KR102364884B1 - Battery module with replaceable fuse-box and Method for assemblying the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery module having a replaceable fuse box according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module case comprising an upper module case and a lower module case for packaging the battery cell assembly; a sensing circuit for sensing power of the plurality of battery cells installed on one side of the inner side of the module case; and a fuse box that is coupled and assembled with the module case in a detachable manner, is replaceable, and is connected to the sensing circuit in a connector manner.

Description

Battery module with replaceable fuse-box and Method for assemblying the same

The present invention relates to a battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module configured to replace a fuse box by removing a fuse and a circuit located in a sensing circuit inside the battery module and mounting it outside the battery module, and to a method of assembling the same.

Battery packs for eco-friendly vehicles are manufactured by assembling several battery modules. Such a battery module is configured to include a plurality of battery cells. In this case, the individual battery cells may be designed as a cylindrical cell, a prismatic cell, a pouch-type cell, or the like. The pouch-type cells include a flexible cover made of a thin film, in which the electrical components of the battery cell are disposed.

In particular, pouch-type cells are used to realize optimal space utilization within one battery cell. The pouch-type cells are also characterized by low weight in addition to high capacity.

The edges of these aforementioned pouch-shaped cells comprise a sealing joint. In other words, the joint connects two membranes of battery cells, the membranes comprising further components in the cavity formed thereby.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 1 , after welding 8 unit battery cells to the case 110 and inserting them, the circuit 120 in which the fuse box and the voltage sensing circuit are integrated is installed inside the case 110 , and the front cover Assemble 130.

That is, in the case of a battery module installed in an eco-friendly vehicle, the voltage of individual battery cells connected in series or in parallel in the battery module is measured through a sensing circuit through a battery control system called BMS (Battery Management System).

For sensing circuits, each individual circuit has a polarity and potential. However, if an individual circuit is short-circuited by an external factor, it may lead to a fire due to a sudden energy fluctuation. To prevent this, a fuse is installed in each circuit to prevent short-circuit. However, when such a fuse is blown, there is a problem in that the entire battery module must be discarded.

In addition, in recent years, as the demand for eco-friendly vehicles increases, battery cells are gradually developed into high-output and high-capacity specifications, and in this case, the energy value of individual cells is gradually increasing. The increase in energy of the battery cell increases the potential risk due to external factors, and the demand for developing a device to prevent it simply and efficiently is also increasing.

1. Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0084724 2. Korea Public Utility Model No. 20-2009-0001636

The present invention has been proposed to solve the problem according to the above background art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a battery module in which only a fuse box can be replaced without replacing the entire battery module even when the battery cell is disconnected, and a method for assembling the same. .

Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having a replaceable fuse box that simplifies an assembly process by facilitating assembly of the fuse box, and a method of assembling the same.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the problem according to the above background art, and provides a battery module in which only a fuse box can be replaced without replacing the entire battery module even when a battery cell is disconnected.

The battery module is

a battery cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells;

a module case comprising an upper module case and a lower module case for packaging the battery cell assembly;

a sensing circuit for sensing power of the plurality of battery cells installed on one side of the inner side of the module case; and

It may be characterized in that it comprises a; fuse box which is replaceable by being fastened and assembled with the module case in a detachable manner, and connected to the sensing circuit in a connector manner.

In this case, the detachable method may be characterized in that the locking (locking) structure.

In addition, for the locking structure, an armhole may be formed in the fuse box, and a male locking part fastened to the armhole may be formed in the module case.

In addition, the fuse box may include: a fuse substrate on which a plurality of fuses are arranged; a pair of socket connectors electrically connected to the fuse board; a cushioning material sealing and enclosing the fuse board and the pair of socket connectors; a fuse box cover covering an upper end of the cushioning material; and a leg portion coupled to a lower end of the fuse box cover and coupled to one side of the module case.

In this case, for the connector method, it may be characterized in that it includes a jack plug which is fastened to any one of the pair of socket connectors to connect the sensing circuit and the fuse box.

In addition, the pair of socket connectors may be installed with a step difference from each other.

In addition, the leg portion may be characterized in that a step is formed.

In addition, it may be characterized in that a plurality of locking protrusions are formed on one side of the module case to correspond to the step difference of the fuse box.

On the other hand, in another embodiment of the present invention, each of the steps of assembling a battery cell assembly and a fuse box assembled from a plurality of battery cells; packaging a sensing circuit installed to sense the power of the plurality of battery cells on an inner side of the battery cell assembly and the module case in the module case including an upper module case and a lower module case; fastening and assembling the module case and the fuse box so that it can be replaced in a detachable manner; and connecting the sensing circuit and the fuse box in a connector manner.

In this case, the assembling of the fuse box may include: electrically connecting a fuse board on which a plurality of fuses are arranged and a pair of socket connectors; sealing the fuse board and the pair of socket connectors with a cushioning material to form a cushioning material; wrapping an upper end of the cushioning material with a fuse box cover; and coupling the legs to the lower end of the fuse box cover and fastening the legs to one side of the module case.

According to the present invention, it is possible to replace only the fuse box by separating the fuse and the circuit integrally located in the sensing circuit inside the battery module and mounting it outside the battery module.

In addition, as another effect of the present invention, since the battery module and the fuse box are assembled in a female and male locking structure without separate fastening hardware, the work process is simplified.

In addition, as another effect of the present invention, since the sensing circuit of the battery module and the fuse box are fastened through the electrical component connector, the work process is simplified and the work process is reduced, thereby reducing the cost.

1 is an external perspective view showing the structure of a general battery module.
2 is an external perspective view showing the structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an assembly perspective view in which a fuse box is assembled to the module case shown in FIG. 2 .
4 is a partially cut-away perspective view in a state in which a fuse box is assembled in a module case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of assembling a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Since the present invention can have various changes and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In describing each figure, like reference numerals are used for like elements.

Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component. The term “and/or” includes a combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Terms such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present application. shouldn't

Hereinafter, a battery module having a replaceable fuse box and an assembly method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is an external perspective view showing the structure of the battery module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2 , the battery module 200 includes a battery cell assembly 250 in which a plurality of battery cells (not shown) are assembled, a module case 210 packaging the battery cell assembly 250 , and the module. The sensing circuit 212-1 for sensing the power of the plurality of battery cells installed on one side of the inner side of the case 210, the module case 210 and the module case 210 are coupled and assembled in a detachable manner and can be replaced, and the sensing circuit 212 -1) and a fuse box 230 connected in a connector manner, and the like.

The battery cell (not shown) may be designed as a cylindrical cell, a prismatic cell, a pouch-type cell, or the like. The pouch-type cells include a flexible cover made of a thin film, in which the electrical components of the battery cell are disposed.

In particular, pouch-type cells are used to realize optimal space utilization within one battery cell. The pouch-type cells are also characterized by low weight in addition to high capacity.

The edges of these aforementioned pouch-shaped cells include a sealing joint (not shown). In other words, the joint connects two membranes of battery cells, the membranes comprising further components in the cavity formed thereby.

These pouch-type cells may be high-voltage batteries for electric vehicles, such as nickel metal batteries, lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, and all-solid-state batteries.

In general, a high voltage battery is a battery used as a power source for moving an electric vehicle, and refers to a high voltage of 100V or more. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a low-voltage battery is also possible. In addition, a plurality of these battery cells are connected in series by lead welding of (+) and (-) terminals. Of course, these battery cells may be connected in parallel or may be configured in a combination of series and parallel.

Examples of the electric vehicle include a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), an electric vehicle (EV), a low-speed electric vehicle (NEV: Neighborhood Electric Vehicle), and a fuel cell vehicle. (FCV: Fuel-Cell Vehicle), etc. are mentioned.

These multiple battery cells have a structure in which a battery cell cover is attached to one end of each of the battery cells.

The module case 210 includes an upper module case 211 and a lower module case 212 for packaging the battery assembly 250 . Therefore, the lower module case 212 or the upper module case 211 is inserted into the battery assembly 250 first, and then the remaining upper module case 211 or the lower module case 212 is inserted. Of course, at this time, the sensing circuit 212-1 is inserted and fastened inside the lower module case 212 . Since the sensing circuit 212-1 is not shown in the figure because it is inside, it is indicated by a dotted circle.

In addition, a fastening groove 212 - 2 to which the fuse box 230 is fastened is formed in the lower module case 212 .

The upper module case 211 and the lower module case 212 may be assembled by fastening to each other using a bolt-nut method. Of course, a screw method and a rivet method are also possible.

Since such a bolt-nut method is widely known, a more detailed description will be omitted for easy understanding of the present invention.

3 is an assembly perspective view in which a fuse box is assembled to the module case shown in FIG. 2 . Referring to FIG. 3 , the fuse box 230 is assembled to the module case 210 . Of course, for this purpose, the module case 210 and the fuse box 230 are fastened in a locking structure and detachable manner.

For this locking structure, an arm hole 310-1 is formed in the leg part 310 of the fuse box 230, and the armhole 310-1 is formed in the lower module case 212 of the module case 210. A male engaging portion 311 to be fastened is formed.

Of course, the leg portion 310 has a cross section of a tower having a step difference on both sides, but is not limited thereto, and other shapes are possible. At the same time, a fastening groove 212-2 is formed in the lower module case 212 so that the leg part 310 is inserted and fastened. A male engaging portion 311 is formed in the fastening groove 212-2.

In addition, a pair of socket connectors 312 and 313 are installed in the fuse box 230 . The double first socket connector 312 is connected to the jack plug 320 that is fastened and assembled with the lower module case 320 . The second socket connector 313 is connected to an electric jack plug (not shown).

Since such a jack connector method is used, even if one of the battery assemblies 250 is disconnected and the fuse box 230 does not operate, it is only necessary to replace and connect a new fuse box 230 .

In addition, a first step 301 is formed in the leg portion 310 . That is, a difference occurs between the first socket connector 312 and the second socket connector 313 by the first step 301 . In other words, the second socket connector 313 has a shape that protrudes forward than the first socket connector 312 .

The fuse box cover 315 is assembled with the leg part 310 while packaging the top surface of the fuse box 230 .

A plurality of locking projections 302 are also formed on the front surface of the lower module case 212 to correspond to the first step 301 . The locking protrusion 302 prevents the fuse box 230 from swinging up and down or left and right after the fuse box 230 is assembled. In addition, it is easy to assemble the fuse box 230 on the lower module case 212 due to the locking protrusion 302 .

4 is a partially cut-away perspective view in a state in which a fuse box is assembled in a module case according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4 , the fuse box 230 includes a fuse board 410 on which a plurality of fuses 411 are arranged, and first and second socket connectors 312 and 313 electrically connected to the fuse board 410 . , a cushioning material 420 sealingly enclosing the fuse board 410 and the first and second socket connectors 312 and 313 , a fuse box cover 315 enclosing an upper end of the cushioning material 420 , and the fuse box cover 315 ) is coupled to the lower end of the lower module case 212 and is composed of a leg portion 310 fastened to one side. Of course, the fuse 411 performs a function of blocking a risk caused by a short circuit of each of the battery cells 440 arranged vertically and/or other circuits.

The fuse box 230 electrically connects the fuse board 410 on which a plurality of fuses 411 are arranged and a pair of socket connectors 312 and 313 first. Thereafter, the cushioning material 420 is formed by sealing the fuse board 410 and the pair of socket connectors 312 and 313 with a cushioning material. Thereafter, the upper end of the cushioning material 420 is covered with the fuse box cover 315 , and the leg portion 310 is coupled to the lower end of the fuse box cover 315 .

As the buffer material, vinyl, urethane, acryl, epoxy, melamine, etc., which are insulating materials excellent in sealing and/or insulation, may be used.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of assembling a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5 , a battery assembly (250 in FIG. 2 ), a fuse box 230 , a sensing circuit 212-1, and the like including a plurality of battery cells are assembled (step S510 ).

Thereafter, the battery assembly 250 is packaged in a module case ( 210 in FIG. 2 ) including an upper module case ( 211 in FIG. 2 ) and a lower module case ( 212 in FIG. 2 ) (step S520 ).

Of course, at this time, a sensing circuit is also installed and connected to the plurality of battery cells.

Thereafter, the module case 210 and the fuse box 230 are coupled and assembled so that they can be replaced in a detachable manner (step S530).

Thereafter, a sensing circuit installed to sense the power of the plurality of battery cells on one side of the inner side of the module case 210 and the fuse box 230 are connected in a connector manner (step S540 ).

200: battery module
210: module case
211: upper module case 212: lower module case
212-1: sensing circuit 212-2: fastening groove
230: fuse box
250: battery assembly
301: step 302: jamming jaw
310: leg
310-1: female hole 311: male locking part
312: first socket connector 313: second socket connector
320: jack plug
410: fuse board
411: fuse
420: cushioning material
440: battery cell

Claims (10)

a battery cell assembly comprising a plurality of vertically arranged battery cells;
a module case comprising an upper module case and a lower module case for packaging the battery cell assembly;
a sensing circuit for sensing power of the plurality of battery cells installed on one side of the inner side of the module case; and
It includes; a fuse box that is assembled with the module case in a detachable manner, is replaceable, and is connected to the sensing circuit in a connector manner;
The sensing circuit is inserted and fastened inside the lower module case,
The detachment method is a locking structure,
An armhole is formed in the fuse box for the locking structure,
The fuse box is
a fuse substrate on which a plurality of fuses are arranged;
a pair of socket connectors electrically connected to the fuse board;
a cushioning material sealing and enclosing the fuse board and the pair of socket connectors;
a fuse box cover covering an upper end of the cushioning material; and
a leg portion coupled to a lower end of the fuse box cover and coupled to one side of the module case;
The battery module having a replaceable fuse box, characterized in that the armhole is formed in the leg portion, and a male engaging portion fastened to the armhole is formed in the lower module case.
delete delete delete The method of claim 1,
and a jack plug coupled to any one of the pair of socket connectors for the connector method to connect the sensing circuit and the fuse box.
The method of claim 1,
A battery module having a replaceable fuse box, characterized in that the pair of socket connectors are installed with a step difference from each other.
The method of claim 1,
A battery module having a replaceable fuse box, characterized in that a step is formed in the leg portion.
8. The method of claim 7,
A battery module having a replaceable fuse box, characterized in that a plurality of locking protrusions are formed on one side of the module case to correspond to the step difference of the fuse box.





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