Battery cell assembly

Abstract

A battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a plurality of battery cells; a frame in which the plurality of battery cells are installed; an upper cover coupled to the top surface of the frame so as to cover the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells; a first flexible part interposed between the frame and the upper cover and having a plurality of first flexible holes through which the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells are inserted and fitted; and a lower cover coupled to the bottom surface of the frame in a state in which the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells are partially inserted therein.

Description

Battery cell assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell assembly, and more particularly, to a battery cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are compressed and fixed to a frame so that the battery cells can be individually separated later.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0053114, filed April 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Recently, rechargeable batteries have been widely used as a power source for wireless mobile devices. Batteries are also used as a power source for lightweight transportation devices such as electric vehicles, electric scooters, electric bicycles, and electric kickboards.

[0004] Battery-powered transportation was proposed as a solution to air pollution caused by fossil fuel-powered internal combustion vehicles. However, the battery manufacturing process emits more carbon dioxide than internal combustion vehicles.

[0005] European battery regulations require proof of environmental friendliness and safety throughout the entire battery lifecycle, from production to recycling, to achieve carbon neutrality. Furthermore, devices and lightweight vehicles containing batteries must be designed to allow for battery removal and replacement.

[0006] In particular, batteries for light means of transport (LMT) may require features that allow for easy removal and replacement throughout the product's life cycle. Here, an LMT battery may be defined as a battery with a total weight of 25 kg or less and intended to provide power for traction in a wheeled vehicle, excluding batteries for electric vehicles.

[0007] Fig. 1 is an example of a battery cell assembly applied to a lightweight transportation vehicle, Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional battery cell assembly, Fig. 3(a) is a plan view of a battery cell assembly in which terminals of battery cells are electrically connected by wire bonding, and Fig. 3(b) is a schematic view of a state in which adhesive is applied to a plurality of battery cells.

[0008] A battery cell assembly (10) includes a plurality of battery cells (20), an upper cover (11), a lower cover (13), and a frame (15). The frame (15) is for protecting the plurality of battery cells (20). The plurality of battery cells (20) are inserted into the frame (15) and fixed by the upper cover (11) and the lower cover (13).

[0009] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3(a), the upper cover (11) is coupled to the frame (15) so that the first terminal (21) and the second terminal connection portion (22) of the battery cell (20) are exposed to the outside. An electrode terminal block (12) is provided on the upper cover (11).

[0010] The above first terminal (21) may be a positive terminal. The above second terminal connection portion (22) is a portion electrically connected to the second terminal (23). The above second terminal (23) may be a negative terminal.

[0011] The above battery cell assembly (10) comprises a plurality of battery cells (20) connected in series or parallel according to the battery capacity of the lightweight transportation vehicle (30). The electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells (20) can be performed by a wire bonding device (not shown).

[0012] A wire bonding device (not shown) can wire bond the first terminal (21) and the second terminal connection portion (22) of each battery cell (20) to the electrode terminal block (12) according to preset coordinates.

[0013] A wire bonding device (not shown) can wire bond a first terminal (21) of a battery cell and an electrode terminal block (12) using a very thin metal wire, and can wire bond a second terminal connection portion (22) of the battery cell and an electrode terminal block (12).

[0014] The above wires (13, 14) correspond to wires that connect the first terminal (21) and the second terminal connection portion (22) of the battery cell (20) to the electrode terminal block (12). When a surge occurs in the battery cell assembly (10), the wires (13, 14) can act as a fuse that cuts off the electrical connection between the battery cell (20) and the electrode terminal block (12) by being cut off.

[0015] Wire bonding has the advantage of addressing surge issues, the biggest risk factor for batteries. However, in order to electrically connect the terminals (21, 22) of multiple battery cells (20) using wire bonding, the multiple battery cells (20) must be mounted in the frame (15) in the correct positions.

[0016] To this end, conventionally, a plurality of battery cells (20) were fixed to the lower cover (13) using an adhesive (G). Referring to Fig. 3(b), the adhesive (G) is applied to the entire lower surface of the plurality of battery cells (20) provided with the second terminal (23).

[0017] The lower cover (13) is coupled to the frame (15) so as to cover the lower surface of a plurality of battery cells (20) provided with second terminals (23). The lower cover (13) is bonded to the lower surface of the plurality of battery cells (20) by an adhesive (G).

[0018] In a conventional battery cell assembly (10), a plurality of battery cells (20) are bonded and fixed to a lower cover (13), and each terminal (21, 22) of the battery cells (20) is connected to an electrode terminal block (12) provided on an upper cover (11) using a wire bonding method.

[0019] When a problem such as over-discharge, over-charge, or short-circuit occurs in some of the battery cells (20) among the plurality of battery cells (20) during use of a lightweight transportation means (30), it was difficult to individually separate the battery cells (20) due to the structure of the conventional battery cell assembly (10).

[0020] Accordingly, in the case where a problem occurred in some of the battery cells (20) among the plurality of battery cells (20) of the conventional battery cell assembly (10), the battery cell assembly (10) itself had to be replaced to ensure the stability of the lightweight transportation vehicle.

[0021] The method of replacing the battery cell assembly (10) itself in a lightweight vehicle (30) required the disposal of both defective and healthy battery cells. Discarded battery cells were difficult to recycle, leading to environmental pollution.

[0022] In addition, since the conventional battery cell assembly (10) does not comply with European battery regulations as it is a structure in which individual separation of battery cells (20) is impossible, development of a battery cell assembly (20) in which individual separation of battery cells (20) is possible is required.

[0023] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are compressed and fixed to a frame so that the battery cells can be separated individually later.

[0024] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery assembly for light means transport (LMT) that can satisfy the conditions required for a battery assembly for LMT through one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention can be prepared as follows.

[0026] The battery cell assembly may include a plurality of battery cells, a frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, an upper cover coupled to an upper surface of the frame to cover upper portions of the plurality of battery cells, and a lower cover coupled to a lower surface of the frame with lower portions of the plurality of battery cells partially inserted therein.

[0027] In addition, the battery cell assembly may include a plurality of battery cells, a frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, an upper cover coupled to an upper surface of the frame to cover upper portions of the plurality of battery cells, a first soft portion interposed between the frame and the upper cover and having a plurality of first soft holes through which the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells are respectively inserted, and a lower cover coupled to a lower surface of the frame with the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells partially inserted therethrough.

[0028] In the above battery cell assembly, terminal connections between multiple battery cells can be made through the upper portion of the battery cell. That is, both the positive and negative electrical terminal connections can be made through the upper portion of the battery cell. Therefore, terminal connections through the lower portion of the battery cell can be excluded.

[0029] To separate individual battery cells from the battery assembly, the frame and bottom cover can be disengaged. When the bottom cover is removed, a portion of the lower portion of the battery cell protrudes from the frame. Therefore, the protruding portion of the battery cell to be removed can be easily removed from the frame by pulling on it.

[0030] Additionally, the battery cell assembly may have a first soft portion interposed between the frame and the upper cover.

[0031] The above first soft portion may have a plurality of first soft holes through which the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells are respectively inserted.

[0032] The above first soft portion is integrally pressed and fixed between the upper cover and the frame, so as to limit the vertical movement and radial movement of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0033] The above first soft portion may be provided so that the periphery of the first soft hole can be in contact with the upper surface of the frame.

[0034] The first soft portion may have one or more first fixing holes each provided to penetrate one or more first fixing protrusions protruding from the upper surface of the frame around the cell space of the frame.

[0035] The upper cover has one or more first cover protrusions that are respectively fitted into one or more first grooves provided on the upper surface of the frame, and can be press-fixed to the upper surface of the frame through the first soft portion.

[0036] Additionally, the battery cell assembly may have a second soft portion interposed between the frame and the lower cover.

[0037] The second soft portion may have a plurality of soft grooves into which the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells are each inserted.

[0038] The above second soft portion may be formed by integrally forming the plurality of soft grooves.

[0039] The above second soft portion can connect the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells as one through the plurality of soft grooves.

[0040] The above second soft portion may have a second soft hole penetrating the bottom surface of the second soft groove.

[0041] The second soft portion may have a soft rib extending from the bottom surface of the second soft groove to a predetermined length and surrounding the battery cell.

[0042] The second soft portion may be provided to cover the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells exposed to the lower portion of the frame.

[0043] The frame may be provided with a recessed step portion along the circumferential direction on the lower surface of the frame so that there is a free space between the inner surface of the frame and the second soft portion while the second soft portion is inserted into the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells.

[0044] The lower cover may be coupled to the frame with the second soft portion inserted into the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells to limit the vertical movement of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0045] The lower cover has a lower cover groove that is sunken in a lower cover joining surface that contacts the lower surface of the frame, and is coupled to the lower surface of the frame so that the lower cover groove contacts the second soft portion, and can be press-fixed to the plurality of battery cells through the second soft portion.

[0046] The above frame includes a first body and a second body in which a plurality of cell spaces into which battery cells can be inserted are opened in both directions along the length direction of the battery cells, and the first body and the second body can be provided so as to be insertably coupled.

[0047] A third soft part may be interposed between the first body and the second body.

[0048] The third soft portion may have a plurality of third soft holes through which a plurality of battery cells are inserted.

[0049] The third soft portion may be pressed against the first body and the second body around the third soft hole, and the third soft hole may be pressed against the outer surface of the battery cell in the cell space of the frame to limit movement in the radial direction of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0050] The third soft portion has one or more third fixing holes each provided to penetrate one or more second fixing protrusions protruding from the upper surface of the second main body, and can be mounted on the upper surface of the second main body such that the third soft holes are individually exposed to the cell space of the frame through the third fixing holes.

[0051] One or more third grooves are provided on the lower surface of the second main body, and the second main body can be fitted to the second cover protrusion of the lower cover through the third groove.

[0052] One or more third grooves are provided on the lower surface of the second main body, and the second main body can be fitted to the second cover protrusion of the lower cover through the third groove.

[0053] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery assembly for LMT can be provided. The battery cell used in the battery assembly may be a cylindrical battery cell or a square battery cell.

[0054] A plurality of battery cells can be inserted into a frame and sealed, and a gap between the plurality of battery cells can be maintained by a flexible portion. The flexible portion can be provided on the upper and / or lower portions of the plurality of battery cells. The upper and / or lower portions of each battery cell can be partially fitted into the flexible portion. Accordingly, the radial movement as well as the longitudinal movement of the battery cells can be restricted by the fixed flexible portion.

[0055] Specifically, the battery cell assembly may include a plurality of battery cells having beading grooves sunken in the outer surface along the radial direction, a frame having a plurality of cell spaces into which the battery cells can be inserted, the frame having the plurality of battery cells mounted such that the beading grooves are exposed upward, a first soft portion having a plurality of first soft holes penetrating the plurality of battery cells respectively and being seated on an upper surface of the frame in a state in which the first soft portions are fitted into the beading grooves of the plurality of battery cells to fix upper portions of the plurality of battery cells to the upper surface of the frame, and an upper cover covering the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells and being coupled to the upper surface of the frame so as to be in contact with the first soft portion, and being press-fixed to the upper surface of the frame through the first soft portion.

[0056] In addition, the battery cell assembly may include a plurality of soft grooves into which each battery cell is inserted, and a second soft portion that is inserted and fixed into the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells through the plurality of soft grooves and connects the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells into one.

[0057] In addition, the battery cell assembly may include a lower cover having a lower cover engaging surface that contacts the lower surface of the frame and a lower cover groove that is sunken in the lower cover engaging surface. The lower cover is engaged to the lower surface of the frame such that the lower cover groove covers the second soft portion, and may be press-fitted to the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells through the second soft portion.

[0058] The upper portions of the plurality of battery cells may be integrally fixed to the upper surface of the frame through the first soft portion, and the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells may be integrally pressed and fixed to the lower cover through the second soft portion.

[0059] The first soft portion may be provided with a plurality of first soft holes according to the arrangement pattern of the battery cells, and the periphery of the first soft holes may be provided so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the frame.

[0060] In addition, the first soft portion has a plurality of first fixing holes each penetrating a plurality of first fixing protrusions protruding from the upper surface of the frame, and can be fixed on the upper surface of the frame at a fixed position through the plurality of first fixing holes.

[0061] In addition, the second soft portion has a bottom surface of the second soft groove that is provided so as to be in surface contact with the bottom surface of the lower cover groove, and can be closely fixed to the bottom of the plurality of battery cells through the lower cover.

[0062] Additionally, the second soft portion may be provided integrally with a soft rib extending a predetermined length from the bottom surface of the second soft groove to surround the outer surface of each battery cell.

[0063] In addition, the second soft portion may have a plurality of soft grooves into which the lower portion of the battery cell can be inserted to a predetermined length, and may be provided to be insertable into the lower cover groove.

[0064] In addition, the second soft portion may be formed integrally with the plurality of soft grooves according to the arrangement pattern of the battery cells.

[0065] The above frame includes a first body and a second body in which a plurality of cell spaces are opened in both directions along the length direction of the battery cell, and the first body and the second body can be provided so as to be fit-coupled.

[0066] In addition, the battery cell assembly may include a third soft portion that is positioned between the first body and the second body and has a plurality of third soft holes that penetrate the plurality of battery cells, and each of the third soft holes is exposed to each cell space, and is press-fitted to the outer surface of the plurality of battery cells through each of the third soft holes.

[0067] The third soft portion has a plurality of third fixing holes penetrating each of the second fixing protrusions of the second main body, and can be mounted on the second main body joining surface of the second main body at a fixed position through the plurality of third fixing holes.

[0068] In addition, the third soft portion may be provided with a plurality of third soft holes according to the arrangement pattern of the battery cells, and the periphery of the third soft holes may be provided so as to be in contact with the first body and the second body.

[0069] The second body is recessed in the inner surface of the second body along the circumferential direction of the second body and has a stepped portion formed on the lower surface of the second body, and the second soft portion can be inserted and fixed into the lower portion of a plurality of battery cells exposed to the lower portion of the second body so as to have a free space with the stepped portion.

[0070] Through the combination of the upper cover and the frame, the first soft part is fixed between the two, and the upper portions of a plurality of battery cells can be fixed integrally through the fixed first soft part.

[0071] Through the combination of the lower cover and the frame, the second soft part is fixed between the two, and the lower portions of a plurality of battery cells can be fixed as one piece through the fixed second soft part.

[0072] The battery cell assembly can be disassembled in the reverse order of its manufacturing or assembly. In particular, when the lower cover is removed by releasing the connection between the lower cover and the frame, the second soft portion and the lower portions of the battery cells connected thereto can be exposed to the outside. The lower portions of the battery cells are spaced apart from each other by the second soft portion. If only the second soft portion is removed, the lower portions of the battery cells can be exposed to the outside with the spaced apart portions.

[0073] Accordingly, the lower portion of the battery cell can be held and separated from the frame. At this time, since the first soft portion and / or the third soft portion are fixed to the frame, the battery cell can be easily separated from the first soft portion and / or the third soft portion without being affected by other battery cells.

[0074] Therefore, it is very easy to individually separate each of the multiple battery cells from the battery cell assembly, which means that each of the multiple battery cells can be easily replaced.

[0075] A battery cell assembly having the above-described configuration and structure has the following effects.

[0076] The above battery cell assembly can secure the plurality of battery cells to the frame by a compression method. The battery cell assembly can individually separate the defective battery cells when a problem occurs in some of the plurality of battery cells.

[0077] The above battery cell assembly has an upper cover, a first soft part, a frame, and a lower cover that are fitted and connected in place, and a plurality of battery cells can be pressed and fixed to the frame through the first soft part, the second soft part, and the third soft part.

[0078] The above first soft portion is fitted into the beading groove of the plurality of battery cells to fix each battery cell to the frame in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the battery cell, thereby preventing surrounding battery cells from being separated together when any one of the plurality of battery cells is separated from the frame.

[0079] The above battery cell assembly is structured so that each component can be separated and assembled, so that disassembly of the battery cell assembly is simple, making it easy to replace the battery cell that has become an issue.

[0080] In addition, the battery cell assembly can extend its service life by replacing the issue battery cell with a new battery cell.

[0081] Figure 1 is an example of a battery cell assembly applied to a lightweight transportation vehicle.

[0082] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional battery cell assembly.

[0083] Fig. 3(a) is a plan view of a battery cell assembly in which the terminals of the battery cells are electrically connected by wire bonding, and Fig. 3(b) is a schematic illustration of a state in which adhesive is applied to a plurality of battery cells.

[0084] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Fig. 4, and Fig. 7 is a partial enlarged view of Fig. 6, which is a drawing for explaining the force with which the first to third soft parts press a plurality of battery cells in the longitudinal and radial directions.

[0087] FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings for explaining a process of separating a defective battery cell from a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention and replacing it with a new battery cell.

[0088] Hereinafter, a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0089] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of AA in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 6, which is a drawing for explaining the force with which the first to third soft portions press a plurality of battery cells in the longitudinal and radial directions.

[0090] A battery cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used as an energy source that can be mounted on a lightweight transportation means (30) of FIG. 1.

[0091] The battery cell assembly (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (110), a frame (120) on which the plurality of battery cells (110) are mounted, an upper cover (140) coupled to an upper surface (121a) of the frame (120) to cover the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells (110), and a lower cover (170) coupled to a lower surface (125b) of the frame (120) with the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells (110) partially inserted therein. In addition, the battery cell assembly (100) may have a first soft portion (130) interposed between the frame (120) and the upper cover (140).

[0092] The above battery cell (110) may be a cylindrical battery cell or a square battery cell. Since the structure and configuration of the battery cell are well-known technologies, a detailed description of the structure and configuration of the battery cell (110) will be omitted. Furthermore, for convenience of explanation, this document will describe an assembly method for assembling multiple cylindrical battery cells into a single module.

[0093] The above battery cell (110) has a positive terminal (111), a negative terminal (113), a negative connection portion (115), and a beading groove (112). The beading groove (112) is a portion that is sunken in the radial direction on the outer surface of the battery cell (110).

[0094] The above negative terminal (115) is provided around the positive terminal (111) and is a portion electrically connected to the negative terminal (113) of the battery cell (110). The negative terminal (113) is located on the opposite side of the positive terminal (111).

[0095] Referring to Fig. 5, the frame (120) includes a first body (121) and a second body (125) in which the plurality of cell spaces (126) are open in both directions along the longitudinal direction (L) of the battery cell (110). The first body (121) and the second body (125) may be provided so as to be capable of being fitted together.

[0096] The above cell space (126) is a space into which the battery cell (110) is inserted. The cell space (126) is open in both directions along the longitudinal direction (L) of the battery cell (110). The frame (120) has a length shorter than the length of the battery cell (110). The plurality of battery cells (110) can be inserted into each cell space (126) such that the upper and lower portions of the battery cells (110) are exposed to the outside of the frame (120).

[0097] In the above battery cell assembly (100), the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells (110) can be integrally fixed to the upper surface (121a) of the frame (120) via the first soft portion (130). The upper portion of the battery cell (110) includes a positive terminal (111), a negative connection portion (115), and a beading groove (112), and is a portion exposed to the upper surface (121a) of the frame (120).

[0098] The first soft portion (130) may have a plurality of first soft holes (131) through which the upper portions of a plurality of battery cells (110) may be inserted. The first soft portion (130) may be provided such that the periphery of the first soft hole (131) can be in contact with the upper surface (121a) of the frame (120).

[0099] The plurality of first soft holes (131) have an arrangement pattern of a plurality of battery cells (110). The plurality of first soft holes (131) are openings through which the battery cells (110) pass. The first soft holes (131) may be provided with a diameter that is the same as the diameter of the beading groove (112) of the battery cells (110) or within a range in which they can be pressed into the beading groove (112) during compression.

[0100] The first soft portion (130) may have one or more first fixing holes (133) around the first soft hole (131). The first fixing holes (133) are provided around the first soft hole (131).

[0101] The first fixing hole (133) is provided to penetrate the first fixing protrusion (127) of the upper surface (121a) of the frame (120). The first fixing hole (133) has a diameter larger than the diameter of the first fixing protrusion (127).

[0102] The first soft portion (130) may be mounted on the upper surface (121a) of the frame (120) such that each of the plurality of first fixing holes (133) penetrates each of the plurality of first fixing protrusions (127) of the first main body (121), so that the plurality of first soft holes (131) can be fitted into the beading grooves (112) of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0103] The first soft portion (130) may be provided with a plurality of first soft holes (131), a plurality of first fixing holes (133), and a plurality of first mounting holes (135) on the same plane.

[0104] The first soft portion (130) can be positioned on the upper surface (121a) of the first main body (121) by penetrating the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) at once through the plurality of first soft holes (131) and can be fitted into the beading groove (112) of the battery cell (110).

[0105] The first soft portion (130) may have a compressible material, for example, a rubber material or a silicone material. The first soft portion (130) has a predetermined elasticity due to the nature of the compressible material, so that the beading groove (112) of the battery cell (110) can be fitted into the first soft hole (131) in such a way that the battery cell (110) passes through the first soft hole (113).

[0106] The above first soft portion (130) can be fixed on the upper surface (121a) of the first main body (121) at a preset position by having the plurality of first fixing holes (133) hook onto the plurality of first fixing protrusions (127) of the first main body (121).

[0107] The first soft portion (130) is interposed between the upper surface (121a) of the frame (120) and the upper cover (140). The upper cover (140) can be pressed and fixed to the upper surface (121a) of the frame (120) through the first soft portion (130).

[0108] The upper cover (140) has one or more first cover protrusions (149) that are respectively fitted into one or more first grooves (122) provided on the upper surface (121a) of the frame (120). The plurality of first cover protrusions (149) may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the upper cover (140).

[0109] The upper cover (140) can be fitted into the upper surface (121a) of the first main body (121) to cover the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells (110). The first cover protrusion (149) penetrates each of the first mounting holes (135) of the first soft portion (130) and is inserted into each of the first grooves (122).

[0110] The above first soft portion (130) is integrally fixed between the upper cover (140) and the frame (120) to limit the vertical movement (L) in the longitudinal direction and the movement in the radial direction (D) of each of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0111] The first soft portion (130) may be in close contact with the upper surface (121a) of the first main body (121) and the upper cover (140) around the plurality of first soft holes (131). The first soft portion (130) may be in close contact with the beading groove (112) of each battery cell (110) in the radial direction (D) of the battery cell (110) through the plurality of first soft holes (131).

[0112] The above first soft portion (130) is structured to be press-fitted into the beading grooves (112) of the plurality of battery cells (110), and can limit movement of the battery cells (110) in the longitudinal direction (L) through the beading grooves (112), and can prevent the surrounding battery cells (110) from being separated together when the battery cell (110a, see FIG. 10(e)) that has been issued from the frame (120) is separated.

[0113] The above radial direction (D) is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the battery cell (110). The above radial direction (D) is a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the battery cell (110).

[0114] In addition, in the battery cell assembly (100), the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) can be integrally pressed and fixed to the lower cover (170) through the second soft portion (160). The lower portion of the battery cell (110) is provided with a negative terminal (113) and is a portion exposed to the lower surface (125b) of the second main body (125).

[0115] The second soft portion (160) may be interposed between the frame (120) and the lower cover (170). The second soft portion (160) may have a compressible material, for example, a rubber material or a silicone material.

[0116] The second soft portion (160) is provided to cover the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) exposed to the lower portion of the frame (120). For example, the second soft portion (160) may be provided as a holder type in which the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells (110) are inserted and fixed to a predetermined length.

[0117] The second soft portion (160) may have a plurality of soft grooves (161) into which the lower portions of a plurality of battery cells (110) may be inserted. The soft grooves (161) are provided so that the lower portions of the battery cells (110) can be inserted to a predetermined length.

[0118] The above second soft portion (160) can be inserted and fixed to the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) through the plurality of soft grooves (161).

[0119] The second soft portion (160) may be formed integrally with the plurality of soft grooves (161). The second soft portion (160) may connect the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells (110) as one through the plurality of soft grooves (161).

[0120] The bottom surface (162) of the second soft groove (161) supports a plurality of battery cells (110) and is provided so as to be in surface contact with the bottom surface of the lower cover groove (173). The second soft portion (160) may have a second soft hole (163) penetrating the bottom surface (162) of the second soft groove (161).

[0121] The second soft hole (163) is an opening penetrating the bottom surface (162) of the second soft groove (161). The second soft hole (163) has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the battery cell (110). The second soft hole (163) acts as an air passage when the bottom surface (162) of the second soft groove (161) of the second soft portion (160) is pressed against the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0122] The air between the bottom surface (162) of the second soft groove (161) and the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) flows to the outside of the second soft portion (160) through the second soft hole (163). Accordingly, the second soft portion (160) can be tightly fixed to the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0123] The second soft portion (160) may have a soft rib (164) that extends to a predetermined length from the bottom surface (162) of the second soft groove (161) and is arranged to surround the battery cell (110).

[0124] The above soft rib (164) is formed to surround the outer surfaces of each of the plurality of battery cells (110) and protrudes from the bottom surface (162) of the second soft groove (161) to a predetermined length. The length of the soft rib (164) may be equal to or shorter than the length of the battery cell (110) exposed to the lower portion of the frame (120).

[0125] The second soft portion (160) may be press-fixed to the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) and the bottom surface of the lower cover groove (173) when the lower cover (170) and the frame (120) are combined. The lower cover groove (173) may be provided to be in contact with the bottom surface (161) of the second soft groove (161) of the second soft portion (160) and to have a free space with the outer surface of the soft rib (164).

[0126] The lower cover (170) has a lower cover groove (173) sunken in the lower cover (170) joining surface that contacts the lower surface (125b) of the frame (120), and is coupled to the lower surface (125b) of the frame (120) so that the lower cover groove (173) contacts the second soft portion (160), and can be pressed and fixed to the plurality of battery cells (110) through the second soft portion (160).

[0127] The lower cover (170) is connected to the frame (120) with the second soft portion (160) inserted into the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) to limit the vertical movement of each of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0128] Meanwhile, the frame (120) includes a first main body (121) and a second main body (125). The first main body (121) and the second main body (125) are pressed and fixed through a third soft part (150).

[0129] The first main body (121) and the second main body (125) are fitted and connected. The first main body (121) and the second main body (125) can be fitted and connected in a fixed position through a plurality of second fixing grooves (not shown) and a plurality of second fixing protrusions (128).

[0130] The second fixing groove (not shown) is a groove that is sunken into the first main body joining surface (121b) and into which the second fixing protrusion (128) can be inserted. The first main body joining surface (121b) is a portion that comes into contact with the second main body joining surface (125a) of the second main body (125). The first main body joining surface (121b) is the lower surface of the first main body (121).

[0131] The second fixing protrusion (128) protrudes from the second main body joining surface (125a) and is provided so as to be insertable into the second fixing groove (not shown). The second fixing protrusion (128) is provided around the cell space (126).

[0132] In addition, the second main body (125) is provided with a plurality of second grooves (124) on the second main body joining surface (125a). The plurality of second grooves (124) are portions where the plurality of first protrusions (123) of the first main body are respectively fitted. The second grooves (124) of the second main body (125) are positioned coaxially with the first grooves (122) and the first protrusions (123) of the first main body.

[0133] The first body (121) and the second body (125) can be pressed and fixed through the third soft part (150). The third soft part (150) can press and fix the middle of a plurality of battery cells (110) to the frame (120). The third soft part (150) can have a plurality of third soft holes (151) through which the plurality of battery cells (110) can be inserted.

[0134] The third soft portion (150) has a plurality of third soft holes (151), a plurality of third fixing holes (153), and a plurality of third mounting holes (155). The third soft portion (150) may have a compressible material, for example, a rubber material or a silicone material.

[0135] The plurality of third soft holes (151) are provided according to the arrangement pattern of the battery cells (110). The third soft portion (150) may be provided so that the periphery of the third soft hole (151) can be in contact with the first body coupling surface (121b) of the first body (121) and the second body coupling surface (125a) of the second body (125).

[0136] The third soft portion (150) has one or more third fixing holes (153) each provided to penetrate one or more second fixing protrusions (128) protruding from the upper surface of the second main body (125).

[0137] The third soft portion (150) can be mounted on the upper surface (125a) of the second main body (125) so that the third soft hole (151) is individually exposed to the cell space (126) of the frame (120) through the third fixing hole (153).

[0138] The third soft portion (150) may be pressed against the first body (121) and the second body (125) around the third soft hole (151), and the third soft hole (151) may be pressed against the outer surface of the battery cell (110) in the cell space (126) of the frame (120) to limit movement in the radial direction of each of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0139] In the above battery cell assembly (100), the plurality of battery cells (110) can be compressed and fixed to the middle of the frame (120) through the third soft portion (150).

[0140] A sunken step portion (125c) may be provided along the circumferential direction on the lower surface (125b) of the second main body (125).

[0141] The above-mentioned step portion (125c) is provided so that there is a space between the inner surface of the frame (120) and the second soft portion (160) when the second soft portion (160) is inserted into the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110). The above-mentioned step portion (125c) is a gap space provided so that the second soft portion (160) does not come into contact with the inner surface of the frame (120).

[0142] The second soft portion (160) can be inserted and fixed to the lower portion of a plurality of battery cells (110) without being in close contact with the inner surface of the frame (120) through the step portion (125c).

[0143] When the battery cell assembly (100) is disassembled, if the lower cover (170) is separated from the frame (120), the second soft portion (160) is exposed to the outside of the frame (120) through the step portion (125c) without being in close contact with the inner surface of the frame (120), so that it can be easily separated from the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0144] The lower cover (170) can be fitted to the lower surface (125a) of the second main body (125) to cover the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) equipped with the second soft portion (160). The lower cover (170) is fitted to the lower surface (125b) of the second main body (125) so as to be in contact with the bottom surface (162) of the second soft groove (161) of the second soft portion (160).

[0145] The lower cover (170) has a lower cover joining surface (172) that comes into contact with the lower surface (125b) of the frame (120) and a lower cover groove (173) that is sunken into the lower cover joining surface (172).

[0146] The lower cover (170) is coupled to the lower surface (125b) of the frame (120) so that the lower cover home (173) covers the second soft portion (160), and can be pressed and fixed to the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) through the second soft portion (160).

[0147] The lower cover (170) has a plurality of second cover protrusions (174) protruding from the lower cover joining surface (172). The lower cover (170) can be fitted into the third groove (129, see FIG. 10(e)) of the second body (125) at a fixed position through the plurality of second cover protrusions (174). In addition, the lower cover (170) can be coupled to the second body (125) using screws (171).

[0148] The above battery cell assembly (100) can be assembled by simply fitting each component in the correct position, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the battery cell assembly (100) by combining the plurality of battery cells (110) in the correct position of the frame (120).

[0149] In addition, the battery cell assembly (100) has a structure in which each component is assembled in a detachable manner, so that disassembly of the battery cell assembly (100) is simple, and replacement of some battery cells (110a) is easy.

[0150] In addition, the battery cell assembly (100) can extend its service life by replacing some of the battery cells (110a) with new battery cells (110).

[0151] In this document, the battery cell assembly (100) is described based on an example in which the plurality of battery cells (110) are connected between terminals using a wire bonding method, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and the terminal connection method of the battery cells can be changed to various examples.

[0152] Below, the structure of the upper cover (140) of the battery cell assembly (100) will be described when the terminal connection method of the plurality of battery cells (110) is adopted as the wire bonding method.

[0153] The upper cover (140) has a plurality of first cover holes (141), a plurality of second cover holes (142), and an electrode terminal block (143).

[0154] The first cover hole (141) is an opening provided to expose the positive terminal (111) of the battery cell (110). The second cover hole (142) is an opening provided to expose the negative terminal (115) electrically connected to the negative terminal (113) of the battery cell (110). The negative terminal (115) is provided to surround the positive terminal (111) at the upper portion of the battery cell (110).

[0155] The negative terminal (113) is provided at the bottom of the battery cell (110). The second cover hole (142) is provided between two adjacent first cover holes (141). The second cover hole (142) is an opening having a different shape from the first cover hole (141).

[0156] The positive terminal (111) and the negative connection portion (115) are electrically connected to the electrode terminal block (143) by means of wire (191, 192) bonding. The wires (191, 192) may be made of a material having electrical conductivity, such as copper or aluminum.

[0157] Drawing number 191 is a positive wire (191) connecting the positive terminal (111) and the electrode terminal block (143). Drawing number 192 is a negative wire (192) connecting the negative connection part (115) and the electrode terminal block (143).

[0158] The above battery cell assembly (100) can individually separate a battery cell (110a) that needs to be replaced from the frame (120) among the plurality of battery cells (110) through the following process. A battery cell (110a) that needs to be replaced (or, also referred to as an issue battery cell) is a battery cell (110) that has a problem such as damage or a short circuit.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, a process for replacing a faulty battery cell (100a) in a battery cell assembly (100) will be described. FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings for explaining a process for separating a faulty battery cell from a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention and replacing it with a new battery cell.

[0160] Referring to Fig. 8(a), the bonding of the wires (191, 192) between the terminal of the battery cell (110a) and the electrode terminal block (143) is cut.

[0161] Referring to Fig. 8(b), the lower cover (170) is separated from the frame (120), and then the second soft portion (160) is separated from the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0162] Referring to Fig. 9(c), when the lower cover (170) is separated from the frame (120), the second soft portion (160) is exposed to the outside. In this state, the second soft portion (160) is peeled off from the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0163] The second soft portion (160) is made of rubber, and when the pressing force of the lower cover (170) is released, the pressing force (P, see FIG. 7) on the plurality of battery cells (110) is also released, so that the second soft portion (160) can be easily separated from the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0164] Next, referring to FIG. 9(d) and FIG. 10(e), the battery cell (110a) that has been issued is separated from the cell space (126) of the frame (120), and a new battery cell (110) is inserted into the cell space (126) of the frame (120).

[0165] The above-mentioned battery cell (110a) can be separated from the frame (120) by pulling in the longitudinal direction (L) of the battery cell (110) with a force greater than the compressive force (P) of the first soft part (130) and the third soft part (150) for the above-mentioned battery cell (110a).

[0166] Next, the second soft portion (160) is mounted on the lower portion of a plurality of battery cells (110) including the new battery cell (110), and then the lower cover (170) is coupled to the lower surface (125b) of the frame (120). Finally, referring to Fig. 10(f), the terminal of the new battery cell (110) and the electrode terminal block (143) are bonded with wires (191, 192).

[0167] The above battery cell assembly (100) has a structure that fixes the plurality of battery cells (110) to the frame (120) in a compression manner, and when the compression force (P) of the first soft part (130) and the second soft part (160) on the battery cells (110) is released, the battery cells (110) can be individually separated from the frame (120).

[0168] Through the combination of the upper cover (140) and the frame (120), the first soft part (130) is fixed between the two, and the upper portions of a plurality of battery cells (110) can be fixed integrally through the fixed first soft part (130).

[0169] Through the combination of the lower cover (170) and the frame (120), the second soft part (160) is fixed between the two, and the lower parts of a plurality of battery cells (110) can be fixed integrally through the fixed second soft part (160).

[0170] The battery cell assembly (100) can be disassembled in the reverse order of the manufacturing or assembly order of the battery cell assembly (100). In particular, when the lower cover (170) and the frame (120) are disconnected and the lower cover (170) is removed, the second soft portion (160) and the lower portions of the battery cells (110) coupled thereto can be exposed to the outside. The lower portions of the battery cells (110) have a certain gap through the second soft portion. When only the second soft portion (160) is removed, the lower portions of the battery cells (110) can be exposed to the outside with a certain gap.

[0171] Accordingly, the lower portion of the battery cell (110a) that has been issued can be held and separated from the frame (120). At this time, since the first soft part (130) and / or the third soft part (150) are fixed to the frame (120), the battery cell (110) that has been issued can be easily separated from the first soft part (130) and / or the third soft part (150) without being affected by other battery cells (110).

[0172] Therefore, it is very easy to individually separate each of the plurality of battery cells (110) from the battery cell assembly (100), which allows each of the plurality of battery cells (110) to be easily replaced.

[0173] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for the purpose of illustration, and those skilled in the art having ordinary knowledge of the present invention will be able to make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0174] According to a battery cell assembly related to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of battery cells can be compressed and fixed to a frame, and when a problem occurs in some of the plurality of battery cells, the battery cells in which the problem occurs can be individually separated.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted; An upper cover coupled to the upper surface of the frame to cover the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells; A first soft portion interposed between the frame and the upper cover, the first soft portion having a plurality of first soft holes through which the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells are respectively inserted; and A battery cell assembly including a lower cover that is coupled to the lower surface of the frame with the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells partially inserted therein.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the first soft portion is integrally pressed and fixed between the upper cover and the frame, thereby limiting the vertical movement and radial movement of each of the plurality of battery cells.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery cell assembly in which the first soft portion is provided so that the periphery of the first soft hole can contact the upper surface of the frame.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly having at least one first fixing hole, wherein the first soft portion is provided so as to penetrate at least one first fixing protrusion protruding from the upper surface of the frame around the cell space of the frame.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the upper cover has one or more first cover protrusions that are respectively fitted into one or more first grooves provided on the upper surface of the frame, and is press-fixed to the upper surface of the frame through the first soft portion.

6. In paragraph 1, A second soft portion is interposed between the frame and the lower cover, A battery cell assembly having a plurality of soft grooves into which the lower portions of a plurality of battery cells are each inserted, wherein the second soft portion is a plurality of soft grooves.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the second soft portion is formed integrally with the plurality of soft grooves.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery cell assembly in which the second soft portion connects the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells as one through the plurality of soft grooves.

9. In paragraph 6, A battery cell assembly in which the second soft portion has a second soft hole penetrating the bottom surface of the second soft groove.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery cell assembly having a soft rib extending from the bottom surface of the second soft groove to a predetermined length and surrounding the battery cell.

11. In paragraph 6, A battery cell assembly in which the second soft portion is provided to cover the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells exposed to the lower portion of the frame.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery cell assembly in which the frame has a recessed protrusion formed along the circumferential direction on the lower surface of the frame so that there is a free space between the inner surface of the frame and the second soft portion while the second soft portion is inserted into the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells.

13. In paragraph 6, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the lower cover is connected to the frame with the second soft portion inserted into the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells to limit the vertical movement of each of the plurality of battery cells.

14. In paragraph 13, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the lower cover has a lower cover groove that is sunken in a lower cover joining surface that contacts the lower surface of the frame, and the lower cover groove is coupled to the lower surface of the frame so as to be in contact with the second soft portion, and is press-fixed to the plurality of battery cells through the second soft portion.

15. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly in which the frame includes a first body and a second body in which a plurality of cell spaces into which battery cells can be inserted are opened in both directions along the length direction of the battery cells, and the first body and the second body are provided so as to be insertably coupled.

16. In paragraph 15, A battery cell assembly in which a third soft part is interposed between the first body and the second body.

17. In paragraph 16, A battery cell assembly having a plurality of third soft holes through which a plurality of battery cells are inserted, respectively, in the third soft portion.

18. In paragraph 17, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the third soft part is pressed against the first body and the second body around the third soft hole, and the third soft hole is pressed against the outer surface of the battery cell in the cell space of the frame to limit movement in the radial direction of each of the plurality of battery cells.

19. In paragraph 17, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the third soft portion has one or more third fixing holes each provided to penetrate one or more second fixing protrusions protruding from the upper surface of the second main body, and is seated on the upper surface of the second main body so that the third soft holes are individually exposed to the cell space of the frame through the third fixing holes.

20. In paragraph 17, At least one third groove is provided on the lower surface of the second main body, The above second body is a battery cell assembly that is fitted into the second cover protrusion of the lower cover through the above third groove.

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