of volume, weight, cost, and heat dissipation effect.

[0008] Therefore, the industry needs to use lighter and more efficient material designs and improve the heat dissipation structure to design support structures that allow more of the cell to be in contact with the heat dissipation area, increasing the overall heat dissipation efficiency and improving the performance and lifespan of the cell.

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a novel cell support structure to better meet the needs of the industry. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cell support structure in which a first position control wall and a second position control wall are provided on the upper and lower sides of the main body of the heat dissipation member, respectively, so as to protrude toward the front of the paper in order to form an accommodating groove and position the cell, and by supporting the cell with the heat dissipation member itself and increasing the contact area with the cell, the heat dissipation efficiency of the entire cell is increased, thereby further improving the performance and lifespan of the cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above objects and advantages, the present invention provides a cell support structure including a heat dissipation member and a first support frame. The heat dissipation member includes a main body, a first positioning wall, and a second positioning wall. The first positioning wall is located above the main body and protrudes toward the front of the page. A first fixing portion is provided at the left or right end of the first positioning wall. The second positioning wall is located below the main body and is provided to correspond to the first positioning wall. The second positioning wall is provided with a second fixing portion corresponding to the first fixing portion. The first support frame is provided at one side end of the main body. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are fixed to the first support frame. The front surface of the main body, the first positioning wall, and the second positioning wall form a receiving groove for receiving the cell. This structure provides a cell support structure that can improve heat dissipation efficiency.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first support frame is provided with at least one first electrode positioning guide groove, and the inlet end of the first electrode positioning guide groove is located on the side close to the main body and the outlet end is located on the side away from the main body so that after the electrodes of the cells accommodated in the accommodation groove are inserted and positioned, they are led out from the side away from the main body.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly further includes a first bus bar disposed at an outlet end of the at least one first electrode positioning guide groove, and electrically connected to the electrode.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a plurality of first fixing members for fixing the first fixing part and / or the second fixing part to the first support frame.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the body is smaller than the length of the first position limiting wall and the length of the second position limiting wall.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the width of the body is greater than the width of the first position limiting wall and the width of the second position limiting wall.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first position limiting wall and the second position limiting wall are further configured to protrude into the plane of the paper so that the rear surface of the main body, the first position limiting wall and the second position limiting wall form another accommodating groove for accommodating another cell.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, a downward bent portion is provided between the first position limiting wall and the first fixing portion, and an upward bent portion is provided between the second position limiting wall and the second fixing portion, so that the left and / or right sides of the receiving groove have a narrowed mouth shape. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic exploded view of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat dissipation member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2B] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat dissipation member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded view of another structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic assembly diagram of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic assembly diagram of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of cells in one embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In consideration of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, the present invention provides a cell support structure including a heat dissipation member and a first support frame. The heat dissipation member sandwiches and abuts the cells, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the cells. This solves the problems of the conventional cell support structure, which has poor heat dissipation efficiency and high cost.

[0021] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic exploded view of the structure of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the cell support structure in this embodiment includes a heat dissipation member 1 and a first support frame 50. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation member 1 sandwiches the cells 40.

[0022] As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the heat dissipation member 1 includes a main body 10, a first position restriction wall 20, and a second position restriction wall 30. The main body 10 has an upper side, a lower side, a first side edge 11, and a front side. The upper side and the lower side are arranged opposite each other, and the first side edge 11 is located between the upper side and the lower side. The normal direction of the front side of the main body 10 is the front direction of the paper. The first position restriction wall 20 is located on the upper side of the main body 10 and is arranged to protrude toward the front direction of the paper. A first fixing portion 22 is provided at at least the left end or the right end of the first position restriction wall 20. The second position restriction wall 30 is located on the lower side of the main body 10 and is arranged to correspond to the first position restriction wall 20. A second fixing portion 32 is provided on the second position restriction wall 30 in correspondence with the first fixing portion 22. The position of the first fixing portion 22 corresponds to the second fixing portion 32. A substantially C-shaped accommodation groove 14 is formed by the front surface of the main body 10, the first position restriction wall 20, and the second position restriction wall 30. The accommodation groove 14 is used to accommodate and abut the cells 40. A first support frame 50 is provided on the first side end 11 of the main body 10. The first fixing portion 22 and the second fixing portion 32 are fixed to the first support frame 50.

[0023] In this embodiment, a metal plate can be used as the material for the heat dissipation member 1. Therefore, the first position restraint wall 20 and the second position restraint wall 30 can be quickly formed by bending the metal plate. This is a manufacturing method in which the main body 10, the first position restraint wall 20, and the second position restraint wall 30 are integrally formed, but they may also be manufactured by welding. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to any manufacturing method.

[0024] In this embodiment, the cells 40 are pouch-type cells and are in contact with the heat dissipation member 1. The heat dissipation member 1 transfers the heat generated from the cells 40 to achieve a heat dissipation effect.

[0025] 2A-2B are schematic diagrams of one embodiment of a heat dissipation member according to the present invention. As shown in the figures, the main body 10 of the heat dissipation member 1 has a length L1 and a width W1. The first positioning wall 20 of the heat dissipation member 1 has a length L2 and a width W2, and the second positioning wall 30 of the heat dissipation member 1 has a length L2' and a width W2'. The length L1 of the main body 10 is smaller than the length L2 of the first positioning wall 20, and the length L1 of the main body 10 is smaller than the length L2' of the second positioning wall 30. The width W1 of the main body 10 is larger than the width W2 of the first positioning wall 20, and the width W1 of the main body 10 is larger than the width W2' of the second positioning wall 30. Preferably, the length L2 of the first positioning wall 20 is equal to the length L2' of the second positioning wall 30.

[0026] 2A or 2B again. A downward bent portion 23 may be provided between the first fixing portion 22 and the first position limiting wall 20. In this design, the first fixing portion 22 and the first position limiting wall 20 form a step shape. Furthermore, an upward bent portion 33 is provided between the second fixing portion 32 and the second position limiting wall 30. In this design, the second fixing portion 32 and the second position limiting wall 30 form a step shape. The design of the downward bent portion 23 and the upward bent portion 33 allows the left and / or right sides of the receiving groove 14 to have a reduced opening whose width is narrower than the width W1 of the main body 10, thereby restricting the left and right movement range of the cell 40 placed in the receiving groove 14.

[0027] Please refer to FIG. 3, which is a schematic exploded view of the structure of the present invention. As shown, each cell 40 has at least a first electrode 42 and a second electrode 44. Furthermore, at least one first electrode positioning guide groove 52 is provided on the side of the first support frame 50 adjacent to the cell 40. In this embodiment, there are three at least one first electrode positioning guide grooves 52, and the first electrode 42 of each cell 40 is inserted into the at least one first electrode positioning guide groove 52 of the first support frame 50. The inlet end of each at least one first electrode positioning guide groove 52 is located at one end adjacent to the body 10, and the outlet end is located at one end remote from the body 10, so that the first electrode 42 of each cell 40 inserted and positioned in the receiving groove 14 will lead out from the outlet end remote from the body 10. In addition, a first busbar 70 is further included. The first bus bar 70 is provided at the exit end of at least one first electrode positioning guide groove 52 and is electrically connected to the first electrode 42. Furthermore, the first electrode 42 can be bent to cover the first bus bar 70. This not only fixes the first bus bar 70 but also increases the contact area, thereby reducing impedance.

[0028] Two first fixing holes 56 (only the upper first fixing hole is shown in the figure) are provided on the upper and lower sides of the first support frame 50 at positions corresponding to the first fixing portion 22 and the second fixing portion 32. The cell support structure also includes a plurality of first fixing members F1. These first fixing members F1 are inserted into the first fixing portions 22 and fixed to the upper first fixing holes 56 of the first support frame 50. And / or these first fixing members F1 are inserted into the second fixing portions 32 and fixed to the lower first fixing holes 56 (not shown) of the first support frame 50. This fixes the first support frame 50 to the heat dissipation member 1. For example, these first fixing members F1 may be screws that fasten the first fixing portion 22 or the second fixing portion 32 to one of the two first fixing holes 56.

[0029] The main body 10 further includes a second side end 13 opposed to the first side end 11. The second side end 13 is located between the upper and lower sides of the main body 10. The support structure of the cell further includes a second support frame 60. Similar to the installation method of the first fixing portion 22, a third fixing portion 24 is provided on the other side of the first position restricting wall 20, extending toward the second side end 13 of the main body 10. Similarly to the second fixing portion 32, a fourth fixing portion 34 is provided on the other side of the second position restricting wall 30, extending toward the second side end 13 of the main body 10. The second support frame 60 is connected to and fixed to the third fixing portion 24 and the fourth fixing portion 34.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3 , at least one second electrode positioning guide groove 62 is provided on the second support frame 60 on a side adjacent to the cell 40. The second electrode 44 of the cell 40 is inserted into the at least one second electrode positioning guide groove 62 on the second support frame 60. After the second electrode 44 of the cell 40 is inserted and positioned in the receiving groove 14, the second electrode 44 is led out from the outlet end away from the body 10. The second electrode positioning guide groove 62 has an inlet end located at one end adjacent to the body 10 and an outlet end located at one end away from the body 10. The second support frame 60 further includes a second bus bar 80. The second bus bar 80 is provided on the side of the second support frame 60 away from the cell 40 and is electrically connected to the second electrode 44. The second electrode 44 can be bent to cover the second bus bar 80. This not only fixes the second bus bar 80 but also increases the contact area, thereby reducing impedance.

[0031] Two second fixing holes 66 (only the upper second fixing hole is shown in the figure) are provided on the upper and lower sides of the second support frame 60, corresponding to the third fixing portion 24 and the fourth fixing portion 34. The cell support structure also includes a plurality of second fixing members F2. These second fixing members F2 are inserted into the third fixing portion 24 and fixed to the second fixing holes 66 on the upper side of the second support frame 60. Similarly, these second fixing members F2 are inserted into the fourth fixing portion 34 and fixed to the second fixing holes 66 (not shown) on the lower side of the second support frame 60. In this way, the second support frame 60 is fixed to the heat dissipation member 1. Similarly, these second fixing members F2 may be screws.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 4A and 4B, which are schematic assembly diagrams of the present invention. As shown, there may be multiple heat dissipation members 1, with one heat dissipation member 1 corresponding to one cell 40. A plurality of heat dissipation members 1, 1', and 1'' are disposed between a first support frame 50 and a second support frame 60 to form an assembly 2. The first electrodes 42, 42', and 42'' of each cell 40 pass through at least one first electrode positioning guide groove 52 in the first support frame 50, then bend toward each other to cover the first bus bar 70. Similarly, the second electrodes (not shown) of each cell 40 pass through at least one second electrode positioning guide groove 62 in the second support frame 60, then bend toward each other to cover the second bus bar 80. This allows the cells 40 to be electrically connected in parallel.

[0033] 4B, in one embodiment, the assembly 2 can be electrically connected to other assemblies 2', 2". For example, but not limited to, the assemblies 2, 2', 2" are connected in series to a second bus bar (not shown) via the corresponding first support frames 50, 50', 50", second support frames 60, 60', 60", and the first bus bars 70, 70' located thereon.

[0034] Please refer to FIG. 5, which is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the first position limiting wall 20 can extend not only in the normal direction of the front surface of the main body 10 (i.e., toward the front of the page) but also in the normal direction of the rear surface of the main body 10 (i.e., toward the back of the page). Similarly, the second position limiting wall 30 can extend not only in the normal direction of the front surface of the main body 10 (i.e., toward the front of the page) but also in the normal direction of the rear surface of the main body 10 (i.e., toward the back of the page). Therefore, the rear surface of the main body 10, the first position limiting wall 20, and the second position limiting wall 30 form another receiving groove 15. Furthermore, the cross section of the heat dissipation member 1 forms an I-shaped structure. As a result, the receiving groove 14 located on the front surface of the main body 10 of the heat dissipation member 1 abuts and sandwiches the cell 40, and the receiving groove 15 located on the rear surface of the heat dissipation member 1 abuts and sandwiches the cell 90. That is, the heat dissipation member 1 sandwiches the cells 40 and the cells 90 on both sides. If the heat dissipation member 1 is made of a metal plate, the first and second position restriction walls 20 and 30 may be fixed to the main body 10 by welding, or the main body 10, the first and second position restriction walls 20 and 30 may be formed by metal powder injection molding or metal press molding, but this should not be considered as a limitation on the manufacturing method in the present invention.

[0035] In summary, the present invention provides a cell support structure. This support structure clamps the cells using a heat dissipation member that provides both support strength and heat dissipation, thereby reducing the cost and time required for mold development. Furthermore, by increasing the heat dissipation area of ​​the cells, the overall heat dissipation efficiency is improved, thereby improving cell performance and lifespan. This overcomes the cost-increasing need for molds for plastic frames in conventional cell support structures. Furthermore, the conventional cell support structure has a limited heat dissipation area that the cells can contact, which hinders cell performance and lifespan. Furthermore, the heat dissipation member of the present invention also works with at least one support frame to position and route electrodes (or tab leads) for the cells housed or clamped within the heat dissipation member for subsequent electrical connection in modularization.

[0036] Therefore, this invention is novel, involves an inventive step, and is industrially applicable, and therefore certainly meets the requirements for patent application under the Japanese Patent Act. Therefore, we will file a patent application in accordance with the law. We respectfully request that you promptly grant us the right.

[0037] The above is merely an example of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent modifications and additions based on the shape, structure, features and spirit of the present invention are intended to be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1 Heat dissipation material 1' Heat dissipation material 1'' heat dissipation material 2 assembly 2' assembly 2'' assembly 10 Main Unit 11 First side end 13 Second side end 14 Storage groove 15 Storage groove 20 First Position Control Wall 22 1st fixed part 23 Downward bend 24 Third fixed part 30 Second position control wall 32 Second fixed part 33 Upper bend 34 4th fixed part 40 cells 42 1st electrode 42' 1st electrode 42'' 1st electrode 44 2nd electrode 50 First support frame 50' First support frame 50'' Primary Support Frame 52 First electrode positioning guide groove 56 1st fixing hole 60 Second support frame 60' Second Support Frame 60'' Secondary Support Frame 62 Second electrode positioning guide groove 66 2nd fixing hole 70 No. 1 bus bar 70' 1st bus bar 80 Second bus bar 90 cells F1 First fixing member F2 Second fixing member L1 length L2 length L2' length W1 width W2 width W2' width

Claims

1. a heat dissipation member including a main body, a first position restriction wall located on an upper side of the main body and protruding toward the front of the paper, the first position restriction wall having a first fixing portion at a left end or a right end thereof, and a second position restriction wall located on a lower side of the main body and protruding toward the front of the paper, the second position restriction wall being arranged to correspond to the first position restriction wall and having a second fixing portion corresponding to the first fixing portion; a first support frame provided at one side end of the main body, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion being fixed to the first support frame; the front surface of the main body, the first position limiting wall, and the second position limiting wall form an accommodation groove for accommodating a cell; Cell support structure.

2. 2. The cell support structure of claim 1, wherein the first support frame is provided with at least one first electrode positioning guide groove, and the inlet end of the first electrode positioning guide groove is located on the side close to the main body and the outlet end is located on the side away from the main body so that after the electrode of the cell accommodated in the accommodation groove is inserted and positioned, it is led out from the side away from the main body.

3. The cell support structure according to claim 2 , further comprising a first bus bar provided at an outlet end of the at least one first electrode positioning guide groove and electrically connected to the electrode.

4. The cell support structure according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of first fixing members for fixing the first fixing portion and / or the second fixing portion to the first support frame.

5. The support structure for a cell according to claim 1 , wherein the length of the main body is smaller than the length of the first position limiting wall and the length of the second position limiting wall.

6. The cell support structure according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the main body is greater than the width of the first position limiting wall and the width of the second position limiting wall.

7. 2. The cell support structure of claim 1, wherein the first position restriction wall and the second position restriction wall are further arranged to protrude into the plane of the paper so that the rear surface of the main body, the first position restriction wall, and the second position restriction wall form another storage groove for accommodating another cell.

8. 2. The cell support structure of claim 1, wherein a downward bent portion is provided between the first position control wall and the first fixed portion, an upward bent portion is provided between the second position control wall and the second fixed portion, and the left side and / or right side of the storage groove are narrowed.

9. 2. The cell support structure according to claim 1, wherein the main body, the first position limiting wall, and the second position limiting wall are all made of metal.

10. The cell support structure according to claim 1 , wherein the first position limiting wall and / or the second position limiting wall and the main body are integrally formed.

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