Battery module fixing device and battery module fixing method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module fixing device and a battery module fixing method using the same, comprising: a holder portion including a first holder that contacts a first surface of a first electrode lead and a second holder that contacts a fourth surface of a second electrode lead; a pressure portion provided to move the second holder toward the first holder; a guide portion that guides the linear movement of the holder portion; and a connecting portion provided to move or fix the holder portion relative to the guide portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module fixing device and a battery module fixing method using the same, and more specifically, to a battery module fixing device for assembling into a battery module without welding for electrical connection of battery cells and a battery module fixing method using the same. Background Technology

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

[0004] Rechargeable batteries, which serve as an indispensable energy source for various electronic devices in modern society, are seeing increased capacity requirements due to the growing usage and complexity of mobile devices and the development of electric vehicles. While multiple battery cells are arranged in small devices to meet user demand, vehicles utilize battery modules that electrically connect multiple battery cells, or battery packs equipped with multiple such modules.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module equipped with a busbar according to the prior art.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 1, the leads (11, 21) of a plurality of battery cells (10, 20) and a bus bar (30) are joined by welding to assemble a battery module.

[0007] In this conventional battery module, the lead (11, 21) of the battery cell (10, 20) is welded to the bus bar (30), so the fixing effect is increased, but there is a problem that the entire battery module must be replaced when the battery cell (10, 20) needs to be replaced. Prior art literature

[0009] Korean Registered Patent Document No. 10-2256733 The problem to be solved

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the purpose is to provide a battery module fixing device capable of replacing battery cells and a battery module fixing method using the same. means of solving the problem

[0012] As a technical means for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a battery module fixing device for electrically connecting a first battery cell having a first electrode lead and a second battery cell having a second electrode lead without welding, characterized by comprising: a holder part (100) including a first holder (110) to which a first surface (11a) of a first electrode lead (11) contacts and a second holder (120) to which a fourth surface (21b) of a second electrode lead (21) contacts; a pressing part (200) provided to move the second holder (120) toward the first holder (110); a guide part (300) for guiding the linear movement of the holder part (100); and a connecting part (400) provided to allow the holder part (100) to move or be fixed relative to the guide part (300).

[0013] In addition, in a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion (400) is characterized by comprising: a first connecting member (410) located on one side of the first holder (110) and configured to fix the first holder (110) to the guide portion (300); and a second connecting member (420) located on the other side of the second holder (120) and configured to allow the second holder (120) to move linearly with respect to the guide portion (300).

[0014] In addition, in a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the guide portion (300) is characterized by having a guide groove (310) formed therein that corresponds to a linear movement section of the second connecting member (420).

[0015] In addition, in a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second connecting member (420) is formed with a protrusion (421) that is inserted into the guide groove (310) and configured to move linearly with respect to the guide groove (310), and the protrusion (421) is coupled with a male-female coupling capable of linear movement with respect to the guide groove (310).

[0016] In addition, in a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member (200) is characterized by including: a screw member (210) having male screw threads formed on its outer surface and connected to the second holder (120); a ratchet gear (220) coupled to the screw member (210) and having a plurality of teeth (221) formed on its outer surface; and a stopper member (230) provided to enable engaging between any two adjacent teeth (221) among the plurality of teeth (221) of the ratchet gear (220).

[0017] In addition, in a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ratchet gear (220) is configured to allow rotation in the rotational direction of the screw member (210) and restrict rotation in the opposite direction of rotation when the stopper member (210) is engaged between any two adjacent teeth (221) among the plurality of teeth (221).

[0018] In addition, in a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the screw member (210) is characterized by moving the second holder (120) toward the first holder (110) when rotated in the rotational direction.

[0019] In addition, in a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first holder (110) is characterized by having a first projection (111) that protrudes toward the other side on the other surface that contacts the first surface (11a) of the first electrode lead (11).

[0020] In addition, in a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second holder (120) is characterized by having a second projection (121) that protrudes to one side on a surface that contacts the fourth surface (21b) of the second electrode lead (21).

[0021] In addition, in a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first holder (110) and the second holder (120) are characterized by being made of a metal material.

[0022] In addition, a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further including a sensing unit (500) attached to the first holder (110) and configured to be indirectly connected to the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (22).

[0023] In addition, the battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the holder part (100), the pressing part (200), and the connecting part (400) are provided in a plurality.

[0024] In addition, a battery module fixing method using a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: (S1) a step of inserting the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (21) into the gap between the first holder (110) and the second holder (120); and (S2) a step in which the holder part (100) grips the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (21).

[0025] In addition, in a battery module fixing method according to one embodiment of the present invention, in step (S2), the screw member (210) is rotated in the rotational direction so that the second holder (120) moves toward the first holder (110), and the holder part (100) grips the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (21). Effects of the invention

[0027] As described above, according to the battery module fixing device and battery module fixing method using the same of the present invention, the holder part grips the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead, thereby allowing the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead to be connected without a separate busbar structure, and since welding is unnecessary, the product process can be advantageous.

[0028] In addition, as described above, according to the battery module fixing device and the battery module fixing method using the same according to the present invention, the pressurizing part provides linear movement of the second holder, so that when battery cell replacement is necessary, only the battery cell requiring replacement can be replaced separately, thereby reducing the burden of component replacement costs at the module level. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module equipped with a busbar according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead arranged in a battery module fixing device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the holder portion of a battery module fixing device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the holder portion of the battery module fixing device illustrated in FIG. 2 gripping the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead. FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the combination of the guide portion and the second connecting member of the battery module fixing device according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the pressurizing part of a battery module fixing device according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a battery module fixing device according to the present invention, comprising a plurality of holder portions, pressurizing portions, and connecting portions. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] Embodiments that enable a person skilled in the art to easily implement the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, in describing the operating principles of preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0032] In addition, the same reference numerals are used for parts having similar functions and operations throughout the drawings. Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being connected to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are indirectly connected with other elements in between. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the inclusion of a certain component does not exclude other components but implies that additional components may be included.

[0034] Hereinafter, a battery module fixing device according to the present invention will be described.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead arranged in a battery module fixing device according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining a holder portion of a battery module fixing device according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the holder portion of the battery module fixing device shown in FIG. 2 gripping the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead.

[0036] Also, FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the combination of a guide part and a second connecting member of a battery module fixing device according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a pressing part of a battery module fixing device according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the appearance of a battery module fixing device according to the present invention having a plurality of holder parts, pressing parts, and connecting parts.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, the battery module fixing device according to the present invention includes a holder part (100), a pressing part (200), a guide part (300), a connecting part (400), and a sensing unit (500).

[0038] First, the holder portion (100) may include a first holder (110) and a second holder (120).

[0039] The first holder (110) may be provided so as to be in contact with the first surface (11a) of the first electrode lead (11). For example, the first surface (11a) of the first electrode lead (11) may be a surface located on one side (9 o'clock direction with respect to FIG. 2).

[0040] Additionally, the second holder (120) may be provided so as to be in contact with the fourth surface (21b) of the second electrode lead (21). For example, the fourth surface (21b) of the second electrode lead (21) may be a surface located on the other side (3 o'clock direction with respect to FIG. 2).

[0041] Additionally, for example, the first holder (110) and the second holder (120) may be provided in a spaced-apart state, and the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (21) may be inserted (fitted) into the gap formed between the first holder (110) and the second holder (120).

[0042] The first holder (110) may be provided with a first projection (111), and the first projection (111) may protrude to the other side of the first holder (110) in contact with the first surface (11a) of the first electrode lead (11).

[0043] Additionally, the second holder (120) may be provided with a second projection (121), and the second projection (121) may protrude to one side of the surface of the second holder (120) that contacts the fourth surface (21b) of the second electrode lead (21).

[0044] For example, the first projection (111) of the first holder (110) and the second projection (121) of the second holder (120) may be provided to improve the clamping force when the first holder (110) and the second holder (120) grip the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (21).

[0045] Additionally, the first holder (110) and the second holder (120) may be made of metal.

[0046] These first holders (110) and second holders (120) can grip the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (21), which are inserted (fitted) by the pressure member (200), by applying pressure. At this time, the second surface (11b) of the first electrode lead (11) and the third surface (21a) of the second electrode lead (21) can be electrically connected by coming into contact.

[0047] The pressurizing member (200) may include a screw member (210), a ratchet gear (220), and a stopper member (230).

[0048] The screw member (210) has male screw threads formed on its outer surface and can be connected to the second holder (120). For example, the screw member (210) can be connected through a bolt and nut member provided in the second holder (120). Through this, the screw member (210) can move the second holder (120) toward the first holder (110) when rotated in the rotational direction (A).

[0049] Additionally, the ratchet gear (220) is coupled with a screw member (210), and a plurality of teeth (221) may be formed on the outer surface. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the ratchet gear (220), and the screw member (210) may be coupled to the hole. This formed hole may substantially coincide with the rotation axis of the ratchet gear (220).

[0050] And the ratchet gear (220) may be configured to allow rotation in the rotational direction (A) of the screw member (210) and restrict rotation in the opposite direction (B) while the stopper member (210) is engaged between any two adjacent teeth (221) among the plurality of teeth (221).

[0051] For example, a plurality of teeth (221) of a ratchet gear (220) may be provided such that the angle of the surface facing the rotational direction (A) is gentler than the angle of the surface facing the opposite rotational direction (B).

[0052] The stopper member (230) may be provided to enable engaging between any two adjacent teeth among the plurality of teeth (221) of the ratchet gear (220).

[0053] For example, the stopper member (230) may be provided in a shape having a catch end that tapers toward the end so as to be engaged with the ratchet gear (220). For example, the end of the stopper member (230) may be provided in a shape of a pointed end so as to be engaged between any two adjacent teeth (221) among the plurality of teeth (221) of the ratchet gear (220).

[0054] Additionally, for example, the end of the stopper member (230) may be positioned between a surface facing the rotational direction (A) of one of the multiple teeth (221) of the ratchet gear (220) and a surface facing the opposite rotational direction (B) of an adjacent tooth (221), so as to allow rotation of the ratchet gear (220) in the rotational direction (A) but restrict rotation in the opposite rotational direction (B).

[0055] The battery module can be secured by the ratchet gear (220) and the stopper member (230). Additionally, when it is necessary to replace a unit part of a battery cell, the stopper member (230) is released from the ratchet gear (220), and the screw member (210) is rotated in the opposite direction (B) to release the fixation of the battery cell, allowing only the battery cell that needs to be replaced to be replaced. Accordingly, the cost burden of replacing parts at the battery module unit level can be reduced, and since a busbar part is not required, welding is unnecessary, which can be advantageous in terms of the product process.

[0056] Since the ratchet gear (220) and the stopper member (230) can be provided with a ratchet gear and a stopper member that are obvious to ordinary skilled technicians, a more detailed description will be omitted.

[0057] Meanwhile, the guide portion (300) may be provided to guide the linear movement of the holder portion (100). For example, the guide portion (300) may be provided on the upper and lower sides of the first holder (110) and the second holder (120) to fix the first holder (110) and guide the linear movement of the second holder (120). For example, referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, the linear movement of the second holder (120) may be movement in the x-axis direction.

[0058] A guide groove (310) may be formed in the guide portion (300), and a more detailed description of the guide groove (310) will be provided later.

[0059] Additionally, the connecting portion (400) may include a first connecting member (410) and a second connecting member (420). The first connecting member (410) is located on one side of the first holder (110) (side at the 9 o'clock direction in FIG. 2) and may be provided to fix the first holder (110) to the guide portion (300).

[0060] Additionally, the second connecting member (420) is located on the other side of the second holder (120) (side at the 3 o'clock direction in FIG. 2) and can be configured to allow the second holder (120) to move linearly relative to the guide member (300). For example, the second holder (120) is connected to the second connecting member (420) so that it can move linearly together with the second connecting member (420) when the second connecting member (420) moves linearly.

[0061] That is, the connecting part (400) may be provided so that the holder part (100) moves or is fixed relative to the guide part (300).

[0062] A second protrusion (421) may be formed on the second connecting member (420). The protrusion (421) may be inserted into a guide groove (310) formed in the guide member (300) and configured to move linearly with respect to the guide groove (310).

[0063] The guide groove (310) may be a groove formed to allow the second connecting member (420) to move linearly relative to the guide portion (300). This guide groove (310) may be formed to correspond to the linear movement section of the second connecting member (420).

[0064] Additionally, the protrusion of the second connecting member (420) can be coupled with a male-female connection to enable linear movement with respect to the guide groove (310). For example, the protrusion of the second connecting member (420) is inserted into the guide groove (310) and can be linearly moved along the groove length section formed in the transverse direction of the guide groove (310).

[0065] Additionally, the protrusion of the second connecting member (420) can move linearly back and forth along the groove length section of the guide groove (310).

[0066] Additionally, the guide groove (310) formed in the guide portion (300) may be formed on the upper and lower sides of the guide portion (300) that supports or fixes the first holder (110) and the second holder (120).

[0067] The sensing unit (500) can be attached to the first holder (110) and can be configured to be indirectly connected to the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (22).

[0068] For example, the sensing unit (500) may be equipped with a temperature sensing sensor that is attached to the first holder (110) or the second holder (120) and indirectly measures the temperature of the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (22).

[0069] Additionally, as another example, the sensing unit (500) may be a current sensing sensor attached to the first holder (110) or the second holder (120) to detect the current of the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (22). The sensing unit (500) is not limited to this and may be equipped with various sensors that are obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0070] A battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a plurality of the above-described holder portion (100), pressurizing portion (200), and connecting portion (400), and a plurality of sensing units (500) may also be provided depending on the number of holder portions (100).

[0072] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, a method for fixing a battery module using a battery module fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0073] A battery module fixing method according to the present invention comprises: (S1) a step of inserting a first electrode lead (11) and a second electrode lead (21) into the gap between a first holder (110) and a second holder (120); and (S2) a step in which a holder part (100) grips the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (21).

[0074] (S2) In step, the screw member (210) is rotated in the rotational direction (A) so that the second holder (120) moves toward the first holder (110), and the holder part (100) can grasp the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (21).

[0075] And, after step (S2), when replacement of one of the fixed battery cells (10, 20) is required, the stopper member (230) can be disengaged from the ratchet gear (220), and the screw member (210) can be rotated in the opposite direction (B) to move the second holder (120) away from the first holder (110). Accordingly, the holder part (100) can release the grip of the first electrode lead (11) and the second electrode lead (21), and the battery cell requiring replacement can be replaced with a new battery cell.

[0077] As specific parts of the present invention have been described in detail above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that such specific descriptions are merely preferred embodiments and do not limit the scope of the invention, and that various changes and modifications are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention, and that such variations and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0078] 10: 1st battery cell 11: First electrode lead 11a: 1st side 11b: 2nd side 20: Second battery cell 21: Second electrode lead 21a: 3rd side 21b: 4th side 100: Holder part 110: First holder 111: First projection 120: Second holder 121: Second projection 200: Pressurizing part 210: Screw member 220: Ratchet gear 221: Cog 230: Stopper member 300: Guide Section 310: Guide Home 400: Connection 410: First connecting member 420: Second connecting member 421: Protrusion 500: Sensing unit

Claims

Claim 1 A battery module fixing device for electrically connecting a first battery cell having a first electrode lead and a second battery cell having a second electrode lead without welding, comprising: a holder portion including a first holder to which a first surface of the first electrode lead contacts and a second holder to which a fourth surface of the second electrode lead contacts; a pressurizing portion provided to move the second holder toward the first holder; a guide portion providing to guide the linear movement of the holder portion; and a connecting portion provided to allow the holder portion to move or be fixed relative to the guide portion; wherein the connecting portion is located on the other surface of the second holder and includes a second connecting member provided to allow the second holder to move linearly relative to the guide portion, wherein the guide portion has a guide groove formed corresponding to the linear movement section of the second connecting member, and the second connecting member has a protrusion formed to be inserted into the guide groove and moved linearly relative to the guide groove, and the protrusion is coupled by a male-female coupling that allows linear movement relative to the guide groove. Claim 2 A battery module fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion further comprises a first connecting member positioned on one surface of the first holder and configured to fix the first holder to the guide portion. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A battery module fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member comprises: a screw member having male screw threads formed on its outer surface and connected to the second holder; a ratchet gear coupled to the screw member and having a plurality of teeth formed on its outer surface; and a stopper member configured to enable engaging between any two adjacent teeth among the plurality of teeth of the ratchet gear. Claim 6 A battery module fixing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the ratchet gear is configured to allow rotation in the rotational direction of the screw member and restrict rotation in the opposite direction of rotation while the stopper member is engaged between any two adjacent teeth among the plurality of teeth. Claim 7 A battery module fixing device according to claim 6, wherein the screw member moves the second holder toward the first holder side when rotated in the rotational direction. Claim 8 A battery module fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first holder is provided with a first projection portion protruding toward the other side on the other surface that contacts the first surface of the first electrode lead. Claim 9 A battery module fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second holder is provided with a second projection protruding to one side on a surface that contacts the fourth surface of the second electrode lead. Claim 10 A battery module fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first holder and the second holder are made of a metal material. Claim 11 A battery module fixing device according to claim 10, further comprising a sensing unit attached to the first holder and configured to be indirectly connected to the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead. Claim 12 A battery module fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder part, the pressing part, and the connecting part are provided in multiple numbers. Claim 13 A battery module fixing device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 12 and a battery module fixing method using the same, comprising: (S1) a step of inserting the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead into the gap between the first holder and the second holder; and (S2) a step of the holder part gripping the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead; characterized in that the battery module fixing method comprises Claim 14 A battery module fixing method according to claim 13, wherein in step (S2), the screw member is rotated in the rotational direction so that the second holder moves toward the first holder, and the holder part grips the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead.

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