KR200444799Y1 - Secondary battery pack including assembly-type electrical connection member - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a connection member for electrically connecting a plurality of batteries in a non-welding manner, and is mounted in an assembly manner at a position corresponding to an electrode terminal in a pack case in which a battery cell is mounted, and two or more batteries adjacent in a lateral direction are provided. In order to achieve electrical connection of the cell electrode terminals by a contact method, a connection member having a structure including a resilient pressurized connection portion is provided on at least one side of both sides.

Description

Secondary Battery Pack Employed with Electrical Connecting Member of Assembling Type}

1 is an exploded view showing a coupling manner of batteries electrically connected by a metal plate which is a conventional connecting member;

2 is a schematic view of a battery pack with a metal plate and a protection circuit connected;

3 to 5 are schematic diagrams each showing a step of assembling the connection member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 to 8 are perspective views illustrating a process of assembling a secondary battery pack using the connection members of FIGS. 3 and 4;

9 to 11 are perspective views illustrating a process of assembling a secondary battery pack using the connection member of FIG. 5.

The present invention relates to a connecting member used for the electrical connection of the battery, and more particularly, in the pack case in which the secondary battery cell is mounted in a position corresponding to the electrode terminal is assembled by the assembly method, the contact method for the electrode terminal To provide an electrical connection, there is provided a connection member having a structure including a resilient pressurized connection on at least one of the two sides.

As technology development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing.

The secondary battery may be used in the form of a single battery, or in the form of a battery pack in which a plurality of unit cells are electrically connected, depending on the type of external device in which the secondary battery is used. For example, a small device such as a mobile phone can operate for a predetermined period of time with the output and capacity of one battery, while a medium or large size such as a notebook computer, a portable DVD, a small PC, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or the like. Large devices require the use of medium and large secondary battery packs due to power and capacity issues.

The secondary battery pack is manufactured by connecting a protection circuit or the like to a core pack in which a plurality of unit cells are arranged in series and / or in parallel. In the case of using a square or pouch type battery as a unit cell, the wide surfaces thereof may be stacked to face each other, and then the electrode terminals may be easily connected by connecting members such as bus bars. Therefore, in the case of manufacturing a three-dimensional secondary battery pack having a hexahedral structure, a square or pouch type battery is advantageous as a unit cell.

On the other hand, the cylindrical battery generally has a larger capacitance than the square and pouch cells, but due to the external characteristics of the cylindrical battery is not easy to arrange in a laminated structure. However, when the shape of the secondary battery pack has a linear or plate-like structure as a whole, there is a structural advantage over the square or pouch type.

Therefore, in the case of a notebook computer, a portable DVD, a small PC, and the like, battery packs in which a plurality of cylindrical batteries are connected in parallel and in series are used. As the core pack structure used in such a battery pack, for example, a linear structure of 2P (parallel) -3S (serial), a plate structure of 2P-3S, a linear structure of 2P-4S, a plate structure of 2P-4S, and the like It is used.

The parallel connection structure is achieved by arranging two or more cylindrical cells adjacent in their lateral directions with the electrode terminals oriented in the same direction, and welding them to the connecting member. Such parallel cylindrical batteries are also called banks.

In series connection structure, two or more cylindrical cells are arranged in a lateral direction while two or more cylindrical cells are arranged in a long manner so that electrode terminals of opposite polarities are continuous or the electrode terminals are arranged in opposite directions. Arranged adjacent to each other, the welding is performed by the connecting member.

In the electrical connection of such cylindrical cells, spot welding is generally performed using a thin connecting member (for example, a metal plate) such as a nickel plate.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a battery pack having a plate-like structure of 2P-3S in a state in which electrical connection work by spot welding is completed. Figure 1 shows the coupling relationship of the secondary battery pack of the plate-like structure of 2P-3S for convenience of understanding as an exploded view.

As in FIG. 1, three cell pairs of cells 20, 21, each connected in parallel, are connected in series through a metal plate 30 to form a core pack 10.

2 shows a schematic diagram of the secondary battery pack 50 in a state where assembly is completed. For convenience of description, the pack case is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the cells 20 and 21 is connected to the protection circuit module 90 through the positive lead 60 and the negative lead 70 and the FPCB 80 connected to the metal plate 30. It is. The electrical connection of the protection circuit module 90 to the metal plate 30 is mainly done by soldering.

In general, the secondary battery pack repeatedly performs a lot of charging and discharging during the use process, and lithium secondary batteries having a safety problem under conditions such as external shock, dropping, bed penetration, overcharge, overcurrent, etc. are used as unit cells. In order to solve this safety problem, a safety device such as a protection circuit module is added. The safety device secures the safety of the pack by acquiring information such as voltage at a corresponding connection portion of the secondary battery pack and performing a predetermined safety process. Therefore, when the connection state of the site is variable, for example, when the resistance value of the connection site is changed by vibration or the like, due to the inaccuracy of the detection information, the safety device cannot perform the desired process. Therefore, in general, the electrical connection between the battery cell and the protection circuit in the secondary battery pack is made by soldering or the like.

In addition, in order to construct a high-output, high-capacity secondary battery pack, it is necessary to connect a plurality of battery cells in series or in parallel. In order to maintain the performance of the secondary battery pack uniformly, it is possible to minimize the change in resistance of the connection part. Coupling is required. The electrical connection between these battery cells is typically made through soldering or welding, preferably spot welding.

However, the welding or soldering process between the battery cells has the following problems. Specifically, the welding or soldering process requires the skilled skills and know-how of the operator, and acts as a factor that hinders the production efficiency due to the complicated production process and the high cost. In addition, in the process of directly welding or soldering to the battery cell, such as causing an internal short circuit of the battery threatens the safety of the battery and increases the defective rate of the product.

Therefore, when manufacturing the secondary battery pack, it is possible to replace the connection method through welding, soldering, etc. between the battery cells that threaten the stability of the battery and require a complicated work process, and at the same time secure a stable connection structure between the battery cells There is a high need for technology.

The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art as described above and the technical problems that have been requested from the past.

Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a connection member that can stably electrically connect two or more secondary battery cells without performing a welding process or the like.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a connection member having a specific structure that is easy to assemble and freely detachable as necessary.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery pack manufactured using the connection member.

The connecting member according to the present invention for achieving this purpose is mounted in a position corresponding to the electrode terminal in the pack case in which the secondary battery cell is mounted, so as to make an electrical connection to the electrode terminal in a contact manner, It is a structure that includes a resilient pressing connection on one side of both sides.

Therefore, it does not require soldering or welding process for the electrical connection between the battery cell electrode terminals, and maintains a stable connection structure only by combining the prefabricated members, thereby preventing the possibility of a short circuit of the battery that may occur during soldering and welding. In addition, the change in resistance of the connection part does not deviate from the reliability level even by an external impact, and at the same time, facilitates the assembly process of the battery pack, and can provide a stable coupling force between the battery cell electrode terminals.

As one preferred example, the connection part may have a structure in which a metal wire having a predetermined elasticity is wound while the diameter thereof gradually decreases in one direction. The wire is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material capable of providing an elastic force for contact with the electrode terminal of the material, and preferably, the wire may be a metal material.

The structure of the wire is a structure in which the diameter is sequentially reduced in one direction and wound up, and it is possible to more flexibly connect between the battery and the pack case through this structure. That is, the narrow diameter portion of the wire enables selective contact with the electrode terminal, and the wide diameter portion provides a firm coupling force with the pack case. In addition, compared to the conventional spring having the same diameter, the volume occupied when the wire is compressed, so that the efficient use of the pack case space.

In some cases, the connection portion may have a structure in which a metal wire having a predetermined elastic force is wound while the diameter thereof gradually decreases in both directions. The connection part of this structure connects adjacent battery cells connected in the longitudinal direction in series. In other words, the center portion of the connection portion is coupled to the partition wall of the pack case, and the portion wound in smaller directions in both directions is in contact with the electrode terminals of both battery cells, thereby connecting the battery cells in series.

As another preferred example, the connection part may be a structure in which a metal plate having a predetermined elasticity is bent at one end and then bent again at the other end to form an elastic protrusion in one direction. The connecting portion can be used without particular limitation as long as it is a conductive material, but it is preferable to use a metal sheet in view of ease of processing. Since the metal plate-type connection part makes contact with the battery cell electrode terminal in a large area, the electrical connection is not interrupted even when the battery cell is separated from the predetermined position by an external impact or the like, and the resistance change of the connection part is prevented. The advantage is that it can be minimized.

In some cases, the metal plate may have a structure in which two or more elastic protrusions are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. Two or more spaced apart protrusions are in contact with the battery cell electrode terminals, and are connected in parallel between adjacent battery cells arranged laterally.

The present invention also provides a secondary battery pack characterized by using the connection member according to the present invention as a member for electrical connection of a plurality of battery cells. In addition, in connecting the battery cells in the lateral and longitudinal arrangement, the connecting members of different structures may be used selectively or together.

In particular, a secondary battery pack having a structure in which the battery cells are mounted after the connection member is mounted in a pack case including at least one accommodating part into which two or more secondary battery cells can be mounted, constitutes the pack case. The side of the side wall of the contact between the electrode terminal of the battery cell, it may be a structure that couples the connecting member in an assembly manner so that the elastic pressure-type connecting portion toward the electrode terminal.

The secondary battery pack as described above enables the manufacture of secondary battery packs having a wide variety of structures including parallel and series connection according to the structure of the connection member and the battery case used. Examples of the structure of the secondary battery pack include a linear structure of 2P-3S, a plate-like structure of 2P-3S, a linear structure of 2P-4S, a plate-like structure of 2P-4S, and the like. It is possible to configure a secondary battery pack having a plate-like structure of 2P-2S including at least two accommodating parts in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells can be mounted while contacting the two battery cells in the lateral direction.

In addition, the partition wall boundary between the receiving parts located in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells includes a structure in which a slit is formed to facilitate coupling of the connection member.

As a preferred example of the secondary battery pack according to the present invention, the connecting member includes a connecting portion having a structure in which a metal wire having a predetermined elasticity is sequentially wound while the diameter thereof decreases in both directions. The winding portion of the wire located in the center may be a structure that is coupled while being inserted into the slit of the partition wall. That is, by simply mounting the battery cells on both sides of the connection member inserted into the slit of the partition wall, the electrical connection of the battery cells in a series or parallel manner is made.

As another preferred example of the secondary battery pack, the connection member includes a connection part having a structure in which a metal plate having a predetermined elasticity is bent at one end and then bent again at the other end to form an elastic protrusion in one direction. The non-bending plate portion of the connecting portion may be coupled to the slit of the partition wall, and the two connecting members may be coupled to the slit while facing each other such that the connecting portion is positioned at adjacent receiving portions.

The battery that can be used in the secondary battery cell may be in various forms, for example, a cylindrical secondary battery or a rectangular secondary battery, preferably a cylindrical secondary battery. Cylindrical secondary batteries generally comprise a positive electrode terminal protruding at one end, and forming a negative electrode terminal in the entire battery case in an insulated state.

Hereinafter, the content of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

3 to 5 schematically show perspective views showing connection members according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

First, referring to FIG. 3, the connection member 100 according to the present invention has a structure in which a wire having elastic force is wound while the diameter thereof gradually decreases in one direction. The winding portion 110 having a narrow diameter of the connecting member 100 is in contact with the battery cell electrode terminal (not shown), and the winding portion 120 having a wide diameter is coupled to the pack case (not shown). do. Since the connection member 100 does not overlap with adjacent wires while being compressed, the connection member 100 has a smaller volume and more efficient use of space, and furthermore, the target connection body (for example, an electrode terminal of a secondary battery). The change in resistance of the connection part is minimized by external force due to the firm adhesion to the surface.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a connecting member having a structure in which the elastic metal wire is wound while the diameter thereof gradually decreases in both directions.

The connection member 200 corresponds to a shape in which two connection members 100 of FIG. 3 are stacked. The winding portion 230 having a wide diameter in the middle of the connection member 200 is mounted on the partition wall of the pack case, and the winding portions 210 and 220 having narrow diameters at both ends are formed on the electrode terminals of the battery cells adjacent in the longitudinal direction ( Not shown). That is, the battery cells adjacent to the front and rear sides in the longitudinal direction with respect to the connecting member 200 are electrically connected in a series manner.

5 is a schematic view showing a connection member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the connecting member 300 is bent at one end of the metal plate having elastic force and then bent again at the other end to form two elastic protrusions 321 and 322 in one direction. The protrusions 321 and 322 are formed to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the metal plate 310. As such, the bent structure at each end strengthens the elastic connection force to the battery cell electrode terminal (not shown) while minimizing the possibility of being damaged by an external impact.

The non-bending portion 310 of the metal plate is coupled to a pack case (not shown), and the protrusions 321 and 322 contact the battery cell electrode terminals to electrically connect the battery cells in parallel. .

6 to 8 are perspective views illustrating a process of assembling a secondary battery pack using the connection members of FIGS. 3 and 4.

First, referring to FIG. 6, the connection members of FIGS. 3 and 4 are mounted in a battery case in which a plurality of battery cells can be mounted.

The battery case 400 has a structure in which two battery cells include two accommodating parts in a length direction of the battery cell, which may be mounted while contacting in the lateral direction. Slits 410 and 420 for facilitating coupling of the connection members 100 and 200 are formed in the partition wall that borders the continuous storage units formed in the battery case 400 in the longitudinal direction.

Among the connection members 100 and 200, the connection members 100 mounted on the partition walls of both ends of the battery case 400 have a structure in which a metal wire having elastic force is wound while the diameter thereof decreases sequentially in one direction. The connection members 200, which are attached to the central partition of the battery case 400, are connection members having a structure in which the diameters of the battery cases 400 are sequentially reduced in both directions. The winding portions having wide diameters of the connection members 100 and 200 are inserted into the battery cases 400 while being inserted into the slits 410 and 420 of the partition wall.

7 and 8 together, four cylindrical batteries 500 are sequentially placed in the battery case 400 in which the connection members 100 and 200 are mounted. Four cylindrical batteries 500 are positioned inside the battery case 400 one by one so that the electrode terminals of the cylindrical battery 500 are positioned at the pressurized connection structure of the protruding winding structure of the connection members 100 and 200.

The assembled state of the secondary battery pack 600 may be confirmed through FIG. 8. The secondary battery pack 600 is a plate-shaped structure of 2P-2S in which two cylindrical batteries 500 are mounted while contacting in a lateral direction, and include two cylindrical batteries 500 in a longitudinal direction of the battery.

9 to 11 are schematic perspective views illustrating a process of assembling a secondary battery pack using the connection member of FIG. 5.

An elastic sheet metal member was bent at one end and then bent again at the other end to use a connecting member 300 having a structure including a connecting portion having a structure forming an elastic protrusion in one direction. The part is coupled while being inserted into the slits 410 and 420 of the partition wall. In addition, in the central partition wall in the longitudinal direction of the battery case 400, two connection members face each other such that the connection portions are positioned in adjacent receiving portions, respectively, and are coupled to the slit 410. Except for the above structural features, the assembly is performed in the same process as the secondary battery pack of FIGS. 6 to 8.

Although the connection members and the secondary battery packs using the same according to some embodiments of the present invention have been described by way of example, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains are within the scope of the present invention. It will be possible to make various applications and modifications.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the welding, soldering process, etc. are not required for the electrical connection of the battery cell electrode terminals, it is possible to prevent a short circuit of the battery that may occur during the welding process and greatly reduce the defective rate. Providing a stable coupling structure between the electrode terminals of the secondary battery cell, as well as having an effect of significantly improving the production efficiency.

Claims (12)

A secondary battery pack having a structure in which battery cells are mounted in a pack case including at least one accommodating part into which two or more secondary battery cells may be mounted. The pack case includes at least two accommodating parts in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, which may be mounted while the two secondary battery cells are in contact in the lateral direction, and facilitates coupling of the connection member to the partition wall that borders the accommodating parts. The slits are formed, The pack case is mounted in an assembly manner at a position corresponding to the electrode terminal, and is provided with a connecting member including a resilient pressurized connection portion to make an electrical connection to the electrode terminal in a contact manner. The connecting member includes a connecting portion having a structure in which a metal wire having a predetermined elasticity is sequentially wound while the diameter thereof decreases in both directions. Secondary battery pack, characterized in that coupled. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete A secondary battery pack having a structure in which battery cells are mounted in a pack case including at least one accommodating part into which two or more secondary battery cells may be mounted. The pack case includes at least two accommodating parts in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, which may be mounted while the two secondary battery cells are in contact in the lateral direction, and facilitates coupling of the connection member to the partition wall that borders the accommodating parts. The slits are formed, The pack case is mounted in an assembly manner at a position corresponding to the electrode terminal, and is equipped with a connection member including an elastically pressurized connection part to make an electrical connection to the electrode terminal in a contact manner. The connecting member includes a connecting portion having a structure in which a metal plate having a predetermined elastic force is bent at one end and then bent again at the other end to form an elastic protrusion in one direction, and the non-bending plate portion of the connecting portion is The secondary battery pack is coupled to the slit of the partition wall, characterized in that the two connecting members are coupled to the slit facing each other such that the connection portion is located in the adjacent receiving portion. The secondary battery pack according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the secondary battery cell is a cylindrical secondary battery. The secondary battery pack as claimed in claim 10, wherein two or more elastic protrusions are formed to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the metal plate.

Images