Battery cell assembly

Abstract

A battery cell assembly related to the present embodiment may comprise: a plurality of battery cells; a frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted; a lower cover coupled to a lower surface of the frame; a lower soft part which has a plurality of terminal holes provided so that terminals of the respective battery cells are individually exposed, and is interposed between the frame and the lower cover so as to be pressed and fixed to the frame and the lower cover; and a plurality of heat dissipation pads which are inserted in the terminal holes and adhered to the terminals of the battery cells, and which are provided to transfer the heat of the terminals of the respective battery cells toward the lower cover.

Description

Battery cell assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell assembly, and more particularly, to a battery cell assembly applicable to a lightweight transportation vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery cell assembly having a heat dissipation function and capable of individually replacing battery cells.

[0002] Recently, rechargeable batteries have been widely used as an energy source for wireless mobile devices. Batteries (10) are used as an energy source for lightweight transportation vehicles (30), including electric vehicles, electric scooters, electric bicycles, and electric kickboards.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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 (30) containing batteries must be designed to allow the battery (10) to be removed and replaced.

[0005] Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as rechargeable secondary batteries, and are often used in the form of battery assemblies in which multiple batteries are assembled into a single module or pack.

[0006] For batteries for LMT (light means of transport), features that enable easy removal and replacement of the battery throughout the product's life cycle may be required. Here, an LMT battery (10) may be defined as a battery having a total weight of 25 kg or less and intended to provide power for traction of a wheeled vehicle, and does not include batteries for electric vehicles.

[0007] Fig. 1 is an example of a battery cell assembly applied to a lightweight transportation vehicle, and Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional battery cell assembly.

[0008] The above battery (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 Fig. 2, the upper cover (11) is connected 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.

[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 (10) is composed of a plurality of battery cells (20) connected in series or parallel depending on 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] Conventionally, a plurality of battery cells (20) were fixed to the lower cover (13) using an adhesive (G). The adhesive (G) is applied to the entire lower surface of the plurality of battery cells (20) provided with the second terminal (23).

[0013] 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).

[0014] In the conventional battery (10), multiple battery cells (20) are bonded and fixed to the lower cover (13), and the terminals (21, 22) of each battery cell (20) are connected to the electrode terminal block provided on the upper cover (11) using a wire bonding method.

[0015] When a problem such as over-discharge, damage, 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 (10).

[0016] Accordingly, in the case of a conventional battery (10), if a problem occurred in some of the battery cells (20) among the plurality of battery cells (20), the battery (10) itself had to be replaced to ensure the stability of the lightweight transportation vehicle (30).

[0017] The method of replacing the battery (10) itself in a lightweight vehicle (30) required the disposal of both the defective battery cell (20) and the normal battery cell (20). The discarded battery cell (20) was difficult to recycle, causing environmental pollution.

[0018] In addition, the conventional battery (10) does not comply with European battery regulations as it has a structure in which the individual separation of the battery cells (20) is impossible, so it is necessary to develop a battery cell assembly (20) in which the individual separation of the battery cells (20) is possible in order to sell the battery in the global market including Europe.

[0019] The present invention aims to solve problems of conventional battery assemblies, particularly secondary battery assemblies used in lightweight transportation vehicles.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell assembly capable of satisfying the requirements of a battery cell assembly for a light means transport (e.g., LMT) is provided, in which a plurality of battery cells are compressed and fixed to a frame so that the battery cells can be individually separated later.

[0021] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a battery cell assembly capable of improving the discharge performance of the battery cell by dissipating heat generated during charging and discharging of the battery cell through a heat dissipation pad individually attachable to the terminal of each battery cell.

[0022] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a battery cell assembly capable of improving the heat dissipation performance of each battery cell and the heat dissipation performance of the entire battery assembly.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a battery assembly in which an individual battery cell that has been damaged can be easily separated from the battery assembly and easily replaced with a new battery cell.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a battery assembly in which, when a lower soft portion formed integrally and in close contact with all battery cells is peeled off integrally from the battery cells, the battery cells are prevented from being separated from the frame by adding an upper and / or middle soft portion.

[0025] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a battery cell assembly related to the present embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells, a frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, a lower cover coupled to a lower surface of the frame, a plurality of terminal holes provided so that terminals of each battery cell are individually exposed, a lower soft portion provided between the frame and the lower cover to be press-fitted to the frame and the lower cover, and a plurality of heat dissipation pads inserted into the terminal holes and bonded to the terminals of the battery cells, the heat dissipation pads being provided to transfer heat of the terminals of each battery cell to the side of the lower cover.

[0026] The above heat dissipation pad can be individually bonded to the terminals of the battery cells in each terminal hole of the lower soft portion.

[0027] The number of the above-mentioned heat dissipation pads corresponds one-to-one to the number of battery cells, and one heat dissipation pad can be attached to each battery cell. The heat dissipation pad can be attached to the center of the lower surface of the battery cell and then exposed to the outside through the terminal hole of the lower soft part. Of course, the center of the lower surface of the battery cell can be exposed to the outside through the terminal hole of the lower soft part, and the heat dissipation pad can be attached to the battery cell through the terminal hole.

[0028] The above heat dissipation pad can maintain adhesion to the terminals of the battery cells when the lower soft portion is separated from the plurality of battery cells. The lower soft portion can be integrally formed of a soft material such as silicone.

[0029] The above heat dissipation pad may be individually inserted into the terminal hole and may be provided to protrude on both sides of the lower soft portion in the thickness direction of the terminal hole.

[0030] The above heat dissipation pad may be interposed between the terminal of the battery cell and the lower cover in each terminal hole of the lower soft portion.

[0031] The above heat dissipation pad may have a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the terminal hole.

[0032] The above heat dissipation pad may be provided to be thicker than the thickness of the bottom surface of the lower soft portion in which the terminal hole is provided.

[0033] The lower soft portion can press-fix each heat dissipation pad in the terminal hole in a lateral direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the battery cell when the frame and the lower cover are combined.

[0034] The above lower soft portion can be detachably mounted on the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells.

[0035] The lower soft portion may have a plurality of soft grooves through which the lower portions of a plurality of battery cells may be inserted, and the terminal hole may be provided through the soft grooves.

[0036] The above lower soft part may additionally have an air hole provided around the terminal hole that penetrates the soft groove.

[0037] The above lower soft portion can connect the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells into one through the plurality of soft grooves.

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

[0039] The lower soft portion may have a soft rib extending from the bottom surface of the soft groove to a predetermined length and configured to surround the battery cell.

[0040] The lower soft portion may be provided to cover the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells exposed to the lower portion of the frame.

[0041] The above lower cover may be a heat dissipation plate to promote heat diffusion while withstanding high temperatures.

[0042] The lower cover may be coupled to the frame with the lower soft portion inserted into the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells to limit vertical movement of the plurality of battery cells.

[0043] It may include a screen plate interposed between the lower soft portion and the lower cover so as to be in contact with the heat dissipation pad interposed in each of the terminal holes.

[0044] The above screen plate can be press-fixed to the lower soft portion when the frame and the lower cover are combined.

[0045] The above screen plate may be made of a metal material and may be arranged to transfer heat transmitted through the heat dissipation pad to the lower cover.

[0046] The above lower cover may be a heat dissipation plate.

[0047] Each individual heat dissipation pad can transfer heat from its respective battery cell to the screen plate without being affected by surrounding battery cells. The battery cell, heat dissipation pad, and screen plate are in close contact with each other, enhancing heat dissipation performance. Furthermore, since the screen plate and heat dissipation plate are in close contact with each other as a whole, heat can be effectively dissipated to the outside of the battery assembly through the heat dissipation plate. In other words, heat dissipation performance can be doubled through the heat dissipation pad and heat dissipation plate.

[0048] It is highly desirable that the material of the heat dissipation pad and heat dissipation plate be a material that can withstand high temperatures and has high thermal conductivity.

[0049] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell assembly capable of satisfying the requirements of a battery cell assembly for a light means transport (e.g., LMT) can be provided by fixing a plurality of battery cells to a frame in a compression manner so that the battery cells can be individually separated later.

[0050] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell assembly can be provided that can improve the discharge performance of the battery cell by dissipating heat generated during charging and discharging of the battery cell through a heat dissipation pad that is individually attachable to the terminal of each battery cell.

[0051] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell assembly can be provided that can improve the heat dissipation performance of each battery cell and the heat dissipation performance of the entire battery assembly.

[0052] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a battery assembly can be provided in which an individual battery cell that has been damaged can be easily separated from the battery assembly and easily replaced with a new battery cell.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery assembly can be provided in which the battery cells are prevented from being separated from the frame by adding an upper and / or middle soft portion when the lower soft portion, which is integrally formed and in close contact with all of the battery cells, is peeled off and separated from the battery cells.

[0054] Figure 1 is an example of a battery cell assembly applied to a lightweight transportation vehicle.

[0055] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional battery cell assembly.

[0056] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly in which a lower cover is opened from a frame in one embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing for explaining a state in which a lower soft portion and a heat dissipation pad are mounted on a plurality of battery cells.

[0058] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the arrangement state before assembly of a battery cell, a lower soft portion, a heat dissipation pad, and a lower cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Hereinafter, a battery cell assembly related to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0061] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly in which a lower cover is opened from a frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing for explaining a state in which a lower soft portion and a heat dissipation pad are mounted on a plurality of battery cells.

[0062] A battery cell (110) assembly related to the present embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells (110), a frame (120) on which the plurality of battery cells (110) are mounted, a lower cover (170) coupled to the lower surface of the frame (120), a plurality of terminal holes (165) provided so that terminals (113) of each battery cell (110) are individually exposed, a lower soft portion (160) provided between the frame (120) and the lower cover (170) so as to be press-fit and fixed to the frame (120) and the lower cover (170), and a plurality of heat dissipation pads (180) inserted into the terminal holes (165) and bonded to the terminals (113) of the battery cells (110), and provided so as to transfer heat of the terminals (113) of each battery cell (110) to the side of the lower cover (170).

[0063] The battery cell assembly (100) related to the present embodiment may be an energy source that can be mounted on a light means of transport (30) of FIG. 1. The light means of transport (LMT, light means of transport, 30) may be a means of transport such as an electric bicycle or an electric scooter.

[0064] This embodiment is configured to secure a plurality of battery cells (110) to a frame (120) in a compression manner so that the battery cells (110) can be individually separated later, thereby satisfying the requirements of a battery cell assembly (100) for a lightweight transportation vehicle according to the EU battery regulations.

[0065] The EU Battery Regulation, also known as the Sustainable Batteries Regulation, was introduced to strengthen the circular economy and environmental impact requirements for batteries. The EU Battery Regulation aims to increase the proportion of recycled materials throughout the battery value chain, ensure battery collection, and manage carbon footprints.

[0066] The battery cell assembly (100) related to this embodiment is intended to improve the discharge performance of the battery cell (110) by dissipating heat (Q) generated during charging and discharging of the battery cell (110) to the outside of the frame (120) through a heat dissipation pad (180) individually attachable to the negative terminal (113) of each battery cell (110).

[0067] Referring to FIG. 3, a battery cell assembly (100) related to the present embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells (110), a frame (120), an upper soft portion (130), an upper cover (140), a middle soft portion (150), a lower soft portion (160), a lower cover (170), a heat dissipation pad (180), and a screen plate (190).

[0068] 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 (110) are well-known technologies, a detailed description of the structure and configuration of the battery cell (110) will be omitted. In addition, for convenience of explanation, this document will describe a battery cell assembly (100) for assembling a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (110) into a single module.

[0069] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the 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).

[0070] The above radial direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the battery cell (110). The above radial direction is a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the battery cell (110).

[0071] 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).

[0072] The above frame (120) has a cell space (126) into which a battery cell (110) can be inserted. The cell space (126) is open in both directions along the longitudinal direction (L) of the battery cell (110).

[0073] The above 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).

[0074] The lower cover (170) can be coupled to the frame (120) to cover the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0075] The lower soft portion (160) can be interposed between the frame (120) and the lower cover (170).

[0076] The lower soft portion (160) may be provided to be press-fixed to the frame (120) and the lower cover (170). The lower soft portion (160) may have a press-fit material, for example, a rubber material or a silicone material.

[0077] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a state of arrangement before assembly of a battery cell, a lower soft portion, a heat dissipation pad, and a lower cover according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the lower 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 lower 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.

[0079] Specifically, the lower soft portion (160) may have a plurality of soft grooves (161) into which the lower portions of a plurality of battery cells (110) are each inserted. The lower soft portion (160) may be formed by integrally forming the plurality of soft grooves (161). The bottom surface (162) of the soft grooves (161) is provided to support the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0080] The soft groove (161) is provided so that the lower portion of the battery cell (110) can be inserted to a predetermined length. The lower 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). The lower soft portion (160) can connect the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells (110) into one through the plurality of soft grooves (161).

[0081] The lower soft portion (160) has a plurality of terminal holes (165). The terminal holes (165) may be provided through the bottom surface (162) of the soft groove (161). The terminal holes (165) have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the battery cell (110).

[0082] The terminal hole (165) is provided so that the negative terminal (113) of the battery cell (110) is exposed to the outside when the battery cell (110) is inserted into the soft groove (161). A heat dissipation pad (180), which will be described later, may be interposed in the terminal hole (165).

[0083] In addition, the lower soft portion (160) may be provided with an air hole (163) penetrating the bottom surface (162) of the soft groove (161) around the terminal hole (165). The air hole (163) serves as an air passage when the bottom surface (162) of the soft groove (161) of the lower soft portion (160) is pressed against the bottom of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0084] The air between the bottom surface (162) of the soft groove (161) and the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) flows to the outside of the lower soft portion (160) through the air hole (163). Accordingly, the lower soft portion (160) can be tightly fixed to the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0085] The lower soft portion (160) may have a soft rib (164) that extends to a predetermined length from the bottom surface (162) of the soft groove (161) and is arranged to surround the battery cell (110).

[0086] 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 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).

[0087] The above lower soft portion (160) can be detachably mounted on the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0088] The lower soft portion (160) can be pressed and fixed to the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) and the lower cover (170) when the lower cover (170) and the frame (120) are combined.

[0089] The lower soft portion (160) can press and fix each heat dissipation pad (180) in the lateral direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the battery cell (110) in each terminal hole (165) when the frame (120) and the lower cover (170) are combined.

[0090] Below, the heat dissipation pad (180) will be described.

[0091] The above heat dissipation pad (180) is intended to transfer heat (Q) generated from the battery cell (110) during charging and discharging of the battery cell (110) toward the lower cover (170). The heat dissipation pad (180) may include a thermal pad.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the heat dissipation pad (180) can be individually bonded to the negative terminal (113) of the battery cell (110) in each terminal hole (165) of the lower soft portion (160).

[0093] The above heat dissipation pad (180) can be interposed between the negative terminal (113) of the battery cell (110) and the lower cover (170) in each of the terminal holes (165).

[0094] The heat dissipation pad (180) can be individually bonded to the negative terminal (113) of the battery cell (110) and fixed to the negative terminal (113) of the battery cell (110). The heat dissipation pad (180) can maintain adhesion to the negative terminal (113) of the battery cell (110) when the lower soft portion (160) is separated from the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0095] The above heat dissipation pad (180) is located only in the terminal hole (165) of the lower soft portion (160), and is not fixed to the lower soft portion (160). Accordingly, the lower soft portion (160) can be detachably mounted to the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) separately from the heat dissipation pad (180).

[0096] The above-described heat dissipation pad (180) has thermal conductivity. The above-described heat dissipation pad (180) may be made of a flexible material. The above-described heat dissipation pad (180) may have electrical insulation properties. The above-described heat dissipation pad (180) may be manufactured from various materials, such as materials containing silicon, polymers, and graphene.

[0097] The heat dissipation pad (180) may have a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the terminal hole (165) and may be provided so as to pass through the terminal hole (165). The heat dissipation pad (180) may be provided so as to be individually insertable into the terminal hole (165).

[0098] The above heat dissipation pad (180) may be provided to be thicker than the thickness of the bottom surface of the lower soft portion (160) in which the terminal hole (165) is provided. The above heat dissipation pad (180) may be provided to protrude to both sides of the lower soft portion (160) in the thickness direction of the terminal hole (165).

[0099] The above heat dissipation pad (180) is interposed in the terminal hole (165) of the lower soft portion (160) and can be in surface contact with the negative terminal (113) of the battery cell (110) and the screen plate (190).

[0100] The above screen plate (190) can be interposed between the lower soft portion (160) and the lower cover (170) so as to be in contact with a plurality of heat dissipation pads (180) interposed in each of the terminal holes (165).

[0101] The above screen plate (190) can be pressed and fixed to the lower soft portion (160) when the frame (120) and the lower cover (170) are combined.

[0102] The above screen plate (190) has a metal material and can be arranged to transfer heat (Q) transferred through the heat dissipation pad (180) to the lower cover (170).

[0103] The above screen plate (190) is intended to protect the battery cells (110) from external impact. The screen plate (190) can disperse heat (Q) transferred from a plurality of battery cells (110) through a plurality of heat dissipation pads (180).

[0104] In this embodiment, the screen plate (190) can be coupled to the lower surface (125b) of the second main body (125) so as to be in contact with the bottom surface (162) of the soft groove (161) of the lower soft portion (160).

[0105] In the absence of the above screen plate (190), the heat dissipation pad (180) may be interposed in the terminal hole (165) of the lower soft portion (160) to make surface contact with the negative terminal (113) of the battery cell (110) and the lower cover (170). The heat dissipation pad (180) may contact the negative terminal (113) of the battery cell (110) and the lower cover (170), respectively, to dissipate heat (Q) of the battery cell (110) toward the lower cover (170).

[0106] In this embodiment, the lower cover (170) may be made of a metal material and may be provided to radiate heat (Q) transmitted through the heat dissipation pad (180) to the outside.

[0107] The lower cover (170) may be provided so as to be in surface contact with the screen plate (190). As described above, the screen plate (190) may be interposed between the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) and the lower cover (170).

[0108] In addition, a plate-shaped heat dissipation pad (not shown) may be interposed between the lower cover (170) and the screen plate (190). The plate-shaped heat dissipation pad (not shown) may be provided so as to be in surface contact with the lower cover (170) and the screen plate (190), respectively. The plate-shaped heat dissipation pad (not shown) may be provided to fill the gap between the lower cover (170) and the screen plate (190). The plate-shaped heat dissipation pad may be provided with the same material as the heat dissipation pad (180).

[0109] The lower cover (170) may be coupled to the frame (120) with the lower 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). The lower cover (170) may be press-fixed to the plurality of battery cells (110) through the lower soft portion (160).

[0110] The lower cover (170) can be screw-connected to the frame (120). A screw (171) can penetrate the lower cover (170) and the screen plate (190) and be connected to the lower portion of the frame (120), i.e., the second body (125). The lower cover (170) can be separated from the frame (120) when the screw connection is released.

[0111] The present invention can satisfy the requirements of a battery cell assembly for a light means transport (e.g., LMT) by fixing a plurality of battery cells to a frame in a compression manner so that the battery cells can be individually separated later.

[0112] In addition, the present embodiment can improve the discharge performance of the battery cell (110) by dissipating heat (Q) generated during charging and discharging of the battery cell (110) to the outside of the frame (120) through a heat dissipation pad (180) individually attachable to the terminal (113) of each battery cell (110).

[0113] The discharge performance of a battery cell (110) refers to the ability of the battery cell (110) to discharge power. Discharge performance is one of the key factors in evaluating the efficiency and lifespan of the battery cell (110). Discharge performance may include discharge rate, discharge capacity, voltage curve, efficiency, and temperature effects.

[0114] The discharge performance of a battery cell (110) may vary depending on the temperature of the battery cell. For example, if the temperature of the battery cell (110) is too high or too low, its performance may deteriorate. In the present embodiment, the heat (Q) generated during charging and discharging of the battery cell (110) can be more efficiently dissipated to the outside of the frame (120) through the heat dissipation pad (180), thereby improving the discharge performance of the battery cell (110).

[0115] In addition, the present embodiment can prevent a fire in the battery cell (110) due to overheating of the battery cell (110) by increasing the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell (110).

[0116] Below, the structure of the frame (120) will be described.

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame (120) may include a first body (121) and a second body (125) that are open in both directions along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110).

[0118] The above first main body (121) is provided so as to be fit-fittable with the upper cover (140).

[0119] The above second body (125) is provided so as to be insertable into the above first body (121).

[0120] The second main body (125) can be fitted into a groove (not indicated in the drawing) provided on the lower surface of the first main body (121) via a plurality of second fixing protrusions (128). The first main body (121) and the second main body (125) can be fitted into a fixed position via a groove-protrusion structure.

[0121] In addition, a plurality of second grooves (124) are provided on the upper surface (125a) of the second main body (125). The plurality of second grooves (124) are portions into which a plurality of first protrusions (123) of the first main body (121) 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 (121).

[0122] 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).

[0123] In the above battery cell assembly (100), the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110) can be integrally pressed and fixed to the screen plate (190) and the lower cover (170) through the lower 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).

[0124] When the battery cell assembly (100) is disassembled, if the lower cover (170) is separated from the frame (120), the lower 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).

[0125] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, the step portion (125c) is provided by being sunken into the lower surface (125b) of the second main body (125). The step portion (125c) is provided so that there is a free space between the inner surface of the frame (120) and the lower soft portion (160) when the lower soft portion (160) is inserted into the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0126] The above-mentioned step portion (125c) is a gap space provided to prevent the lower soft portion (160) from contacting the inner surface of the frame (120). The lower 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).

[0127] Below, the upper cover (140) and the upper soft part (130) will be described.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the upper cover (140) is mounted on the first body (121) of the frame (120). 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).

[0129] 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 upper soft portion (130) and is inserted into each of the first grooves (122).

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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).

[0132] 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).

[0133] The positive terminal (111) and the negative terminal (115) are electrically connected to the electrode terminal block (143) by wire bonding. The wire may be made of a material having electrical conductivity, such as copper or aluminum.

[0134] 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) through the upper 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).

[0135] The upper soft portion (130) is integrally fixed by pressure between the upper cover (140) and the frame (120) to limit the vertical movement and radial movement of each of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0136] The upper 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 upper soft portion (130) may be provided such that the periphery of the first soft holes (131) can be in contact with the upper surface (121a) of the frame (120).

[0137] The plurality of first soft holes (131) have an arrangement (Q) pattern of the 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.

[0138] The upper 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).

[0139] 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).

[0140] The upper soft portion (130) can be mounted on the upper surface (121a) of the frame (120) so 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).

[0141] The upper 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.

[0142] The upper 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).

[0143] The upper soft portion (130) may have a compressible material, for example, a rubber material or a silicone material. The upper soft portion (130) has a predetermined elasticity due to the compressible material characteristics, 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).

[0144] The upper 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).

[0145] The upper 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 upper soft portion (130).

[0146] The upper 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 upper soft portion (130) may be in close contact with the beading groove (112) of each battery cell (110) in the radial direction of the battery cell (110) through the plurality of first soft holes (131).

[0147] The upper soft portion (130) is structured to be pressed and 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 surrounding battery cells (110) from being separated together when the battery cell (110) that has been separated from the frame (120).

[0148] Through the combination of the upper cover (140) and the first body (121), the upper soft part (130) is fixed between the two, and the upper parts of a plurality of battery cells (110) can be fixed integrally through the fixed upper soft part (130).

[0149] Through the combination of the lower cover (170) and the second body (125), the lower 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 lower soft part (160).

[0150] Below, the intermediate soft part (150) will be described.

[0151] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the intermediate soft portion (150) is interposed between the first main body (121) and the second main body (125). The intermediate soft portion (150) can be press-fixed to the first main body (121) and the second main body (125) when the first main body (121) and the second main body (125) are joined.

[0152] The above intermediate soft portion (150) is for pressing and fixing the middle of a plurality of battery cells (110) to the frame (120). The above intermediate soft portion (150) may have a plurality of third soft holes (151) through which the plurality of battery cells (110) are respectively inserted.

[0153] The above intermediate 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 above intermediate soft portion (150) may have a compressible material, for example, a rubber material or a silicone material.

[0154] The plurality of third soft holes (151) are provided according to the arrangement (Q) pattern of the battery cells (110). The intermediate soft portion (150) may be provided so that the periphery of the third soft hole (151) can be in contact with the first main body (121) and the second main body (125).

[0155] The above intermediate 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).

[0156] The above intermediate 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).

[0157] The above intermediate soft portion (150) is pressed against the first body (121) and the second body (125) around the third soft hole (151), and the third soft hole (151) is pressed against the outer surface of the battery cell (110) in the cell space (126) of the frame (120), so that movement in the radial direction of each of the plurality of battery cells (110) can be restricted.

[0158] 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 intermediate soft portion (150).

[0159] 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 of the upper soft part (130) and the lower soft part (160) on the battery cells (110) is released, the battery cells (110) can be individually separated from the frame (120).

[0160] The battery cell assembly (100) can be disassembled in the reverse order of the manufacturing or assembly order of the battery cell assembly (100).

[0161] In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 4, when the lower cover (170) and the frame (120) are released from each other and the lower cover (170) is removed, the lower soft portion (160) and the lower portions of the battery cell (110) coupled thereto can be exposed to the outside. That is, the lower soft portion (160) can be exposed to the outside while the battery assembly is turned over.

[0162] The lower portions of the battery cell (110) are spaced apart from each other by the lower soft portion (160). If only the lower soft portion (160) is removed, the lower portions of the battery cell (110) can be exposed to the outside with the spaced apart portion. That is, this is because the soft ribs of the lower soft portion that fill the spaced apart portion are removed. As a result, a certain length of the lower portion of the battery cell is exposed to the outside.

[0163] The lower soft portion (160) has a flexible, bendable material. The worker can separate the lower soft portion (160) from the plurality of battery cells (110) as if removing a rubber cap. In the present embodiment, the heat dissipation pad (180) is individually bonded to the negative terminal (113) of each battery cell (110). At this time, since the plurality of battery cells are in close contact through the middle and / or lower soft portion, the battery cells do not fall out of the frame when the lower soft portion is separated.

[0164] The faulty battery cell (110) can be removed from the frame (120) after the electrical connection of the electrode terminal block (143) is cut off. The worker can separate the faulty battery cell (110) from the frame (120) by a simple action of pulling the lower portion of the faulty battery cell (110) away from the frame (120). At this time, since the upper soft part (130) and / or the middle soft part (150) are fixed to the frame (120), the faulty battery cell (110) can be easily separated from the upper soft part (130) and / or the middle soft part (150) without being affected by other battery cells (110). That is, the remaining cells except for the faulty battery cell are fixed and not separated from the frame.

[0165] The above battery cell assembly (100) is structured so that each component is detachably assembled, so that disassembly of the battery cell assembly (100) is simple, and thus, replacement of a defective battery cell (110) is easy. In addition, the battery cell assembly (100) can replace a defective battery cell (110) with a new battery cell (110). Thereafter, the battery cell assembly can be reused by attaching a heat dissipation pad, mounting a lower soft portion, and mounting a screen and a lower frame, thereby extending its service life.

[0166] As described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted; A lower cover coupled to the lower surface of the above frame; A lower soft portion having a plurality of terminal holes in which the terminals of each battery cell are individually exposed, and interposed between the frame and the lower cover and configured to be press-fixed to the frame and the lower cover; and A battery cell assembly including a plurality of heat dissipation pads inserted into the terminal hole and bonded to the terminals of the battery cells, the heat dissipation pads being arranged to transfer heat from the terminals of each battery cell to the side of the lower cover.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the heat dissipation pad is individually bonded to the terminals of the battery cells in each terminal hole of the lower soft portion.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the heat dissipation pad maintains adhesion to the terminals of the battery cells when the lower soft portion is separated from the plurality of battery cells.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly in which the above heat dissipation pad is individually provided to be inserted into the terminal hole and protrudes on both sides of the lower soft portion in the thickness direction of the terminal hole.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the heat dissipation pad is interposed between the terminal of the battery cell and the lower cover in each terminal hole of the lower soft portion.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly in which the above heat dissipation pad has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the terminal hole.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly in which the above heat dissipation pad is thicker than the bottom surface of the lower soft portion in which the terminal hole is provided.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the lower soft part is configured to press and fix each heat dissipation pad in a lateral direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the battery cell in each terminal hole when the frame and the lower cover are combined.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the lower soft portion is detachably mounted on the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the lower soft portion has a plurality of soft grooves into which the lower portions of a plurality of battery cells are respectively inserted, and the terminal hole is provided through the soft grooves.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the lower soft portion is additionally provided with an air hole penetrating the soft groove around the terminal hole.

12. In paragraph 10, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the lower soft portion is provided so as to be combined and separated from the entire plurality of battery cells.

13. In paragraph 10, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the lower soft portion is formed integrally with the plurality of soft grooves.

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

15. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly in which the lower soft portion is provided to cover the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells exposed to the lower portion of the frame.

16. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the lower cover is a heat dissipation plate made of a material with high heat resistance and thermal conductivity.

17. In paragraph 16, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the lower cover is connected to the frame with the lower soft portion inserted into the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells to limit vertical movement of the plurality of battery cells.

18. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly further comprising a screen plate interposed between the lower soft portion and the lower cover so as to be in contact with a heat dissipation pad interposed in each of the terminal holes.

19. In paragraph 18, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the screen plate is pressed and fixed to the lower soft portion when the frame and the lower cover are combined.

20. In paragraph 18, The above screen plate has a metal material and is a battery cell assembly designed to transfer heat transmitted through the heat dissipation pad to the lower cover.

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