Battery module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module, wherein a cell block assembly can be easily inserted into a frame, and the breakage of welded parts such as cooling plates can be prevented during the insertion and assembly process of the cell block assembly, thereby preventing defects in the battery module and enabling the realization of a product with a significantly superior concept. A battery module according to the present invention comprises a cell block assembly which is a combination of a plurality of cells, a frame that encloses the lower surface and side of the cell block assembly, a top plate disposed on the upper surface of the cell block assembly, an end plate disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the cell block assembly, and a cooling plate that is coupled to the lower surface of the frame at the lower side of the frame, wherein the frame comprises a bottom portion that encloses the lower surface of the cell block assembly and a side wall portion that encloses the side of the cell block assembly, and a groove with an indented shape is formed in the side wall portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, wherein a cell block assembly can be easily inserted into a frame, and the breakage of welded parts such as cooling plates can be prevented during the insertion and assembly process of the cell block assembly, thereby preventing defects in the battery module and enabling the realization of a product with a significantly superior concept. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with rising energy prices due to the depletion of fossil fuels and growing concern over environmental pollution, the demand for eco-friendly alternative energy sources has become an indispensable factor for future life. Accordingly, research on various power generation technologies, such as solar, wind, and tidal power, is ongoing, and there is also significant interest in power storage devices, such as batteries, to utilize this generated electrical energy more efficiently.

[0003] Furthermore, as technological development and demand for battery-powered electronic mobile devices and electric vehicles increase, the demand for batteries as an energy source is rapidly rising, and accordingly, much research is being conducted on batteries capable of meeting various requirements.

[0004] In particular, regarding materials, there is high demand for lithium secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries, which have advantages such as high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0005] Secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the battery case into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch-type case made of aluminum laminate sheet. However, the operating voltage of these unit cells, that is, unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0006] Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple individual battery cells are connected to form a secondary battery module, and multiple battery modules are assembled to form a battery pack.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the frame portion of a conventional battery module. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the insertion of a cell block assembly into the frame of FIG. 1.

[0008] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module composed of pouch-type secondary batteries comprises a cell block assembly (10) in which a plurality of battery cells manufactured as pouch-type secondary batteries are stacked in a predetermined number, and the cell block assembly (10) is mounted within a frame (20) having a 'U'-shaped cross-section, and the frame (20) is provided with its upper side open and facing the bottom and both sides of the cell block assembly (10).

[0009] Although not shown in the drawing, a top plate could be joined to the open upper side of the frame by brazing, and end plates could be joined to the front and rear of the frame, respectively, to form a battery module in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Also, a cooling plate (30) through which a refrigerant circulates to cool the cell block assembly (10) and the frame (20) could be joined to the lower side of the frame by brazing welding.

[0010] Referring to the drawing of Fig. 2, which shows a cell block assembly being inserted into a frame of Fig. 1, conventionally, in order to insert the cell block assembly into the frame, the side walls of the frame are spread out to both sides (B, B') and the cell block assembly is inserted while moving downward (D). However, during the process of spreading out the side walls of the frame, the shape of the bottom of the frame may bend upward in a convex manner. In addition, there was a problem in that the brazing weld (W) of the cooling plate mounted below the bottom of the frame fractured (or broke) during this process. This could cause defects in the battery module and consequently prevent the realization of a product with an excellent concept, which became a problem. The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a battery module that allows the cell block assembly to be easily inserted into a frame and prevents the breakage of welded parts, such as cooling plates, during the insertion and assembly process of the cell block assembly, thereby preventing defects in the battery module and enabling the realization of a product with a significantly superior concept. means of solving the problem

[0012] A battery module according to the present invention comprises a cell block assembly which is a combination of a plurality of cells, a frame that encloses the lower surface and side of the cell block assembly, a top plate disposed on the upper surface of the cell block assembly, an end plate disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the cell block assembly, and a cooling plate that is coupled to the lower surface of the frame at the lower side of the frame, wherein the frame comprises a bottom portion that encloses the lower surface of the cell block assembly and a side wall portion that encloses the side of the cell block assembly, and a groove with an indented shape is formed in the side wall portion.

[0013] The cooling plate can be joined to the lower surface of the frame by brazing.

[0014] A groove can be formed at the bottom of the side wall.

[0015] The groove can be formed with a V-shaped cross-section.

[0016] The groove can be formed on the inner wall surface of the side wall.

[0017] The groove can be formed along the length direction (L) of the cell block assembly.

[0018] The groove can be formed by press processing.

[0019] The groove can be formed in a straight line shape when viewed from the front facing the inner wall surface of the side wall.

[0020] The groove can be provided in a curved shape when viewed from the front facing the inner wall surface of the side wall.

[0021] The groove can be arranged in a grid shape when viewed from the front facing the inner wall surface of the side wall.

[0022] It may further include end plates positioned on the front and rear of the cell block assembly, and a top plate positioned on the upper surface of the cell block assembly. Effects of the invention

[0023] A battery module according to the present invention comprises a cell block assembly which is a combination of a plurality of cells, a frame that surrounds the lower surface and side of the cell block assembly, and a cooling plate that is coupled to the lower surface of the frame from the lower side of the frame. The frame includes a bottom portion that surrounds the lower surface of the cell block assembly and a side wall portion that surrounds the side of the cell block assembly, and a groove with an indented shape is formed in the side wall portion. Accordingly, the cell block assembly can be easily inserted into the frame, and breakage of welded parts such as the cooling plate can be prevented during the insertion and assembly process of the cell block assembly, thereby preventing defects in the battery module and enabling the realization of a battery module with a significantly superior concept. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the frame portion of a conventional battery module. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the insertion of a cell block assembly into the frame of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the insertion of a cell block assembly into the frame shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of a part of the battery module shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the dotted line marked H shown in FIG. 5(a). FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a battery module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a battery module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0026] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art that are irrelevant to the explanation or that may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention have been omitted. Furthermore, when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, identical or similar reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components throughout the entire specification.

[0027] Furthermore, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the insertion of a cell block assembly into the frame shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of a part of the battery module shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the part marked with the dotted line H shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include a cell block assembly (110), a frame (120), a top plate (not shown), an end plate (not shown), and a cooling plate (130).

[0032] The cell block assembly (110) may be a combination of multiple battery cells. Specifically, it may be a cell assembly formed by stacking multiple battery cells manufactured as pouch-type secondary batteries in a predetermined number.

[0033] The frame (120) may be a structure that wraps around the lower surface and side of the cell block assembly (110). As shown in FIG. 5(a), the frame (120) may have a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction (L) of the cell block assembly (110) (the cell block assembly (110) is not shown in FIG. 5), and the cross-section may be formed to have a U-shape.

[0034] Here, the frame (120) may specifically include a bottom portion (121) that covers the lower surface of the cell block assembly (110) and a side wall portion (122) that covers the side of the cell block assembly (110).

[0035] Meanwhile, the battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include a top plate (not shown) and an end plate (not shown) to implement a battery module with all sides closed. The end plate may be placed on the front and rear of the cell block assembly (110), respectively. And the top plate may be placed on the upper surface of the cell block assembly (110).

[0036] Specifically, a top plate may be joined to the open upper side of the frame (120) by brazing. Additionally, end plates may be joined to the front and rear of the frame (120) by welding, respectively, to form a rectangular battery module. In this case, power from the cell block assembly may be output to the outside of the end plates.

[0037] The cooling plate (130) can be attached to the lower surface of the frame (120) at the lower side of the frame (120). Specifically, it can be attached to the lower surface of the bottom portion (121) of the frame (120). The method of attaching the cooling plate (130) to the lower surface of the bottom portion (121) of the frame (120) can be by welding, and in particular, by brazing welding. A cooling channel is formed in the cooling plate (130), and a refrigerant can circulate to cool the cell block assembly (110) and the frame (120).

[0038] Also, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may have a groove (140) formed in a recessed shape in the side wall portion (122) of the frame (120).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, a cell block assembly (110) can be inserted into the frame (120) shown in FIG. 3 from the upper side in the lower direction (D'). Specifically, to insert the cell block assembly (110) into the frame (120), the side wall portion (122) of the frame (120) can be spread out to both sides (B, B'), and the cell block assembly (110) can be inserted while moving it in the downward direction (D).

[0040] In the battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, since a groove (140) is formed in the side wall portion (122) of the frame (120), the shape of the bottom portion (121) may not bend or deform during the process of spreading the side wall portion (122) of the frame (120) to both sides (B, B'). In the part of the side wall portion (122) of the frame (120) where the groove (140) is located, plastic deformation may occur during the process of spreading the side wall portion (122) to both sides (B, B'). In this case, the process of inserting the cell block assembly (110) into the frame (120) can be significantly made easier.

[0041] In addition, since plastic deformation occurs in the part where the groove (140) is located in the side wall (122), a force that deforms the bottom part (121) may not be generated even during the process of spreading the side wall (122) to both sides (B, B'). In the battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, since the cell block assembly (110) can be inserted into the frame (120) without bending or deformation of the bottom part (121) in this way, the breakage of the welded part (W') of the cooling plate (130) can be prevented during the insertion and assembly process of the cell block assembly (110). And if the breakage of the welded part of a component such as the cooling plate (130) can be prevented in this way, defects in the battery module can be prevented, and accordingly, a product with a significantly superior concept can be realized.

[0042] In the battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the groove (140) formed in the side wall portion (122) of the frame (120) may be formed on the inner wall surface (123) of the side wall portion (122). When the groove (140) is formed on the inner wall surface (123) of the side wall portion (122), it may be advantageous to slightly increase the angle of opening to both sides (B, B') when the size and depth of the same groove (140) are the same. Additionally, if it is formed on the outer wall surface, there may be a possibility of the side wall portion (122) itself breaking, so forming it on the inner wall surface may be advantageous for inducing safer plastic deformation.

[0043] The groove (140) can be formed, for example, by press processing, and can be formed in an imprinted shape by press processing. In this case, the groove (140) is formed on the inner wall surface (123) of the side wall (122), and the cross-sectional shape can be formed in a V-shape. Through the V-shape, the thickness of the side wall (122) of the frame (120) can be adjusted as needed in the part where the groove (140) is formed. The thickness of the side wall (122) can be gradually reduced as it moves toward the center of the groove (140), and the thickness of the thinnest part can be set to an appropriate value so that fracture of the side wall (122) of the frame (120) does not occur during the plastic deformation process.

[0044] In addition, in the battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the groove (140) formed in the side wall portion (122) of the frame (120) may be formed at the bottom of the side wall portion (122). When the groove (140) is formed at the bottom of the side wall portion (122), the size of the opening of the frame (120) can be made larger on both sides during the process of spreading the side wall portion (122) of the frame (120) to both sides (B, B'). That is, referring to FIG. 4, the opening of the frame (120) is opened as the side wall portion (122) of the frame (120) bends outward from the part where the groove (140) is formed, and for the same bending angle, the maximum width of the opening of the frame (120) can be made larger as the groove (140) is formed closer to the bottom of the side wall portion (122).

[0045] Referring to FIG. 5(a), the groove (140) can be formed along the longitudinal direction (L) of the cell block assembly (110). Referring to the part indicated by the H dotted line in FIG. 5(a), the groove (140) can be formed along the longitudinal direction (L) of the cell block assembly (110) and extend from the front end to the rear end of the frame (120). By forming it to extend from the front end to the rear end of the frame (120) in this way, when the side wall portion (122) of the frame (120) is deformed outward around the part where the groove (140) is located, it is possible to ensure that every part along the longitudinal direction (L) undergoes plastic deformation outward without any omission. Through such a method, smooth deformation is possible without any parts being forcibly deformed.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 5(a), the groove (140) can be formed in a straight line shape when viewed from the front facing the inner wall surface (123) of the side wall portion (122). When formed in this way, the side wall portion (122) of the frame (120) can be deformed uniformly from the front side to the rear side of the frame (120) at once, so a uniform product can be manufactured.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a battery module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0050] Embodiment 2 of the present invention differs from Embodiment 1 in that the groove is formed in a curved shape.

[0051] Content common to Example 1 will be omitted as much as possible, and Example 2 will be described focusing on the differences. In other words, it is obvious that if content not explained in Example 2 is needed, it can be supplemented through the content of Example 1.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, in a battery module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the groove (240) may be provided in a curved shape when viewed from the front facing the inner wall surface of the side wall portion (222) of the frame (220). That is, the shape of the groove (240) when viewed in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 6 may be in a curved shape. For example, this curve may have a U-shape, either partially or entirely.

[0053] In this way, the groove (240) can be formed with a curved shape because the process of forming the groove (240) is by a press. If the method of forming the groove (240) were an extrusion method, it would be impossible to form the groove (240) with such a curved shape. Forming the groove (240) with a curved shape can be advantageous when attempting to achieve different degrees of opening along the longitudinal direction (J) of the frame (220).

[0055] Example 3

[0056] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a battery module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0057] Embodiment 3 of the present invention differs from Embodiment 1 in that the groove is formed in the shape of a grid.

[0058] Content common to Examples 1 and 2 will be omitted as much as possible, and Example 3 will be described focusing on the differences. That is, it is obvious that if content not explained in Example 3 is needed, it can be supplemented through the content of Examples 1 and 2.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 7, in the battery module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the groove (340) may be formed in the shape of a grid when viewed from the front facing the inner wall surface of the side wall portion (322) of the frame (320). That is, the shape of the groove (340) when viewed in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 7 may be in the shape of a grid. For example, this grid may have a shape similar to a part of a chessboard. And this grid-shaped groove (340) may be formed on the lower part of the side wall portion (322).

[0060] In this way, it is possible to form the groove (340) in a grid shape because the process of forming the groove (340) is by a press. If the method of forming the groove (340) is an extrusion method, it may be impossible to form the groove (340) in such a grid shape. Forming the groove (340) in a grid shape may be an advantageous shape when the degree of deformation of the side wall portion (322) of the frame (320) is to be different along the height direction of the side wall portion (322) of the frame (320).

[0063] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Explanation of the symbols

[0064] 110: Cell block assembly 120, 220, 320: Frame 121, 221, 321: Bottom part 122, 222, 322: Sidewalls 123: Inner wall surface of the side wall 130: Cooling plate 140, 240, 340: Home W, W': Weld

Claims

Claim 1 A battery module comprising: a cell block assembly comprising a plurality of cells; a frame covering the lower surface and side of the cell block assembly; a top plate disposed on the upper surface of the cell block assembly; an end plate disposed on the front and rear of the cell block assembly; and a cooling plate coupled to the lower surface of the frame at the lower side of the frame, wherein the frame comprises a bottom portion covering the lower surface of the cell block assembly and a side wall portion covering the side of the cell block assembly, wherein a recessed groove is formed in the side wall portion and the groove is formed at the lower end of the side wall portion. Claim 2 A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling plate is joined to the lower surface of the frame by brazing welding. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the groove is formed with a cross-section in the shape of a V. Claim 5 A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove is formed on the inner wall surface of the side wall portion. Claim 6 A battery module according to claim 5, wherein the groove is formed along the longitudinal direction (L) of the cell block assembly. Claim 7 A battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that the groove is formed by press processing. Claim 8 A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove is formed in a straight line shape when viewed facing the inner wall surface of the side wall portion. Claim 9 A battery module comprising: a cell block assembly comprising a plurality of cells; a frame covering the lower surface and side of the cell block assembly; a top plate disposed on the upper surface of the cell block assembly; an end plate disposed on the front and rear of the cell block assembly; and a cooling plate coupled to the lower surface of the frame at the lower side of the frame, wherein the frame comprises a bottom portion covering the lower surface of the cell block assembly and a side wall portion covering the side of the cell block assembly, wherein a recessed groove is formed in the side wall portion, and the groove is provided in a curved shape when viewed from the front facing the inner wall surface of the side wall portion. Claim 10 A battery module comprising: a cell block assembly comprising a plurality of cells; a frame covering the lower surface and side of the cell block assembly; a top plate disposed on the upper surface of the cell block assembly; an end plate disposed on the front and rear of the cell block assembly; and a cooling plate coupled to the lower surface of the frame at the lower side of the frame, wherein the frame comprises a bottom portion covering the lower surface of the cell block assembly and a side wall portion covering the side of the cell block assembly, wherein a recessed groove is formed in the side wall portion, and the groove is provided in a grid shape when viewed from the front facing the inner wall surface of the side wall portion.

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