Battery module and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

A battery module of the present invention comprises: a battery stack having two or more battery cells connected in series or parallel; a battery case in which the battery stack is accommodated; magnetic bodies inserted into insertion recesses respectively formed on both side wall surfaces of the battery case; and a coupling member provided between the magnetic bodies and the insertion recesses to increase coupling forces between the magnetic bodies and the insertion recesses, and buffering to prevent the insertion recesses from being damaged by the magnetic bodies.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0161003, filed November 20, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which can improve the assemblability and workability between battery modules using magnets and reduce cost and volume by reducing the number of parts.

[0005] In general, a secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be recharged. These secondary batteries are widely used in phones, laptop computers, camcorders, etc.

[0006] The above secondary batteries are classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch. The can-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a can that accommodates the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly that is mounted in an opening of the can. In addition, the pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a pouch that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extended out of the pouch.

[0007] Meanwhile, secondary batteries are widely used in portable devices as well as electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical power sources.

[0008] That is, an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle includes a battery pack, the battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules, and the battery modules include a plurality of secondary batteries.

[0009] Here, a battery pack applied to an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle is configured by connecting a plurality of battery modules in series or parallel according to the required capacity, and at this time, the plurality of battery modules are assembled using connecting parts including bolts and brackets.

[0010] However, conventional battery packs have a problem: as the number of battery modules increases, the number of connecting parts increases significantly. In particular, assembling and disassembling multiple battery modules takes a significant amount of time, significantly reducing assembly and workability.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which can improve the assembling and workability between battery modules by implementing a battery module to which a magnet is applied, and can reduce cost and volume by reducing the number of parts.

[0012] In addition, by arranging a coupling member between the insertion groove formed in the battery case of the battery module of the present invention and the magnetic material, the coupling force between the magnet and the insertion groove can be increased, and the insertion groove can be cushioned so that it is not damaged by the magnet.

[0013] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, the battery module of the present invention may include a battery stack in which two or more battery cells are connected in series or in parallel; a battery case in which the battery stack is accommodated; a magnet inserted into an insertion groove formed on each of both side walls of the battery case; and a coupling member provided between the magnet and the insertion groove to increase a coupling force between the magnet and the insertion groove and to cushion the insertion groove so that it is not damaged by the magnet.

[0014] The above-mentioned connecting member may be provided in a form that surrounds the remaining surface of the end of the magnet except for the front surface exposed to the outside.

[0015] The above-mentioned bonding member can be attached to an end of the magnet so as not to be separated from the magnet.

[0016] The above-mentioned connecting member comprises a back surface that surrounds the back surface facing the front surface of the magnet;

[0017] It may include a side portion that wraps around both sides of the magnet and has one side connected to the back portion; and an end portion that wraps around an end surface of the magnet and has one side connected to the back portion and the side portion.

[0018] The above-mentioned bonding member can be made of a material having an elastic modulus.

[0019] The above-mentioned connecting member may be made of carbon fiber.

[0020] The above-mentioned bonding member may have a mesh shape in which carbon fibers, which are carbon wires, are woven roughly like a net.

[0021] The battery case includes a horizontal receiving portion formed long in a horizontal direction and a vertical receiving portion formed long in a vertical direction at one end of the horizontal receiving portion, and at least three insertion grooves may be formed along edges on both side walls of the horizontal receiving portion, and at least two insertion grooves may be formed along edges on both side walls of the vertical receiving portion.

[0022] The magnet inserted into the above insertion groove may be formed on the same line as the side wall surface of the battery case so as not to protrude outside the battery case.

[0023] The above magnet can be made of a neodymium (Nd) magnet.

[0024] Meanwhile, the battery pack of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, and the battery module includes: a battery stack in which two or more battery cells are connected in series or in parallel; a battery case in which the battery stack is accommodated; a magnet inserted into an insertion groove formed on each of both side walls of the battery case; and a coupling member provided between the magnet and the insertion groove to increase a coupling force between the magnet and the insertion groove and to cushion the insertion groove so that it is not damaged by the magnet, and the plurality of battery modules can be continuously coupled by the magnets provided on the corresponding side walls.

[0025] A fixing plate for fixing a plurality of battery modules so that they are not separated is further included, and the fixing plate may be provided as a metal plate that is provided on the outer surface of the plurality of battery modules and fixes the plurality of battery modules so that they are not separated when the magnets provided on the plurality of battery modules are combined.

[0026] The above fixed plate can be inserted into a fixed groove formed on the outer surface of a plurality of battery modules where magnets are located.

[0027] The battery module of the present invention is characterized by including a battery case having an insertion groove formed therein, a magnet inserted into the insertion groove, and a coupling member positioned between the insertion groove and the magnet. Due to these features, the coupling force between the magnet and the insertion groove can be increased, and the insertion groove can be cushioned so that it is not damaged by the magnet.

[0028] In addition, the battery module of the present invention is characterized in that the bonding member is provided in a form that surrounds the remaining surface of the end of the magnet, excluding the front surface exposed to the outside. This feature can increase the bonding strength between the magnet and the insertion groove, and can stably protect the entire insertion groove that is in close contact with the end of the magnet.

[0029] In addition, the bonding member in the battery module of the present invention is characterized by being made of carbon fiber, a material with elastic modulus. This characteristic enhances the bonding strength between the magnet and the insertion groove, and prevents damage to the insertion groove caused by the magnet.

[0030] In addition, the bonding member in the battery module of the present invention is characterized by having a mesh-like shape in which carbon wires are loosely woven like a net. This characteristic can significantly increase the elastic modulus of the bonding member.

[0031] The battery pack of the present invention is characterized by further including a fixing plate for securing multiple battery modules without separation. In particular, the fixing plate is formed of a metal plate. Accordingly, the bonding strength of multiple battery modules can be increased.

[0032] In addition, the battery pack of the present invention is characterized in that the fixing plate is inserted into a fixing groove formed on the outer surface of a plurality of battery modules where the magnets are located. This feature can significantly prevent the fixing plate from moving.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a left perspective view illustrating a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is a right perspective view illustrating a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 is a front view of Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part A shown in Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of part B shown in Figure 5.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in Fig. 5.

[0040] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD shown in Fig. 5.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a joining member included in a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 12 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 11.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be 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 implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted to clearly explain the present invention, and similar parts have been designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0046] [Battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a left perspective view illustrating a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a right perspective view illustrating a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a front view of FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part B shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting member included in a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] The battery module (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which assembly and bonding properties are improved by applying a magnet (13).

[0049] In particular, in the battery module (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a coupling member (14) is disposed between a magnet (13) and an insertion groove (1211) of a battery case (12) into which the magnet (13) is inserted. That is, the coupling member (14) is disposed at a portion where the magnet (13) and the insertion groove (1211) are supported. Accordingly, the coupling between the magnet (13) and the insertion groove (1211) can be increased, and damage to the insertion groove (1211) caused by the magnet (13) can be prevented by utilizing the buffering force of the coupling member (14). This can increase the marketability of the battery module (10), improve assembly and workability, and reduce costs due to a reduction in the number of parts.

[0050] Hereinafter, a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] A battery module (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an electric laminate (11), a battery case (12), a magnet (13), and a bonding member (14), as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0052] electric laminate

[0053] The electric laminate (11) has a structure in which two or more battery cells (111) are connected in series or parallel. For example, an electric laminate is formed by connecting two or more battery cells (111) in series or parallel to suit the capacity required for an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle.

[0054] That is, referring to FIG. 3, some of the plurality of battery cells (111) are connected by a connecting plate (112) to match the capacity required for an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle.

[0055] Meanwhile, the battery cell (111) is a can-shaped battery cell, including an electrode assembly, a can that accommodates the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly mounted in an opening of the can.

[0056] Meanwhile, the electrode assembly has a structure in which positive and negative electrodes are alternately arranged with a separator interposed therebetween and are wound in a jelly-roll shape.

[0057] battery case

[0058] The battery case (12) is for accommodating an electric laminate. That is, the battery case (12) is formed by assembling a one-side case (12a) into which one end of the electric laminate is inserted, and a other-side case (12b) into which the other end of the electric laminate is inserted.

[0059] Meanwhile, the battery case (12) is made of a synthetic resin material with heat resistance and insulation to attach multiple battery cases (12) using a magnet (13).

[0060] Meanwhile, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a heat sink (123) is provided on the left and right sides of the battery case (12) to dissipate heat generated from the electric laminate to the outside.

[0061] Meanwhile, insertion grooves (1211) are formed on both side walls of the battery case (12) (the left side when viewed in FIG. 1 and the right side when viewed in FIG. 2), and a magnet (13) is inserted into the insertion grooves (1211). Here, at least two, and preferably three, insertion grooves (1211) are provided at regular intervals along the edge of the battery case (12). Accordingly, a stable magnetic force can be secured, and as a result, a plurality of battery modules can be coupled without being separated.

[0062] Meanwhile, the insertion groove (1211) is formed long along the side wall edge of the battery case (12), thereby ensuring a large length of the magnet (13), and as a result, increasing the attachment area between battery modules and enhancing the bonding strength.

[0063] magnetic

[0064] The magnet (13) is for attaching multiple battery modules using magnetic force. That is, the magnet (13) is inserted into an insertion groove (1211) formed in the battery case (12).

[0065] Meanwhile, the magnet (13) may be made of a neodymium (Nd) magnet to ensure strong magnetic force. Here, the neodymium magnet is a magnet that is 30% stronger than a regular magnet and has a magnetic force of approximately 2500 to 5000 Gauss. In addition, the neodymium magnet can be used at temperatures up to 200°C.

[0066] For example, the battery case (12) may be provided in an "L" shape. That is, the battery case (12) includes a horizontal receiving portion (121) formed to be elongated in a horizontal direction, and a vertical receiving portion (122) formed to be elongated in a vertical direction at one end of the horizontal receiving portion (121). In addition, at least three insertion grooves (1211) are formed along edges on both side walls of the horizontal receiving portion (121), and at least two or more are formed along edges on both side walls of the vertical receiving portion (122). In addition, a magnet (13) is inserted into each of the five insertion grooves (1211) in total. Accordingly, when battery modules are coupled, they can be stably coupled by the five magnets (13) inserted into the edges of the battery case (12).

[0067] Meanwhile, the magnet (13) inserted into the insertion groove (1211) can be formed on the same line as the side wall surface of the battery case (12) so as not to protrude outside the battery case (12). Accordingly, the battery modules can be joined in a close contact state, and as a result, the bonding strength can be improved.

[0068] joint member

[0069] The bonding member (14) is provided between the insertion groove (1211) and the magnet (13), thereby increasing the bonding force between the magnet (13) and the insertion groove (1211), and cushioning the insertion groove (1211) so that it is not damaged by the magnet (13).

[0070] Meanwhile, when inserting a magnet (13) into the insertion groove (1211) of the battery case (12), damage such as cracks may occur in the insertion groove (1211) due to the strength of the magnet (13). In particular, damage may occur at the corner of the insertion groove (1211) where the end of the magnet (13) is supported. Due to this problem, the bonding force between the insertion groove (1211) and the magnet (13) is weakened, resulting in the problem of the magnet (13) being easily detached from the insertion groove (1211).

[0071] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention can increase the bonding force between the magnet (13) and the insertion groove (1211) by arranging a bonding member (14) between the insertion groove (1211) and the magnet (13), and can prevent the insertion groove (1211) from being damaged by the magnet (13).

[0072] Here, the above-mentioned connecting member (14) may be provided in a form that surrounds the remaining surface of the end of the magnet (13) except for the front surface exposed to the outside. That is, costs can be reduced by arranging the connecting member (14) only in the part where the magnet (13) and the insertion groove (1211) are supported.

[0073] For example, the connecting member (14) includes a back portion (141) that surrounds the back surface facing the front of the magnet (13), a side portion (142) that surrounds each of both sides of the magnet (13) and has one side connected to the back portion (141), and an end portion (143) that surrounds the end surface of the magnet (13) and has one side connected to the back portion (141) and the side portion (142).

[0074] Meanwhile, the above-described joining member (14) may be attached to the end of the magnet (13) so as not to be separated from the magnet (13). For example, the joining member (14) may be attached to the end of the magnet (13) using an adhesive or other bonding means. Accordingly, the joining member (14) may be stably positioned between the magnet (13) and the insertion groove (1211).

[0075] Meanwhile, the above-described bonding member (14) may be made of a material having elasticity. Accordingly, bonding force and cushioning force between the magnet (13) and the insertion groove (1211) can be obtained simultaneously. For example, the bonding member (14) may be made of carbon fiber. Meanwhile, carbon fiber has a strength of 10 to 20 g / d and a specific gravity of 1.5 to 2.1. In particular, carbon fiber has excellent heat resistance and impact resistance, is strong against chemicals, and has high resistance to pests. In addition, since molecules such as oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen escape during the heating process, the weight is reduced, so it is lighter than metal (aluminum), but on the other hand, it has excellent elasticity and strength compared to metal (iron).

[0076] In particular, the above-mentioned connecting member (14) may have a mesh-like shape in which carbon fibers, such as carbon wires, are woven roughly like a net. Accordingly, the buffering force can be significantly increased, and as a result, damage to the insertion groove (1211) caused by the magnet (13) can be significantly prevented.

[0077] Therefore, the battery module (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can prevent the insertion groove (1211) from being damaged by the magnet (13) by arranging the joining member (14) between the insertion groove (1211) of the battery case (12) and the magnet (13).

[0078] Hereinafter, in describing other embodiments of the present invention, the same component symbols are used for components having the same functions as the above-described embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0079] [Battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention]

[0080] Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] A battery pack (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which a plurality of battery modules (10) according to the first embodiment described above are combined.

[0082] That is, the battery pack (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules (10), as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0083] The above battery module (10) includes a battery stack (11) in which two or more battery cells (111) are connected in series or in parallel; a battery case (12) in which the battery stack (11) is accommodated; a magnet (13) inserted into an insertion groove (1211) formed on each of both side walls of the battery case (12); and a bonding member (14) provided between the magnet (13) and the insertion groove (1211) to increase the bonding force between the magnet (13) and the insertion groove (1211) and to cushion the insertion groove (1211) from being damaged by the magnet (13).

[0084] Here, the electric laminate, battery case (12), magnet (13) and bonding member (14) are the same as the electric laminate, battery case (12), magnet (13) and bonding member (14) included in the battery module (10) according to the first embodiment, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0085] A battery pack (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention having a structure like this includes a plurality of battery modules (10), and the plurality of battery modules (10) are coupled by magnets (13) provided on mutually corresponding side wall surfaces, so that the plurality of battery modules (10) can be coupled in a row without a separate coupling means, and as a result, the assembling and workability can be improved, and costs can be reduced because there is no need to prepare a separate coupling part.

[0086] [Battery pack according to the third embodiment of the present invention]

[0087] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 12 is a partial enlarged view of Fig. 11.

[0088] A battery pack (1) according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a fixing plate (15) for increasing the coupling property for a plurality of battery modules (10), as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0089] That is, the fixing plate (15) is made of a metal plate and is provided on the outer surface of a plurality of battery modules (10) and is coupled to the magnets (13) provided on the plurality of battery modules (10). In more detail, a plurality of battery modules (10) can be fixed in a connected state using one fixing plate (15), thereby increasing the bonding strength.

[0090] Meanwhile, the metal plate can be made of iron.

[0091] Therefore, the battery pack (1) according to the third embodiment of the present invention can increase the bonding strength for a plurality of battery modules (10) by including a fixing plate (15).

[0092] Meanwhile, the battery pack (1) according to the third embodiment of the present invention is formed with a fixing groove (1212) on the outer surface of a plurality of battery modules (10) where a magnet (13) is positioned, and the fixing plate (15) can be inserted into the fixing groove (1212). Accordingly, the movement of the fixing plate (15) can be prevented, and the bonding between the fixing plate (15) and the magnet (13) can be increased.

[0093] Meanwhile, the outer surface of the fixed plate inserted into the fixed groove is positioned on the same line as the outer surface of the battery case, thereby preventing a step from occurring between the fixed plate and the battery case.

[0094] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and various embodiments are possible derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts.

[0095] [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1: Battery pack

[0097] 10: Battery module

[0098] 11: Battery stack

[0099] 111: Battery cell

[0100] 112: Connector

[0101] 12: Battery case

[0102] 12a: One-sided case

[0103] 12b: Other case

[0104] 121: Horizontal receiving area

[0105] 1211: Insert Home

[0106] 1212: Fixed home

[0107] 122: Vertical receiving area

[0108] 123: Heat sink

[0109] 13: Magnetic

[0110] 14: Joining member

[0111] 141: Back

[0112] 142: Side

[0113] 143: End surface

[0114] 15: Fixed plate

Claims

1. A battery stack having two or more battery cells connected in series or parallel; A battery case in which the above battery stack is accommodated; A magnet inserted into an insertion groove formed on each side wall surface of the battery case; and A battery module including a bonding member provided between the magnet and the insertion groove to increase the bonding force between the magnet and the insertion groove and to prevent the insertion groove from being damaged by the magnet.

2. In claim 1, A battery module in which the above-mentioned connecting member is provided in a form that surrounds the remaining surface of the end of the magnet except for the front surface exposed to the outside.

3. In claim 1, The above-mentioned bonding member is a battery module attached to an end of the magnet so as not to be separated from the magnet.

4. In claim 2, The above-mentioned connecting member is, A back surface covering the back surface facing the front of the above magnet; A side portion that wraps around each side of the magnet and has one side connected to the back portion; and A battery module comprising an end surface that surrounds the end surface of the magnet and has one side connected to the back surface and the side surface, respectively.

5. In claim 1, The above-mentioned bonding member is a battery module made of a material having elasticity.

6. In claim 5, The above-mentioned connecting member is a battery module made of carbon fiber.

7. In claim 6, The above-mentioned connecting member is a battery module having a mesh shape in which carbon fibers, which are carbon wires, are woven roughly like a net.

8. In claim 1, The above battery case includes a horizontal receiving portion formed long in a horizontal direction and a vertical receiving portion formed long in a vertical direction at one end of the horizontal receiving portion. A battery module in which at least three insertion grooves are formed along edges on both side walls of the horizontal receiving portion, and at least two insertion grooves are formed along edges on both side walls of the vertical receiving portion.

9. In claim 1, A battery module in which the magnet inserted into the above insertion groove is formed on the same line as the side wall surface of the battery case so as not to protrude outside the battery case.

10. In claim 1, The above magnet is a battery module provided with a neodymium (Nd) magnet.

11. Containing multiple battery modules, The above battery module, A battery stack having two or more battery cells connected in series or parallel; A battery case in which the above battery stack is accommodated; A magnet inserted into an insertion groove formed on each side wall surface of the battery case; and It includes a bonding member that is provided between the magnet and the insertion groove to increase the bonding force between the magnet and the insertion groove and to prevent the insertion groove from being damaged by the magnet. A battery pack in which multiple battery modules are connected in series by magnets provided on corresponding side walls.

12. In claim 11, It further includes a fixing plate that fixes multiple battery modules without separating them, The above-mentioned fixed plate is a battery pack provided with a metal plate that is provided on the outer surface of a plurality of battery modules and fixes the plurality of battery modules so that they do not separate when the magnets provided on the plurality of battery modules are combined.

13. In claim 12, The above fixed plate is a battery pack that is inserted into a fixed groove formed on the outer surface of a plurality of battery modules where magnets are located.

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