Battery cell assembly, jig assembly for manufacturing same, and battery pack

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell assembly comprises: multiple battery cells; and a potting unit interposed between the outside of the multiple battery cells and the multiple battery cells and configured to fix the multiple battery cells. The battery cell assembly according to the present invention may not include a separate housing having an accommodation space for accommodating multiple battery cells.

Description

Battery cell assembly, jig structure for manufacturing the same and battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell assembly, a jig structure for manufacturing the same, and a battery pack.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module comprising at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module and add other components to configure the battery pack. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output, etc.

[0005] However, in such battery packs, a structure is required to fix the plurality of battery modules to be accommodated, and therefore, in conventional battery packs, separate parts are applied to fix parts such as the battery module case, bus bar, and BMS (battery management system), which increases material cost and weight.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell assembly having a structure in which structures such as a bus bar, a BMS, and a mounting are directly fastened to a foam resin without including a separate housing.

[0007] In addition, the invention has another purpose of improving economic efficiency by reducing the material cost of battery cell assemblies and battery packs.

[0008] In addition, another object of the present invention is to reduce the weight of a battery cell assembly and a battery pack.

[0009] In addition, another object of the present invention is to improve the energy density of a battery cell assembly and a battery pack.

[0010] In addition, another object of the present invention is to facilitate separation of a battery cell assembly and a jig structure.

[0011] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell assembly comprises: a plurality of battery cells; and a potting part interposed between the outer side of the plurality of battery cells and the plurality of battery cells and configured to fix the plurality of battery cells; and does not include a separate housing having a receiving space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells.

[0013] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes one or more of the above battery cell assemblies.

[0014] The above potting portion may be exposed to the outside of the battery cell assembly.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the potting portion may include a foamed resin.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the battery cell assembly may include an electrical connector electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells.

[0017] Preferably, the electrical connection portion may be configured to be embedded within the potting portion.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the battery cell assembly may include a joining member embedded within the potting portion and configured to be joined to another structure.

[0019] Preferably, the joining member may be composed of an insert nut or a bushing.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery cell assembly may include a lower plate supporting the plurality of battery cells and the lower portion of the potting portion.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the battery cell assembly may include a spacer positioned above the plurality of battery cells and configured to have at least a portion of the spacer open so as to expose at least a portion of the battery cells to the outside.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, the battery cell assembly may include a top frame provided on the upper portion of the battery cell assembly and configured to surround an outer periphery of a side of the battery cell assembly constituting the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] Preferably, the top frame may be configured to be equipped with at least one of a busbar and an ICB.

[0024] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle including at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a jig structure is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells therein, and a pad is configured to be interposed between the jig structure and the plurality of battery cells accommodated therein.

[0026] In one aspect of the present invention, the jig structure may include a lower jig configured to support a plurality of battery cells from the bottom; a side jig mounted on the lower jig and configured to cover the plurality of battery cells from the side; a side pad provided on the side jig and configured to directly contact the plurality of battery cells; an upper jig provided on the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells and configured to be coupled with the side jig; and a guide jig detachably configured on one side of the side jig and including a cell receiving portion for receiving the battery cells.

[0027] Preferably, the side pad may comprise silicone.

[0028] In another aspect of the present invention, the lower jig, the side jig and the upper jig can be configured to be detachable from each other.

[0029] The battery cell assembly according to the present invention does not require a separate housing, and structures such as a bus bar, BMS, and mounting can be directly attached to the foam resin.

[0030] In addition, according to the invention, cost efficiency can be improved by reducing the material cost of the battery cell assembly and battery pack.

[0031] Additionally, according to the present invention, the weight of the battery cell assembly and the battery pack can be reduced.

[0032] In addition, according to the present invention, the energy density of the battery cell assembly and battery pack can be improved.

[0033] In addition, according to the present invention, separation of the battery cell assembly and the jig structure becomes easier.

[0034] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0035] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a battery cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining the completed state of the battery cell assembly of Figure 7.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a jig structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 11 is a drawing for explaining the process of combining a guide jig and a side jig to manufacture a battery cell assembly.

[0047] Figure 12 is a drawing of the structure of Figure 11 viewed from above in a combined state.

[0048] Fig. 13 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a joining member is joined on a side jig and a side pad.

[0049] Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining the process of mounting a plurality of battery cells within the above jig structure.

[0050] Figure 15 is a drawing for explaining the process of mounting a lower plate to multiple battery cells.

[0051] Figure 16 is a drawing for explaining the process of mounting a lower jig on a side jig.

[0052] Fig. 17 is a drawing for explaining a state in which the jig structure of Fig. 16 is flipped upside down.

[0053] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0055] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, the thickness may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" the other element, but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, it can mean that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" the other element, but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, it can mean that there are no other elements in between.

[0056] The statement that two compared objects are identical means "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" may include deviations considered low in the art, such as deviations of less than 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of a parameter over a given region may also mean uniformity on average.

[0057] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0058] Any configuration being placed "on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that other configurations may intervene between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0059] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0060] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] A battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a secondary battery, and may be provided as a cylindrical secondary battery, a pouch-shaped secondary battery, or a square secondary battery. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the description will be limited to the case where the plurality of battery cells (10) are cylindrical secondary batteries as shown in FIG. 1.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell assembly (1) (or cell block) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery cell assembly (1) (cell block) includes a plurality of battery cells (10) and a potting unit (20) configured to secure the plurality of battery cells (10). The battery cell assembly (1) may further include an electrical connecting portion (30) and / or a connecting member (40) and / or a lower plate (50) and / or a spacer (60) and / or a top frame (70).

[0065] The potting portion (20) may be interposed between the outer side of the plurality of battery cells (10) and the plurality of battery cells (10). That is, the potting portion (20) may be configured to cover both the area between the battery cells (10) and the outer side of the battery cell (10) assembly. That is, the battery cell (10) may be configured to be embedded within the potting portion (20).

[0066] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery cell assembly (1) may not include a separate housing having a receiving space for receiving the plurality of battery cells (10). That is, according to the above-described structure of the present invention, since the potting portion (20) acts as a structure that fixes and holds the battery cells (10), a separate housing or case may not be included.

[0067] Accordingly, the potting resin constituting the potting portion (20) may be exposed on the outer surface of the battery cell assembly (1). As an example, as illustrated, the battery cell assembly (1) may form a rectangular parallelepiped, and the potting resin may be exposed on six surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped. Specifically, the potting resin may be exposed on four outer surfaces (at least two outer surfaces) of the battery cell assembly (1), the potting resin may be exposed on the upper surface of the battery cell assembly (1), and the potting resin may be exposed on the lower surface of the battery cell assembly (1).

[0068] In addition, the plurality of battery cells (10) may be completely embedded in the potting portion (20) of the battery cell assembly (1) and not be exposed to the outside of the potting portion (20). Alternatively, as another example, the upper surface of the battery cell (10) may be exposed to the outside of the potting portion (20) or the lower surface of the battery cell (10) may be exposed.

[0069] According to the above structure of the present invention, which does not require a separate housing and parts, a structure in which structures such as a bus bar (31), a BMS, and a mounting are directly fastened to the potting part (20) can be implemented without using a housing or separate injection parts. Accordingly, according to the present invention, cost reduction can be achieved by reducing the material cost of the battery cell assembly (1). For example, according to the present invention, the cost can be reduced by about 20% or more compared to the conventional battery cell assembly (1). In addition, according to the above configuration, the weight of the battery cell assembly (1) can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the energy density of the battery cell assembly (1) can be improved. In addition, according to the present invention, the battery cell (10) can be effectively fixed through the potting part (20).

[0070] In one aspect of the present invention, the potting portion (20) may be provided in the shape of, for example, an approximately rectangular parallelepiped. That is, the potting portion (20) may be manufactured by pouring and curing resin (or foam resin) while mounting a plurality of battery cells (10) in a battery jig having an approximately rectangular parallelepiped space. Accordingly, the resin may be filled between the battery cells (10) to form the potting portion (20), and the resin may surround the battery cells (10). Accordingly, the battery cell assembly (1) does not include a separate case, and the potting portion (20) itself may function as a housing of the battery cell assembly (1). Accordingly, a housing or case may not exist on the outside of the potting portion (20) of the battery cell assembly (1).

[0071] In another aspect of the present invention, the potting part (20) may include resin or foamed resin.

[0072] For example, the potting part (20) may include a material having flame retardant performance. For example, the potting part (20) may be composed of a foamed resin having a flame retardant grade of V-0. The potting part (20) may be provided with a material having heat resistance, electrical insulation, weather resistance, water repellency, etc. For example, the potting part (20) may include PU (Poly Urethane) foam. In another aspect, the potting part (20) may include a two-component resin.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell assembly (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The potting portion (20) may include at least one inner groove (21) whose surface is recessed inward. For example, referring to FIG. 3, a long, rod-shaped groove may be provided on one side of the potting portion (20). However, the shape of the inner groove (21) of the present invention is not limited thereto, and any space that can be provided on the potting portion (20) is included in the scope of the embodiment of the inner groove (21) of the present invention.

[0075] According to this structure, structures such as BMS and mounting that can be included in the battery cell assembly (1) can be easily mounted. That is, the inner groove (21) can function as a space in which a member that can be included in the battery cell assembly (1) can be mounted.

[0076] In another aspect of the present invention, the battery cell assembly (1) may include an electrical connection (30).

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4, the electrical connection (30) may be configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells (10). That is, the electrical connection (30) may be composed of an electrically conductive material. For example, the electrical connection (30) may include metal. More specifically, the electrical connection (30) may have a wire bonding structure.

[0078] Referring to Fig. 4, one end of the battery cell (10) can be electrically connected to one end of an adjacent battery cell (10) by an electrical connection portion (30). That is, the battery cell assembly (1) can be configured to have a so-called cell-to-cell connection structure.

[0079] With this structure, electrical connection between battery cells (10) can be achieved without a separate structure such as a busbar (31). This allows for the production of a battery cell assembly (1) with reduced manufacturing costs and weight. Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, various types of electrical connection are possible without the structural limitations inherent in the busbar (31) structure.

[0080] In one aspect of the present invention, the electrical connection portion (30) may be configured to be embedded within the potting portion (20). For example, after one end of a battery cell (10) and one end of an adjacent battery cell (10) are connected by the electrical connection portion (30), the electrical connection portion (30) may be embedded within the potting portion (20) by injecting a resin.

[0081] According to this structure, since the electrical connection (30) is not exposed to the outside but is fixed internally in a certain shape, a stable electrical connection can be secured. In particular, when the electrical connection (30) is wire bonding, which is easily affected by external impact, the stability of the electrical connection (30) can be secured according to the above structure.

[0082] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell assembly (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery cell assembly (1) may include a joining member (40).

[0084] The above-described joining member (40) may be embedded in the interior of the potting part (20). That is, the joining member (40) may be configured to be embedded in the potting part (20). One end of the joining member (40) may be exposed to the outside of the potting part (20). The joining member (40) may be configured to be coupled with another structure. That is, the joining member (40) refers to a member that includes all coupling methods that can be coupled with another structure. For example, the joining member (40) may correspond to an insert nut or a bushing. The joining member (40) may be configured to be exposed on the surface of the potting part (20). For example, the joining member (40) may be configured to be exposed on the upper surface of the potting part (20), as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the joining member (40) may be provided on the side and / or lower surface of the potting part (20). Meanwhile, the above-described joining member (40) may be included in multiple numbers within the potting portion (20). The joining member (40) may allow for a joining or connection between battery cell assemblies (1), and the battery cell assemblies (1) may be fixed to the pack housing in the battery pack (2000) by the joining member (40).

[0085] According to this configuration, structures such as a bus bar (31), BMS, and mounting can be directly fastened to the potting section (20) without using separate injection parts, etc. For example, in an embodiment where the above-mentioned connecting member (40) is an insert nut, other structures can be fastened to the insert nut by bolts. That is, according to the present invention, other structures can be easily fastened directly to the potting section (20) without a housing or separate injection parts.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell assembly (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery cell assembly (1) may include a lower plate (50).

[0088] The lower plate (50) may be positioned at the bottom of the battery cell assembly (1). The lower plate (50) may be configured to have a roughly plate shape extending in a horizontal direction. The lower plate (50) may be configured to support the plurality of battery cells (10) and the lower portion of the potting portion (20). For example, the battery cell assembly (1) may be manufactured by attaching the battery cells (10) to the lower plate (50) with glue and potting the resin thereon. The lower plate (50) may include a metal material. For example, the lower plate (50) may include aluminum metal.

[0089] According to the above configuration, the lower plate (50) can support a plurality of battery cells (10) while providing a bottom surface onto which resin can be poured. The lower plate (50) and the potting portion (20) can remain joined. Accordingly, a more robust battery cell assembly (1) can be provided.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell assembly (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery cell assembly (1) may include a spacer (60).

[0092] The spacer (60) may be configured to have a roughly plate shape extending in a horizontal direction. The spacer (60) may be positioned above or below the plurality of battery cells (10). The spacer (60) may be configured to have at least a portion of an opening so that at least a portion of the battery cells (10) can be exposed to the outside.

[0093] For example, the spacer (60) may include an opening (61) that penetrates vertically. At this time, one end of the battery cell (10) may be exposed through the opening (61). Meanwhile, the spacer (60) may include a groove (62) having a groove shape that is provided on the upper surface and dug to a predetermined depth. For example, the bus bar (31) may be configured to be seated on the groove (62). That is, the bus bar (31) may be configured to be seated on the spacer (60). The bus bar (31) seated on the groove (62) may be electrically connected to one end of the battery cell (10) exposed through the opening (61) by the electrical connection portion (30). That is, an electrical connection between the bus bar (31) and the battery cell (10) may be made through the perforated area of ​​the spacer (60). At this time, the electrical connection (30) may be wire bonding.

[0094] In another aspect of the present invention, the spacer (60) may be configured to be embedded within the potting portion (20). That is, the spacer (60), the bus bar (31), and the electrical connection portion (30) may be embedded within the potting portion (20).

[0095] With this structure, stable electrical connection between battery cells (10) is possible through the spacer (60). In addition, with the above configuration, since the electrical connection part (30) is not exposed to the outside but is fixed internally in a certain shape, a stable electrical connection can be secured. In particular, when the electrical connection part (30) is wire bonding, which is easily affected by external impact, the above structure can secure the stability of the electrical connection part (30).

[0096] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell assembly (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a completed state of the battery cell assembly (1) of FIG. 7.

[0097] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery cell assembly (1) may include a top frame (70).

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the top frame (70) may be provided on the upper portion of the battery cell assembly (1). The top frame (70) may be configured to surround the outer periphery of the side surface of a plurality of battery cell assemblies constituting the plurality of battery cells (10). More specifically, the inner circumferential surface (71) of the top frame (70) may be configured to surround the outer periphery of the side surface of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (10). For example, the inner circumferential surface (71) may be configured to have a complementary shape to the outer circumferential surface of the battery cell assemblies (10).

[0099] In another aspect of the present invention, the top frame (70) may include a mounting portion (72) capable of mounting components that may be included in the battery cell assembly (1). The top frame (70) may be configured to be mounted with components such as a bus bar (31), ICB, BMS, relay, current sensor, etc. For example, the top frame (70) may be configured to be mounted with at least one of the bus bar (31) and the ICB.

[0100] At this time, at least one of the bus bar (31) and the ICB can be mounted on the mounting portion (72). The mounting portion (72) can be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the top frame (70).

[0101] According to the above configuration, other components included in the battery cell assembly (1) can be easily mounted. That is, according to the present invention, by configuring the top frame (70) with only the minimum frame for mounting components, the weight of the battery cell assembly (1) can be reduced while simultaneously enabling stable component mounting.

[0102] In addition, according to the present invention, since the shape of the inner surface (71) of the top frame (70) matches the shape of the outer surface of the battery cell (10) assembly, the fixing effect of the battery cell (10) can also be secured.

[0103] In another aspect of the present invention, the top frame (70) may be configured to be embedded within the potting portion (20). For example, by combining the top frame (70) with the plurality of battery cells (10) and then potting resin, the top frame (70) may be embedded within the potting portion (20). With this structure, since the top frame (70) is fixed within the potting portion (20), the position of the mounting portion (72) can be secured at a constant level.

[0104] Fig. 18 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, a battery pack (2000) according to an embodiment of the present invention can accommodate at least one (or a plurality of) battery cell assemblies (1) within a pack case.

[0105] The pack case may include a lower housing (2100) and a pack lid (2200) coupled to the upper side of the lower housing (2100), and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (1) may be stored in the internal space of the lower housing (2100).

[0106] The aforementioned plurality of battery cell assemblies (1) with the outer surface of the porting portion (20) exposed can be fixed and mounted within the lower housing (2100) of the battery pack (2000) by a fixing member (bolt, etc.). The fixing member, such as a bolt, can be coupled to the joining member (40) of the battery cell assembly (1) to fix the battery cell assembly (1).

[0107] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack (2000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 9, a vehicle (5) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a battery pack (2000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (5) includes a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (5) operates by receiving power from the battery pack (2000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery cell (10) or the battery pack (2000). For example, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc. in addition to the battery cell (10) according to the present invention.

[0109] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a jig structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 10, the jig structure (100) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (10) therein. The jig structure (100) may be configured to interpose a pad (200) between the jig structure (100) and the plurality of battery cells (10) accommodated therein. The jig structure (100) may be for manufacturing a battery cell assembly (1).

[0111] At least one through hole may be provided on one side of the jig structure (100) of the present invention. For example, at least one through hole may be provided on the upper side of the jig structure (100). The through hole may function as an injection hole for resin injection. Meanwhile, a plurality of through holes may be provided. In this case, at least one of the through holes may function as an air exhaust hole for discharging air during resin injection.

[0112] Referring again to FIG. 10, the jig structure (100) may include a lower jig (110) configured to support a plurality of battery cells (10) from the bottom, a side jig (120) mounted on the lower jig (110) and configured to cover the plurality of battery cells (10) from the side, and an upper jig (130) provided on the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells (10) and configured to be coupled with the side jig (120). At this time, the upper jig (130) may have at least one through hole.

[0113] In addition, the jig structure (100) may include a guide jig (140) that is detachably configured on one side of the side jig (120) and includes a cell receiving portion (141) for receiving the battery cell (10). The guide jig (140) may be configured to be coupled to and detached from the side jig (120) during the manufacturing process of the battery cell assembly (1).

[0114] The above guide jig (140) may include a cell receiving portion (141) in which a battery cell (10) can be mounted at a specific position. For example, the cell receiving portion (141) may include a protrusion extending along the outer circumference of the battery cell (10). A battery cell (10) may be mounted inside the cell receiving portion (141). Meanwhile, the guide jig (140) may include a frame receiving portion (143) in which the top frame (70) can be mounted.

[0115] Meanwhile, the jig structure (100) may include a side pad (220) provided on the side jig (120). The side pad (220) may be located in a region between the side jig (120) and the battery cell (10). The side pad (220) may be fixed in contact with the inner surface of the side jig (120). At this time, the side pad (220) may include silicon. The side pad (220) may be, for example, a silicon pad, and may be configured to directly contact a plurality of battery cells (10).

[0116] According to the above configuration, after the battery cell assembly (1) is manufactured, the jig structure (100) and the battery cell assembly (1) can be easily separated during the process of removing the jig structure (100) from the battery cell assembly (1). For example, since the foam resin does not easily come off when attached to plastic or metal, if the jig structure (100) is composed of only the side jig (120) without the side pad (220), it is not easy to remove the side jig (120) after potting the resin. However, according to the above structure of the present invention, the potting part (20) including the foam resin can be easily separated from the side jig (120) by the side pad (220) including the silicone.

[0117] FIGS. 11 to 17 are drawings for explaining the process of manufacturing a battery cell assembly (1) using the battery jig of FIG. 10.

[0118] Fig. 11 is a drawing for explaining a process of combining a guide jig (140) and a side jig (120) to manufacture a battery cell assembly (1). Referring to Fig. 11, the top frame (70) and the side jig (120) are mounted on the guide jig (140) including a cell receiving portion (141) and a frame receiving portion (143). At this time, a side pad (220) is combined on the inner surface of the side jig (120). The side pad (220) may include silicone as described above.

[0119] Fig. 12 is a top view of the structure of Fig. 11 in a combined state. Referring to Fig. 12, glue can be applied to the top frame (70) to secure the battery cell (10) and the top frame (70). For example, as shown in Fig. 12, glue can be applied along the main body of the top frame (70).

[0120] Fig. 13 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a joining member (40) is joined on a side jig (120) and a side pad (220). In order to embed the joining member (40) on the potting portion (20), it is necessary to fix the joining member (40) to a certain position before potting. At this time, as shown in Fig. 13, the joining member (40) can be joined on the side jig (120) in advance. Later, after pouring and hardening the potting resin, when removing the side jig (120), the joining member (40) is also removed together with the side jig (120), and then only the joining member (40) is re-inserted on the potting portion (20), thereby fixing the joining member (40) to a certain position on the potting portion (20). Alternatively, as shown in the above-described Fig. 13, a method may be used in which the connecting member (40) is previously connected to the side jig (120), potting resin is poured thereafter and cured, and only the side jig (120) is selectively removed while the connecting member (40) is connected to the potting portion (20). Alternatively, although not shown in the drawing, as another embodiment, a method may be used in which the connecting member (40) is fixed to the side pad (220) with a pin, and then potting resin is poured and cured.

[0121] Figure 14 is a drawing for explaining the process of mounting a plurality of battery cells (10) within the above jig structure (100).

[0122] Referring to Fig. 14, a cell receiving portion (141) capable of receiving a battery cell (10) may be provided on the guide jig (140). Preferably, a plurality of cell receiving portions (141) are provided. A physical member may be used to partition the space between the cell receiving portions (141). Therefore, when the battery cell (10) is secured in the cell receiving portion (141), movement to other locations may be restricted.

[0123] At this time, the upper surface of the battery cell (10) may be mounted so that it faces downward with reference to FIG. 14. That is, the battery cell (10) visible in the jig structure (100) opened upward with reference to FIG. 14 may correspond to the lower surface of the battery cell (10). This is because the jig structure (100) is expected to be inverted in the vertical direction in the future, and therefore, the battery cell (10) is mounted so that the upper surface faces downward.

[0124] Figure 15 is a drawing for explaining the process of mounting a lower plate (50) to multiple battery cells (10).

[0125] After a plurality of battery cells (10) are mounted on the guide jig (140), glue is applied to one surface of the battery cells (10). For example, as described above in FIG. 14, the lower surface of the battery cells (10) faces upward with respect to the drawing. At this time, glue may be applied to the lower surface of the battery cells (10). A lower plate (50) may be adhered to the surface on which the glue is applied. That is, the lower surface of the battery cells (10) and the lower plate (50) may be adhered to each other. The lower plate (50) serves to support the plurality of battery cells (10) from below when the jig structure (100) is later flipped upside down.

[0126] Figure 16 is a drawing for explaining the process of mounting a lower jig (110) on a side jig (120).

[0127] As shown in Fig. 15, after the lower plate (50) is bonded to the lower surface of the battery cell (10), the lower jig (110) may be coupled to the side jig (120) to provide pressure to the bonding surface. The lower jig (110) may be configured to support the lower plate (50) from one side. The lower jig (110) and the side jig (120) may be coupled by, for example, bolt coupling. However, the coupling method of the lower jig (110) and the side jig (120) is not limited thereto, and any coupling method that is detachable will be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0128] Fig. 17 is a drawing for explaining a state in which the jig structure (100) of Fig. 16 is inverted upside down.

[0129] When the lower jig (110) is coupled to the side jig (120) in FIG. 16, the jig structure (100) is flipped upside down. After flipping the jig structure (100) upside down, the glue is hardened at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. For example, the glue can be hardened at about 55 to 60 degrees Celsius for about 50 minutes to 1 hour.

[0130] Meanwhile, when the jig structure (100) is flipped upside down, the guide jig (140) located at the bottom becomes located at the top of the jig structure (100). Thereafter, the guide jig (140) is removed from the side jig (120). The guide jig (140) is a member for guiding the position of the battery cell (10) and / or the top frame (70), and since the positions of the top frame (70) and the battery cell (10) are fixed by glue or the like, even if the guide jig (140) is removed, the positions of the battery cell (10) and the top frame (70) can be fixed.

[0131] When the guide jig (140) is removed, the upper surface of the battery cell (10) and a portion of the top frame (70) are exposed upwards, resulting in a configuration as shown in FIG. 17. In this state, an electrical connection (30) can be formed between battery cells (10). For example, a battery cell (10) and an adjacent battery cell (10) can be electrically connected by wire bonding. Various serial and parallel connection methods can be implemented through wire bonding.

[0132] Thereafter, a potting part (20) can be formed by injecting a potting resin between the battery cells (10) and the battery cells (10). At this time, the potting part (20) can be configured to bury the electrical connection part (30).

[0133] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a predetermined space be provided between the pad (200) and the battery cell (10) so that the pad (200) and the battery cell (10) do not come into direct contact. That is, there must be a space between the pad (200) and the battery cell (10) so that potting resin can be injected into the space.

[0134] After pouring the potting resin as described above, the upper jig (130) is joined to the side jig (120) as shown in Fig. 10 and cured at room temperature, so that the resin is cured and the potting portion (20) is formed. After that, when the jig structure (100) is disassembled, the battery cell assembly (1) as shown in Fig. 8 is completed.

[0135] Alternatively, as another embodiment, unlike FIG. 10, the upper jig (130) may include at least one through hole, and resin may be injected through the through hole after the upper jig (130) is coupled to the side jig (120). After the resin has hardened, the overflowing resin is removed, and then the jig structure (100) is disassembled.

[0136] The above jig structure (100) can be configured so that the lower jig (110), the side jig (120), and the upper jig (130) can all be disassembled from each other. That is, the lower jig (110), the side jig (120), and the upper jig (130) can be configured to be detachable from each other.

[0137] According to the jig structure (100) of the present invention as described above, since the battery cell assembly (1) does not include a separate housing and fixes and accommodates the battery cell (10) as a potting part (20), material cost reduction and weight reduction are possible. Accordingly, the energy density of the battery cell assembly (1) and the battery pack (2000) can be improved. In addition, since the jig structure (100) for manufacturing the battery cell assembly (1) includes a material that is easily separated from the potting part (20) in the area in contact with the potting part (20), the process of dismantling the jig structure (100) can be easily performed.

[0138] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up and down are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0139] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0140] The present invention can provide a battery cell assembly and a battery pack including the same, which do not require a separate housing and can directly fix structures such as a bus bar, a BMS, and a mounting to a foam resin.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; and A potting portion interposed between the outer side of the plurality of battery cells and the plurality of battery cells and configured to fix the plurality of battery cells; A battery cell assembly comprising:

2. A battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell assembly does not include a separate housing having a receiving space for receiving the plurality of battery cells.

3. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned potting portion is a battery cell assembly exposed to the outside of the battery cell assembly.

4. In paragraph 1, The above potting part is a battery cell assembly including resin.

5. In paragraph 1, The above potting part is a battery cell assembly including a foam resin.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly comprising an electrical connection portion electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the electrical connection portion is configured to be embedded within the potting portion.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly comprising a joining member built into the interior of the potting portion and configured to be joined to another structure.

9. In paragraph 8, The above-mentioned joining member is, A battery cell assembly comprising an insert nut or bushing.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells and a lower plate supporting the lower portion of the potting portion.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly comprising a spacer positioned above the plurality of battery cells and configured such that at least a portion of the spacer is open so as to expose at least a portion of the battery cells to the outside.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly comprising a top frame provided on the upper portion of the battery cell assembly and configured to surround the outer periphery of the side of the battery cell assembly.

13. In paragraph 12, A battery cell assembly configured such that at least one of a busbar and an ICB is mounted on the top frame.

14. A battery pack comprising one or more battery cell assemblies as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to Article 14.

16. A jig structure configured to accommodate multiple battery cells therein, A jig structure configured to interpose a pad between the jig structure and a plurality of battery cells accommodated inside the jig structure.

17. In paragraph 16, The above jig structure is, A lower jig configured to support multiple battery cells from below; A side jig mounted on the lower jig and configured to cover a plurality of battery cells from the side; Side pads provided on the above side jig; An upper jig provided on the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells and configured to be combined with the side jig; and A guide jig configured to be detachably attached to one side of the side jig and including a cell receiving portion for receiving the battery cell. A jig structure characterized by including:

18. In paragraph 17, A jig structure characterized in that the side pad comprises silicone.

19. In paragraph 17, A jig structure characterized in that the lower jig, the side jig, and the upper jig are configured to be detachable from each other.

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