Battery module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module. The battery module according to the present invention includes, as a battery module, a cell stack in which a large number of battery cells are stacked, a module housing that houses the cell stack therein, a module connector that is electrically connected to the cell stack and is provided such that one side portion thereof is exposed to the outside of the module housing and to which an external connector is connected, and a fixing portion that fixes the position of the module connector. The module connector includes a connector portion into which the external connector is inserted and connected, and a connector PCB having a first portion to which the connector portion is fixed and a second portion connected to the first portion. The fixing portion includes a first fixing portion that fixes the first portion and has a locking step into which an end portion of the first portion is inserted to fix the position of the end portion of the first portion, and a second fixing portion that fixes the second portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0064227 filed on May 25, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0066811 filed on May 24, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module.

Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged, and due to the possibility of miniaturization and increased capacity, a lot of research and development has been carried out in recent years. With the development of technologies related to mobile devices and the increasing demand, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source has been rapidly increasing.

[0004] Secondary batteries can be classified into coin-type batteries, cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch-type batteries according to the shape of the battery case. In a secondary battery, the electrode assembly mounted inside the battery case is a power generation element capable of charge and discharge, which consists of a laminated structure of electrodes and separators.

[0005] Secondary batteries have attracted much attention not only as an energy source for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and notebook computers, but also for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0006] For small devices such as mobile phones and cameras, small battery packs with a single battery cell packed are used, but for medium and large devices such as notebook computers and electric vehicles, medium or large battery packs with two or more battery cells connected in parallel and / or in series are used. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be variously set according to the required output voltage or charge-discharge capacity.

[0007] On the other hand, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first construct a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components and configure the battery pack.

[0008] In other words, a battery consists of the smallest unit, the cell, and because a pouch-type cell requires structural rigidity, it is composed of an intermediate unit called a module, which contains many cells, and a pack is made up of many modules.

[0009] The module transmits cell information to the pack via a connector, and for ease of assembly, the connector is exposed from the module.

[0010] When assembling a connector, if the force is not applied horizontally to the pull-in section but is instead applied in a diagonal direction, the connector is susceptible to damage, and this needs to be structurally improved. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can stably fix a module connector in three axial directions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention is a battery module comprising: a cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module housing that houses the cell stack inside; a module connector electrically connected to the cell stack and provided such that one side is exposed to the outside of the module housing and an external connector is connected to it; and a fixing portion that fixes the position of the module connector, wherein the module connector comprises a connector portion into which the external connector is inserted and connected, and a connector PCB having a first portion to which the connector portion is fixed and a second portion connected to the first portion, and the fixing portion may include a first fixing portion that fixes the first portion and has a locking step into which the end of the first portion is inserted and the position of the end of the first portion is fixed, and a second fixing portion that fixes the second portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, a module connector that transmits information from a battery cell can be stably fixed in three axial directions by a fixing part including a first fixing part and a second fixing part.

[0014] Furthermore, the first fixing part includes a pair of locking steps, which allows the module connector to be fixed so as not to detach in the first direction, and the second fixing part includes a coupling projection, which allows the module connector to be fixed so as not to detach in the second and third directions. When an external connector is coupled (assembled) to the module connector, this prevents the module connector from shaking and prevents damage to the fixing part of the module connector. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a cell stack in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention with a module connector attached. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a module connector and an external connector in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the state of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention before the module connector is attached. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the first fixing portion in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing a module connector and a busbar frame in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a front view showing a module connector in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The object, particular advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description relating to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. It should be noted that, in assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing in this specification, efforts have been made to ensure that the same component has the same number even if it appears in different drawings. Furthermore, the present invention can be realized in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that could obscure the gist of the invention are omitted.

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a cell stack in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention with a module connector attached.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, as the battery module 100, a cell stack 110 in which a large number of battery cells 111 are stacked, a module housing 120 that houses the cell stack 110 therein, a module connector 130 that is electrically connected to the cell stack 110 and is provided such that one side portion thereof is exposed to the outside of the module housing 120, and to which an external connector C is connected, and a fixing portion 140 that fixes the position of the module connector 130. Further, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a pair of bus bar frames 150 and a flexible circuit board 170.

[0019] More specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the cell stack 110 can form a stack in which a large number of battery cells 111 are stacked.

[0020] The battery cell 111 can include an electrode assembly and an electrolytic solution, and a pouch that houses the electrode assembly and the electrolytic solution therein.

[0021] The electrode assembly is a power generation element capable of charge and discharge, and the electrodes and the separator can be alternately stacked. Here, the electrodes include a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode can be alternately stacked. Here, the separator separates the positive electrode and the negative electrode and electrically insulates them.

[0022] The positive electrode can include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material stacked on the positive electrode current collector.

[0023] The positive electrode current collector can be made of a foil of aluminum material.

[0024] The positive electrode active material can be made of lithium manganese oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium iron phosphate, or a compound and mixture containing one or more of these.

[0025] The negative electrode can include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material stacked on the negative electrode current collector.

[0026] The negative electrode current collector can be made of, for example, a foil made of copper (Cu).

[0027] The negative electrode active material can be a compound or mixture containing graphite-based material.

[0028] The separator is made of an insulating material and electrically insulates the positive electrode from the negative electrode. Here, the separator 124 can be formed from a polyolefin resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene, which has microporous properties.

[0029] On the other hand, the battery cell 111 may further include an electrode lead 111a, one end of which is connected to an electrode of an electrode assembly, and the other end of which extends outside the pouch.

[0030] The electrode lead 111a may include a positive electrode lead connected to the positive electrode and a negative electrode lead connected to the negative electrode.

[0031] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the module housing 120 can accommodate the cell stack 110 inside.

[0032] The module housing 120 may include a cylindrical case 121 that is open on both sides, and end plates 122 that cover the open sides of the case 121. Here, one side of the module connector 130 can be exposed to the outside of the end plate 122. The end plate 122 may have a through hole 122a through which one side of the module connector 130 passes (see Figure 5).

[0033] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the module connector and external connector in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the module connector 130 is electrically connected to the cell stack 110 and is provided such that one side is exposed to the outside of the module housing 120, and an external connector C can be connected to it.

[0035] The module connector 130 may include a connector portion 131 into which an external connector C is inserted and connected, and a connector PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 132 to which the connector portion 131 is fixed.

[0036] The connector section 131 may include a connection section 131a into which the external connector C is inserted and connected, and a connecting line 131b that electrically connects the connection section 131a to the connector PCB 132.

[0037] The connector PCB 132 may have coupling holes 132a formed through it in a first direction, which is the Y-axis direction. Multiple coupling holes 132a may be provided. Here, the first direction can be perpendicular to the connector PCB 132. That is, the first direction can be perpendicular to the plane of the board-shaped PCB 132.

[0038] Furthermore, the connector PCB 132 includes a first portion R1 to which the connector portion 131 is fixed, and a second portion R2 connected to the first portion R1.

[0039] On the other hand, the external connector C may consist of a battery pack connector. Furthermore, information from the battery cell 111 can be transmitted from the module connector 130 to the battery pack via the battery pack connector. Here, the battery pack connector can be connected to the battery pack's BMS (Battery Management System). An electrical connection line, such as an LV (Low Voltage) line, can be provided to electrically connect the battery pack connector and the BMS. Therefore, information such as the voltage or current of the battery cell 111 can be transmitted from the battery pack connector to the battery pack's BMS via the module connector 130, which is electrically connected to the battery cell 111.

[0040] On the other hand, the battery pack may include a battery module 100, a BMS, and a pack case that houses the battery module 100 and the BMS.

[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the state of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention before the module connector is attached, Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the first fixing part in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is a front view showing the module connector and busbar frame in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 9 is a front view showing the module connector in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the fixing part 140 can fix the position of the module connector 130.

[0043] Furthermore, the fixing portion 140 may include a first fixing portion 141 that fixes the first portion R1 of the connector PCB 132 and has a locking step 141a into which the end of the first portion R1 is inserted to fix the position of the end of the first portion R1, and a second fixing portion 142 that fixes the second portion R2 of the connector PCB 132.

[0044] The first fixing portion 141 fixes the connector PCB 132 in a first direction (Y-axis) perpendicular to the connector PCB 132, and the second fixing portion 142 is parallel to the connector PCB 132 and can fix the connector PCB 132 in a second direction (X-axis) and a third direction (Z-axis) perpendicular to each other. Here, the end of the connector PCB 132 can be provided inserted in the locking step 141a in the second direction so as to prevent the end of the first portion R1 from lifting up relative to the module housing 120.

[0045] Here, the second direction is the width direction of the battery module 100, the first direction is the longitudinal direction of the battery module 100, and the third direction is the height direction of the battery module 100 (see Figure 1).

[0046] The first fixing portion 141 fixes the connector PCB 132 in a first direction (first) perpendicular to the connector PCB 132, and the second fixing portion 142 is parallel to the connector PCB 132 and can fix the connector PCB 132 in a second direction (second) and a third direction (third) perpendicular to each other.

[0047] Furthermore, the second fixing portion 142 protrudes in the first direction and connects to the coupling hole 132a formed in the connector PCB 132. to It may include an insertable connecting projection 142a.

[0048] The connecting projection 142a can be formed in the shape of a cylinder or a rectangular prism. In this case, multiple connecting projections 142a may be provided.

[0049] On the other hand, the connecting projection 142a may also be prevented from detaching in the first direction by having a detachment prevention portion 142a-1 formed at its end, which is wider than the connecting hole 132a. Here, for example, before the connecting projection 142a is inserted into the connecting hole 132a, the connecting projection 142a is formed in the shape of a cylinder of a predetermined diameter (see Figure 6), but after the connecting projection 142a is inserted into the connecting hole 132a, the end of the connecting projection 142a can be pressurized to form a detachment prevention portion 142a-1 having a width w1 wider than the width w2 of the connecting hole 132a (see Figure 4). Here, the connecting projection 142a may be made of, for example, a plastic material.

[0050] The locking steps 141a are provided in pairs and can be bent into an "L" shape in directions opposite to each other. Furthermore, the pair of locking steps 141a can be positioned to contact both sides of the end of the connector PCB 132 in the first direction.

[0051] Furthermore, the locking step 141a may include a first extension portion 141a-1 extending in a first direction and a second extension portion 141a-2 extending from the end of the first extension portion 141a-1 in a direction parallel to the third direction.

[0052] Here, the end of the connector PCB132 is separated in the first direction by the second extension portion 141a-2 of the locking step 141a. prevention It can be done.

[0053] On the other hand, the difference in width L1 between the end of the connector PCB 132 and the end of the connector portion 131 in the third direction, the Z-axis direction, can be, for example, 2 to 4 mm. Also, the difference in width L2 between the end of the connector PCB 132 and the end of the connector portion 131 in the second direction, the X-axis direction, can be, for example, 2 to 4 mm.

[0054] Therefore, the distance between the end of the connector PCB 132 and the end of the connector portion 131 in the second and third directions is formed to be 2 mm or more, which is the lower limit, and space for installing the locking step 141a can be secured.

[0055] Furthermore, the distance between the ends of the connector PCB 132 and the ends of the connector portion 131 in the second and third directions is formed to be 4 mm or less, which is the lower limit, thereby improving space efficiency, reducing material costs, and allowing the module connector 130 to be easily installed on the end plate 122. Here, when the distance between the ends of the connector PCB 132 and the ends of the connector portion 131 is 4 mm or less, a locking step 141a can be installed in the part where fixing means such as screws cannot be installed to prevent the ends of the connector PCB 132 from lifting up.

[0056] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the busbar frame 150 is located at both ends of the cell stack 110 and can be connected to the electrode leads 111a of the battery cells 111. Here, the fixing portion 140 is formed on the busbar frame 150 and the module connector 130 can be coupled to the busbar frame 150.

[0057] Furthermore, the busbar frame 150 may include busbars made of a conductive material that are electrically connected to the electrode leads 111a of the battery cell 111. Here, for example, the connector PCB 132 of the module connector 130 can be soldered to the busbars of the busbar frame 150 and electrically connected to the busbar frame 150.

[0058] The flexible circuit board 170 can be connected to a pair of busbar frames 150. Here, the flexible circuit board 170 can be electrically connected, for example, to the busbars of the busbar frames 150.

[0059] Furthermore, the flexible circuit board 170 can be connected to a pair of busbar frames 150 along the upper surface of the cell stack 110. Here, the flexible circuit board 170 can sense the temperature of the cell stack 110 by including a temperature sensor.

[0060] In the battery module 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the module connector 130 that transmits information from the battery cell 111 can be fixed stably to the fixing part 140, which includes the first fixing part 141 and the second fixing part 142, in a three-axis direction.

[0061] Furthermore, the first fixing portion 141 includes a pair of locking steps 141a, which allows the module connector 130 to be fixed so as not to detach in the first direction, and the second fixing portion 142 includes a coupling projection 142a, which allows the module connector 130 to be fixed so as not to detach in the second and third directions, thereby preventing the module connector 130 from shaking when the external connector C is connected (assembled) to the module connector 130, and preventing damage to the fixing portion of the module connector 130.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments, this is for the purpose of specifically illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It can be said that various implementations are possible by persons with ordinary skill in the art within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0063] Furthermore, the specific scope of protection of the invention will be clarified by the attached claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 100 Battery Modules 110-cell stack 111 battery cells 111a Electrode Lead 120 Module Housing 121 cases 122 End Plate 130 Module Connectors 131 Connector section 132 Connector PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 132a Binding hole 140 Fixed part 141 1st fixed part 141a Locking step 142 Second fixed part 142a Combination protrusion 150 Busbar Frame 170 Flexible Circuit Boards C External Connector

Claims

1. It is a battery module, A cell stack in which many battery cells are stacked, A module housing that houses the aforementioned cell stack inside, A module connector is electrically connected to the cell stack, with one side exposed to the outside of the module housing, and to which an external connector is connected. It includes a fixing part for fixing the position of the module connector, The aforementioned module connector is The connector portion into which the aforementioned external connector is inserted and connected, The connector PCB includes a first portion to which the connector portion is fixed and a second portion connected to the first portion, The aforementioned fixing part is A first fixing part that fixes the first part and has a locking step into which the end of the first part is inserted to fix the position of the end of the first part, It includes a second fixing part that fixes the second part, The first fixing part fixes the connector PCB with respect to a first direction (Y-axis) perpendicular to the connector PCB, The second fixing portion is parallel to the connector PCB and fixes the connector PCB in a second direction (X-axis) and a third direction (Z-axis) that are perpendicular to each other. The connector PCB has a coupling hole that penetrates in the first direction. The second fixing portion includes a connecting projection that protrudes in the first direction and is inserted into the connecting hole, The aforementioned coupling projection has a detachment prevention portion formed at its end that is wider than the coupling hole, thereby preventing detachment in the first direction as well, in this battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is the width direction of the battery module, the first direction is the longitudinal direction of the battery module, and the third direction is the height direction of the battery module.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the connecting protrusion is formed in the shape of a cylinder or a rectangular prism.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein a large number of the coupling holes and coupling protrusions are provided.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the connecting protrusion is made of a plastic material.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the end of the connector PCB is inserted in the locking step in the second direction so as to prevent the end of the first portion from lifting up relative to the module housing.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein the locking steps are provided in pairs and are bent into an "L" shape in directions opposite to each other.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the pair of locking steps are provided in a position that contacts both sides of the end of the connector PCB in the first direction.

9. The aforementioned locking step is A first extension portion extending in the first direction, Including a second extension portion extending from the end of the first extension portion in a direction parallel to the third direction, The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the end of the connector PCB is prevented from detaching in the first direction by the second extension of the locking step.

10. A battery module, A cell stack in which many battery cells are stacked, A module housing that houses the aforementioned cell stack inside, A module connector is electrically connected to the cell stack, with one side exposed to the outside of the module housing, and to which an external connector is connected. It includes a fixing part for fixing the position of the module connector, The aforementioned module connector is The connector portion into which the aforementioned external connector is inserted and connected, The connector PCB includes a first portion to which the connector portion is fixed and a second portion connected to the first portion, The aforementioned fixing part is A first fixing part that fixes the first part and has a locking step into which the end of the first part is inserted to fix the position of the end of the first part, A second fixing part for fixing the second part, The cell stack includes a pair of busbar frames located at both ends of the cell stack and connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells, The aforementioned fixing portion is formed on the busbar frame, and the module connector is coupled to the busbar frame, forming a battery module.

11. The aforementioned external connector consists of a battery pack connector. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein information of the battery cell is transmitted from the module connector to the battery pack via the battery pack connector.

12. The module housing is A cylindrical case with both sides open, The case includes end plates that cover both sides of the case, The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein one side of the module connector is exposed to the outside of the end plate.

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