WO2018124751A1

WO2018124751A1 - Flexible circuit board and frame assembly including same

Info

Publication number: WO2018124751A1
Application number: PCT/KR2017/015594
Authority: WO
Inventors: 오정학; 염진수; 이종원; 전태현; 이천효; 사광욱; 강지은; 노승준
Original assignee: 주식회사 유라코퍼레이션
Priority date: 2016-12-27
Filing date: 2017-12-27
Publication date: 2018-07-05

Abstract

Provided is a flexible circuit board installed in a frame to which a bus bar is coupled. The Flexible circuit board may comprise: a center part having a band shape; first connection circuit parts formed at both ends of the center part and disposed to face each other; second connection circuit parts which respectively extend from the first connection circuit parts and are parallel to the center part; and third connection circuit parts which respectively extend from a first connection circuit part and a second connection circuit part and are connected to the bus bar. When the second connection circuit part is folded toward one side of the first connection circuit part, an overlapped portion, which includes one portion of the second connection circuit part and is disposed to overlap another portion of the second connection circuit part in view of a section, may be formed. When the overlapped portion is formed, the second connection circuit part may be disposed on the same line as that of the first connection circuit part.

Description

Flexible circuit board and frame assembly including same

The present disclosure relates to a flexible circuit board and a frame assembly including the same.

Secondary batteries are widely used in mobile devices, auxiliary power devices, and the like. In addition, the secondary battery has attracted attention as a main driving force for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, etc., which are proposed as alternatives to solve various problems such as air pollution of conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles.

Secondary batteries used in electric vehicles, etc. are used because of the necessity of a high output large capacity battery, a plurality of battery cells are stacked and electrically connected in series and in parallel. Such a battery module has an advantage of providing the required high power according to the degree of stacking of battery cells, but the battery cells may be used in a stacked state, such that overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheating may occur in some battery cells.

Since the shape affects the stability, the operation efficiency, and the like of the battery module, a means for detecting it in advance is required. Therefore, the battery module senses the voltage of each battery cell using a circuit board connected to the battery cell, and transfers it as electrical information to the BMS (Battery Mamagement System) through the busbar to overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating, etc. of each battery cell. To detect the phenomenon of and thereby prevent further damage.

Meanwhile, flexible circuit boards formed by stacking copper foils between thin insulating layers have been used in various fields recently because they are light in weight, take up less space, and can be cut and used according to a desired shape. Therefore, various studies are underway to use the flexible circuit board to sense the battery cell voltage in order to reduce the weight and fuel efficiency of the vehicle frame assembly.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible circuit board for use in a frame assembly for fixing a cell assembly. In addition, it provides a structure of a flexible circuit board to improve the yield of the production process, to prevent breakage that may occur during the assembly process, and to improve the workability.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a flexible circuit board installed in a frame to which a bus bar is coupled, the flexible circuit board comprising: a central portion having a band shape; First connection circuits formed at both ends of the central portion and disposed to face each other; A second connection circuit portion extending from the first connection circuit portion to be parallel to the central portion; And a third connection circuit part extending from each of the first connection circuit part and the second connection circuit part and connected to the busbar, wherein the second connection circuit part is arranged to overlap each other in the cross-sectional direction when the second connection circuit part is folded to one side of the first connection circuit part. When the overlapping part including a part of the first connection circuit part and a part of the second connection circuit part is formed, and when the overlapping part is formed, the second connection circuit part may be disposed on the same line as the first connection circuit part.

According to one embodiment, the second connection circuit portion is formed on both ends of the first connection circuit portion, respectively, the first overlapping portion formed by folding the second connection circuit portion toward the first connection circuit portion along the first bending line; And a second overlapping portion formed by being folded to be bent in the longitudinal direction of the first connection circuit portion along the second bending line.

In example embodiments, the first bending line may be formed in parallel with the first connection circuit, and the second bending line may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first bending line.

According to one embodiment, between the portions of the second connecting portion constituting the first overlapping portion and the second overlapping portion may be tightly fixed by an adhesive that provides a fixing force for the upper side and the lower side.

According to one embodiment, the adhesive may be characterized as double-sided tape or double-sided pad.

According to one embodiment, a plurality of third connection circuit portion formed in the first connection circuit portion is formed to be spaced apart from each other, when the first connection circuit portion and the second connection circuit portion is located on the same line, the third formed on the second connection circuit The connection circuit unit may be arranged in line with the third connection circuit unit formed in the first connection circuit unit.

According to one embodiment, it may further include a temperature sensing unit formed to extend outward from the center.

According to one embodiment, the third connection circuit portion may include a substrate layer and an insulating layer configured to expose one surface of the substrate layer, and one surface of the substrate layer may be configured to contact the busbar.

According to one embodiment, the third connection circuit portion includes a substrate layer and an insulating layer configured to expose both surfaces of the substrate layer, the substrate layer comprising: a first surface in contact with the busbar; And a second surface formed on an opposite side of the first surface.

According to one embodiment, the third connection circuit portion may be characterized in that the size of the first surface is larger than the size of the second surface.

In the frame assembly for fixing the cell assembly is formed by stacking at least one battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, including a top plate, side plates connected to both ends of the top plate, surrounding the cell assembly A frame disposed to be; A bus bar disposed on and fixed to the side plate; And a flexible circuit board disposed along the upper plate and the side plate to sense a voltage of the battery cell, wherein the upper plate has a path groove formed at a predetermined depth in the upper side thereof, and the flexible circuit board extends outward. Sensing portion is formed, the center portion of the band shape seated in the path groove; First connection circuits formed at both ends of the central portion and disposed to face each other; Second connection circuit portions extending at both ends of the first connection circuit portion and formed to be parallel to the central portion; And a third connection circuit portion extending from each of the first connection circuit portion and the second connection circuit portion and connected to the busbar, wherein the flexible circuit board is formed by folding the second connection circuit portion toward the first connection circuit portion along the first bending line. When the overlapping part is formed, an overlapping part including a second overlapping part formed by folding the first overlapping part and the second connection circuit part to be bent along the second bending line in the longitudinal direction of the first connection circuit part is formed, and the overlapping part is formed. The circuit part may be disposed on the same line as the first connection circuit part, and the third connection circuit part formed on the second connection circuit part may be disposed in line with the third connection circuit part formed on the first connection circuit part.

According to an embodiment, the cell assembly may be formed by stacking terminal parts formed at each end of each of the plurality of battery cells in series or in parallel, and electrically connecting the terminal parts to the busbars.

According to an embodiment, an insertion hole is formed in the same direction as the direction in which the battery cells are stacked in the bus bar, the cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in parallel, and the battery cells stacked in parallel are again stacked in series. The terminal unit may be inserted into the insertion hole and electrically connected to the bus bar.

According to one embodiment, the terminal portion penetrates the insertion hole, and the portion protruding therethrough may be folded outside the bus bar and laser-welded to be electrically connected.

According to one embodiment, the first bending line is formed in parallel with the first connection circuit portion, the second bending line is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the first bending line, the second connection circuit portion and The second bending line may be sequentially folded along the second bending line, and disposed on the same line as the first connection circuit unit.

According to one embodiment, the side plate is fixed in close contact with the side, and further comprises a reinforcing plate covering the end of the central portion, the upper plate may further be formed ribs to prevent the separation of the center and the path grooves along the path grooves. have.

According to one embodiment, the ribs may be provided in plurality so as to be spaced apart from each other alternately on both sides of the path groove.

According to one embodiment, the fusion plate is formed in the side plate corresponding to the position where the center is disposed, the fixing hole may be formed in the center and the reinforcing plate corresponding to the position of the fusion projection.

According to one embodiment, in the state that the center is seated in the path groove, may further include a top cover that covers the upper side of the center.

According to one embodiment, the bus bar is formed with a recessed to a predetermined depth, one side is fixedly coupled to the flexible circuit board, the other side further comprises a connection terminal bonded to the bus bar, the connection terminal is formed with a fixing projection is formed 3 fixed part fixed to the connection circuit; And a connection part extending from the fixing part and disposed on the seating part.

According to one embodiment, a plurality of fixing projections spaced apart from both sides of the fixing portion are formed, and electrically connected to the flexible circuit board through the third connection circuit portion at a predetermined position, the portion protruding through the compression is compressed and flexed It is fixed by the deformation, the connection portion may be characterized in that joined to the seating portion by laser welding.

According to an embodiment, the connection part may further include a fastening member which is formed in a ring shape to form a fastening hole and is inserted into the seating part through the fastening hole to fix the connection terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third connection circuit part may further include a coating part configured to cover the third connection circuit part and a part of the bus bar around the third connection circuit part while the third connection circuit part is connected to the bus bar.

According to an embodiment, the bus bar may be provided with a recessed part having a predetermined depth, and one surface of the three connection circuit part may be in contact with the seating part.

In a frame assembly for fixing a cell assembly is formed by stacking at least one battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cell assembly including a top plate, side plates connected to both ends of the top plate A frame disposed to be; A bus bar disposed on and fixed to the side plate; A flexible circuit board disposed along the upper plate and the side plate to sense a voltage of the battery cell; And a reinforcing plate that is tightly fixed to one side of the side plate and covers an end portion of the flexible circuit board, wherein the upper plate is formed with a protection groove which is dug at a predetermined depth on a bottom surface thereof, and the flexible circuit board has a temperature sensing unit extending outwardly. A central portion having a band shape formed in the protective groove; First connection circuits formed at both ends of the central portion and disposed to face each other; Second connection circuit portions extending at both ends of the first connection circuit portion and formed to be parallel to the central portion; And a third connection circuit portion extending from each of the first connection circuit portion and the second connection circuit portion and connected to the busbar, wherein the flexible circuit board is formed by folding the second connection circuit portion toward the first connection circuit portion along the first bending line. When the overlapping part is formed, an overlapping part including a second overlapping part formed by folding the first overlapping part and the second connection circuit part to be bent along the second bending line in the longitudinal direction of the first connection circuit part is formed, and the overlapping part is formed. The circuit part may be disposed in parallel with the first connection circuit part, and the third connection circuit part formed in the second connection circuit part may be disposed in parallel with the third connection circuit part formed in the first connection circuit part.

According to one embodiment, the overlapping portion formed between the protective groove and the central portion and between the first connection circuit portion and the second connection circuit portion may be tightly fixed by an adhesive.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the upper plate and the side plate is formed with a protective hole corresponding to the position of the protective groove, the end portion of the central portion passes through the protective hole, and bent so that the third connection circuit portion is outside the bus bar. Can be bonded to the sides.

According to one embodiment, the fusion plate is formed in the side plate corresponding to the position of the protective hole, the fixing hole may be formed in the center and the reinforcement plate corresponding to the position of the fusion projection.

According to one embodiment, the first coupling hole is formed in the bus bar, the second coupling hole is formed in the third connection circuit part corresponding to the position of the first coupling hole, and penetrates the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole. It may further comprise a coupling member.

According to one embodiment, the bus bar is formed with a recessed groove is formed to a predetermined depth, the first coupling hole is formed in the mounting groove, the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole may be formed in a pair, respectively spaced apart from each other. have.

According to one embodiment, the coupling member may be characterized in that the rivet.

As described above, according to the problem solving means of the present disclosure, various effects including all of the following matters can be expected. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily achieved by all of the following effects.

In the flexible circuit board according to the present disclosure, since the second connection circuit part is bent at the end of the first connection circuit part and has a shape formed parallel to the central part, the first connection circuit part and the second connection circuit part are parallel to each other during initial cutting. Compared with the comparative example, the loss of design can be minimized, thereby reducing the production cost.

In addition, since the second connection circuit part is folded along the first bending line and the second bending line and positioned on the same line as the second connection circuit part and the first connection circuit part, the production yield can be improved, and the plurality of battery cells stacked in a wide range. The voltage of each can be sensed.

In addition, the first overlapping part and the second overlapping part may be closely fixed to each other by a double-sided tape or a PAD, thereby preventing damage caused by lifting during assembly and preventing pattern cracking of the flexible circuit board due to vibration.

In addition, since the inner substrate layer of the flexible printed circuit board is exposed and can be directly bonded to the busbar without any other configuration, the third connection circuit portion does not require a separate configuration, and thus may have a cost reduction effect.

The size of the first surface may be larger than that of the second surface, thereby facilitating bonding and at the same time protecting the substrate layer.

The cell assembly of the battery module according to the present disclosure can be easily connected electrically through a terminal formed in the battery cell, the insertion hole is formed in the bus bar and the terminal portion can be folded through it to be electrically connected to the bus bar to facilitate assembly. Can be done.

Including a top frame and a side plate, the cell frame includes a shape surrounding the cell assembly, thereby fixing the battery cell primarily and protecting the battery cell.

The upper plate and the side plate are hinged, the side plate is rotated at an angle, it can be easy to assemble the frame.

Since a path groove having a predetermined depth may be formed on the upper side of the upper plate, or a protection groove may be formed at a predetermined depth on the bottom thereof, thereby protecting the center of the flexible circuit board and preventing damage that may occur during the assembly process. .

Ribs are formed along the path grooves to prevent separation of the center, which facilitates the fixing of the flexible circuit boards, and a plurality of alternately formed on both sides of the path grooves is formed to prevent damage to the flexible circuit boards that may occur during assembly. Can be.

In a state where the flexible circuit board is seated in the path groove, the top cover covering the upper side of the flexible circuit board may be further installed to minimize damage to the flexible circuit board which may occur during assembly.

The central part can be easily fixed to the protective groove by double-sided tape, and the protective hole is formed corresponding to the position where the protective groove is formed, thereby minimizing the bending portion of the flexible circuit board. Damage to the flexible circuit board can be prevented.

In addition, including a reinforcing plate that is tightly fixed to one side of the side plate, covering the end of the center, it is possible to more reliably block the possibility of damage that may occur in the assembly process of the flexible circuit board.

The reinforcing plate covers the end of the center portion to prevent damage that may occur to the flexible circuit board during the thermal fusion process.

The busbars are formed so that the seating part can be dug to a certain depth to clarify the joint, improving workability and joining in the correct position to improve the joint quality.

Integral terminals allow the flexible circuit board and busbars to be electrically connected, reducing labor and production costs.

Since ring-shaped integrated terminals can be used to connect to the busbars by fastening members (eg, screws), productivity can be improved by reducing the number of operations such as laser welding.

When the substrate layer is directly bonded to the busbar, a coating portion covering the third connection circuit portion and a part of the busbar may be further formed to increase the bonding force between the substrate layer and the sidebar and protect the substrate layer.

The coupling member may be formed of a metal material having electrical conductivity to electrically connect the bus bar and the flexible circuit board, thereby fundamentally preventing warpage or cracking of the welded portion due to welding.

1 is a view for explaining a comparative example for comparison with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

2 is a plan view of a flexible printed circuit board according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

3 is a view illustrating a folding method of the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a final shape of a connection unit on one side of the flexible circuit board illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the overlapping part illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a method in which the first overlapping part and the second overlapping part shown in FIG. 5 are fixed by an adhesive.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an exposed state of the substrate layer of the third connection circuit unit illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the first and second surfaces illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of the third connection circuit unit illustrated in FIG. 8.

10 is a perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module shown in FIG. 10.

12 is a perspective view of a cell assembly of the battery module shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a frame assembly of the battery module shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge coupling between the upper plate and the side plate of the frame shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating an arrangement of a frame and a flexible circuit board of the battery module illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a combined configuration of the upper plate and the flexible circuit board of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exploded configuration of the upper plate and the flexible circuit board illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a flexible circuit board seated in a path groove of the upper plate illustrated in FIG. 17.

19 is a front view of the side plate of the battery module shown in FIG. 10.

20 is an enlarged perspective view of the reinforcing plate illustrated in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a sectional perspective and sectional view taken along the line A-A shown in FIG.

22 is a view showing a fixing method of the reinforcing plate shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a seating part of the bus bar illustrated in FIG. 19.

FIG. 24 is a front view illustrating a state in which the substrate layer is directly bonded to the seating portion shown in FIG. 23.

25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a bonding method for bonding the substrate layer shown in FIG. 24 to a busbar.

FIG. 26 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a coating unit is further formed in the third connection circuit unit illustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the coating layer shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a front view illustrating a state in which a connection portion of the integrated connection terminal according to an embodiment is bonded to the seating portion illustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the integrated connection terminal according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a front view illustrating a state in which the integrated portion of the connecting portion of the ring portion and the connecting portion of the ring-shaped connecting terminal, which is another embodiment, is joined to the seating portion illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the ring-shaped connecting terminal and the fastening member shown in FIG. 30.

32 is a perspective view illustrating a method in which the fixing part illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 30 is fixed to the third connection circuit part.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a coupling member is coupled to a seating unit illustrated in FIG. 23.

34 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling method for coupling the coupling member to the seating portion illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view along the B-B direction shown in FIG. 33.

36 is a perspective view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 37 is an exploded side view illustrating an exploded configuration of the frame and the flexible circuit board illustrated in FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view in a lower direction of the frame shown in FIG. 36.

FIG. 39 is an exploded view of the upper plate and the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 38.

40 is an enlarged perspective view of the protection hole illustrated in FIG. 39.

41 is a perspective view illustrating a direction in which the frame assembly is assembled to the cell assembly.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a terminal unit is inserted into an insertion hole after the cell assembly and the frame assembly are assembled.

43 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a terminal unit is inserted into an insertion hole and then folded and connected to a bus bar.

44 is an enlarged perspective view of the terminal unit illustrated in FIG. 43.

45 is a perspective view illustrating a method of assembling a battery module and a monoframe.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated for the purpose of describing the technical spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth below or the detailed description of these embodiments.

All technical and scientific terms used in the present disclosure, unless defined otherwise, have the meanings that are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. All terms used in the present disclosure are selected for the purpose of more clearly describing the present disclosure, and are not selected to limit the scope of the rights according to the present disclosure.

As used in this disclosure, expressions such as "comprising", "including", "having", and the like, are open terms that imply the possibility of including other embodiments unless otherwise stated in the phrase or sentence in which the expression is included. It should be understood as (open-ended terms).

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Expressions such as “first”, “second”, and the like used in the present disclosure are used to distinguish a plurality of components from each other, and do not limit the order or importance of the components.

In the present disclosure, when a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, or new It is to be understood that the connection may be made or may be connected via other components.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. In addition, in the following description of the embodiments, it may be omitted to duplicate the same or corresponding components. However, even if the description of the component is omitted, it is not intended that such component is not included in any embodiment.

Recently, as a higher capacity large capacity battery is required, the number of stacked battery cells is increasing. In this process, the flexible printed circuit board 1000 of the comparative example is cut and used to form the sensing unit of the battery cell wide. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a band-shaped central portion 1110, connection portions 1120 formed at both ends of the central portion 1110 and disposed to face each other, and protruding from the connection portion, are connected to the bus bar by a third connection circuit portion. 1150 is cut into shapes.

In the above-described comparative example, the loss portion (a) formed on both sides of the center portion 1110 is increased, there may be a problem that the production yield of the flexible circuit board 1000 is somewhat reduced. In addition, in the process of assembling the flexible circuit board 1000 to the frame, the flexible circuit board may be damaged or torn due to an external force, etc., and thus, an electric element mounted on the flexible circuit board may be damaged. Accordingly, a problem may occur in which a crack is generated in a portion bent to the side plate of the flexible circuit board by a severe vibration or shock applied to the battery module.

2 is a plan view of a flexible printed circuit board 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a folding method of the flexible printed circuit board 100 shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is illustrated in FIG. 2. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a final shape of a connection part of one side of the flexible printed circuit board 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the overlapping part 140 illustrated in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first overlapping part 141 and a second overlapping part 142 shown in FIG. 5 by an adhesive 200. It is a perspective view showing the fixing method.

2 to 6, a flexible circuit board 100 installed in a frame to which a bus bar is coupled and configured to sense a voltage of a battery cell is formed at a central portion 110 having a band shape and at both ends of the central portion 110. And a first connection circuit part 120 facing each other and a second connection circuit part 130 which is bent and extended to the first connection circuit part 120 and formed in parallel with the central part 110. The third connection circuit unit 150 may be formed to extend from each of the first connection circuit unit 120 and the second connection circuit unit 130 to be connected to the bus bar.

When the second connection circuit part 130 is folded to one side of the first connection circuit part 120, the overlapping part 140 may be formed between the first connection circuit part 120 and the second connection circuit part 130. have. When the overlapping part 140 is formed, the second connection circuit part 130 may be disposed on the same line as the first connection circuit part 120.

Referring to FIG. 9, the substrate layer 101 may be formed at the center of the flexible circuit board 100 in the cross-sectional direction, and the insulating layers 102 may be stacked above and below the substrate layer 101, respectively. The substrate layer 101 may be composed of a circuit that transmits information as an electrical signal, and the insulating layer 102 may protect the substrate layer 101 and prevent short circuit with other conductive structures.

Referring to FIG. 9, the substrate layer 101 may be formed of a metal layer having electrical conductivity, and may be formed of a copper plate having a high electrical conductivity. The insulating layer 102 may be formed of a material having no electrical conductivity in the form of films PEN and P1. In addition, since the substrate layer 101 and the insulating layer 102 each have a flexible characteristic, they can be easily deformed.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the flexible circuit board 100 includes a central portion 110, a first connection circuit part 120, and a second connection circuit part 130, and a first connection circuit part 120 and the second connection part. The overlapping part 140 may be formed between the circuit parts 130. The center portion, the first connection circuit portion 120, the second connection circuit portion 130, and the overlapping portion 140 may correspond to portions of the flexible circuit board 100, which are together with the central portion 110, one flexible circuit board. It can be formed integrally with.

The first fixing hole 115 may be formed at an end portion of the central portion 110. In addition, the protrusion hole 112 may be further formed in a portion protruding from the central portion 110 and the second connection circuit portion 130.

The central portion 110 may be formed long in a band shape. The temperature sensing unit 111 may be formed to extend outward from the central portion 110. The temperature sensing unit 111 may be provided to extend in a plurality of sides. The temperature sensing unit 111 may be configured to detect a phenomenon such as overheating by measuring the temperature of the battery cell and transferring it to the external device as electrical information through the flexible circuit board 100.

The first connection circuit unit 120 and the second connection circuit unit 130 may be identically formed at both ends of the central portion 110 and applied. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on portions formed on one side of the central portion 110.

The first connection circuits 120 are formed at both ends of the central portion 110, respectively. The first connection circuit part 120 may extend to both sides of one end of the central portion 110 and may have a shape perpendicular to the central portion 110. In addition, the first connection circuit part 120 may be disposed to face each other with the center part 110 in the center.

The second connection circuit unit 130 may be formed to be bent from the first connection circuit unit 120. The central portion 110 is bent vertically in the direction in which the central portion 110 is formed to be formed parallel to the central portion 110. The second connection circuit unit 130 may be formed at each end of the first connection circuit unit 120. For example, a total of four second connection circuit parts 130 may be formed in one flexible circuit board 100.

The overlapping part 140 may be formed between the first connection circuit part 120 and the second connection circuit part 130. The overlapping part 140 may be defined as a part in which the second connection circuit part 130 is folded to one side of the first connection circuit part 120 so that the second connection circuit part 130 overlaps with a plurality of layers.

The overlapping part 140 includes a first overlapping part 141 and a second connection circuit part in which the second connection circuit part 130 is folded upward toward the first connection circuit part 120 along the first bending line 131. 130 may further include a second overlapping part 142 that is folded upwardly in the length direction of the first connection circuit part 120 of the first overlapping part 141 along the second bending line 132. have. That is, the overlapping part 140 is formed by folding the second connection circuit part 130 along the first bending line 131 and the second bending line 132 and corresponds to a part of the second connection circuit part 130.

When the overlapping part 140 is formed, the second connection circuit part 130 may be disposed in parallel with the first connection circuit part 120. In addition, the third connection circuit unit 150 formed in the second connection circuit unit 130 may be disposed in parallel with the third connection circuit unit 150 formed in the first connection circuit unit 120. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the two configurations are arranged in parallel, the two configurations are completely parallel so that the extension lines do not meet, as well as the case where the components are inclined at a predetermined angle to be substantially parallel.

In the flexible circuit board 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, the first bending line 131 may be formed to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first connection circuit unit 120. The second bending line 132 may be formed in an oblique direction to an angle of about 45 degrees with the first bending line 131.

Referring to FIG. 3, the folding method of the second connector 130 will be described. The second connection circuit part 130 is formed in parallel with the center part 110 (first state), and is folded along the first bending line 131 to the upper side of the second connection circuit part 130 to the opposite side of the center part 110. A state formed in parallel with the central portion 110 (second state), and the first overlapping portion 141 is formed between the first connection circuit portion 120 and the second connection circuit portion 130. Next, the second connection circuit unit 130 is bent along the second bending line 132 to the upper side of the first overlapping unit 141 and is in a state of being arranged on the same line as the first connection circuit unit 120 (first 3), a second overlapping part 142 may be formed between the first overlapping part 141 and the second connection circuit part 130.

The overlapping part 140 and the

bending lines

131 and 132 are not necessarily formed in two, based on one second connection circuit part 130, and may vary according to the cutting shape and the final shape of the flexible circuit board 100. It can be formed as.

The portions of the second connecting portions constituting the first overlapping portion 141 and the second overlapping portion 142 may be tightly fixed by the adhesive 200. The adhesive 200 may be configured to provide a fastening force on the upper side and the lower side at the same time. The adhesive 200 may use, for example, double-sided tape or double-sided pad. When the adhesive 200 is used, the increase in thickness due to the overlap of the flexible circuit board 100 may be minimized and the lifting may be prevented to prevent damage due to vibration due to the assembling process or driving of the vehicle.

According to the above-described embodiment, the flexible circuit board 100 may have a final shape after the folding operation is different from the cut shape before the bending operation. Accordingly, the yield in the production process of the flexible printed circuit board 100 may be improved, and the voltages of the plurality of battery cells stacked to occupy a wide width may be sensed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an exposed state of the substrate layer of the third connection circuit unit 150 illustrated in FIG. 4, and FIG. 8 illustrates the first surface 151 and the second surface 152 illustrated in FIG. 7. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of the third connection circuit unit 150 illustrated in FIG. 8.

The third connection circuit part 150 is formed to extend from the first connection circuit part 120 and the second connection circuit part 130 so as to branch from each of the first connection circuit part 120 and the second connection circuit part 130. One side may be bonded to the busbar. In the flexible circuit board 100 according to an embodiment, the plurality of third connection circuit parts 150 may extend in the same direction in the first connection circuit part 120. In addition, one third connection circuit unit 150 may be formed to extend to an end of the second connection circuit unit 130.

The third connection circuit part 150 is formed of the second connection circuit part 130 when the second connection circuit part 130 is in a state of being arranged on the same line as the first connection circuit part 120 (that is, a third state). The third connection circuit unit 150 may be arranged side by side in the same direction such that the third connection circuit unit 150 protrudes in the same direction as the third connection circuit unit 150 formed in the first connection circuit unit 120.

The third connection circuit unit 150 may be bonded to the bus bar to measure voltage and current of each of the battery cells and transmit the electrical information along the substrate layer 101. Therefore, the number of the third connection circuit units 150 may be adjusted to increase or decrease according to the number of battery cells and the number of bus bars.

Both sides of the third connection circuit unit 150 may be formed to expose the internal substrate layer 101 of the flexible circuit board 100, and the substrate layer 101 may be formed by contacting the bus bar with the first surface 151 and the first surface 151. It may include a second surface 152 formed on the opposite side of the first surface 151 and exposed.

The size of the first surface 151 may be larger than that of the second surface 152. Such a structure may facilitate bonding between the first surface 151 and the bus bar, and minimize damage of the substrate layer 101 by reducing a portion of the substrate layer 101 exposed to the outside.

In another embodiment, the third connection circuit 150 may be formed such that one surface of the inner substrate layer 101 is exposed. The opposite side of one surface of the substrate layer 101 may be covered with an insulating layer. In addition, one surface of the exposed substrate layer 101 may be in contact with the bus bar.

According to the above-described embodiment, the bus bar and the third connection circuit unit 150 can be directly bonded to each other, thereby reducing the labor and the weight and cost. This will be described in detail when describing the battery module.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the battery module of the present disclosure including the above-described flexible circuit board will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]

10 is a perspective view of a battery module 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the battery module 1 shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is a battery module 1 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the frame assembly 10 of the battery module 1 shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 14 is a top plate () of the frame 400 shown in FIG. 13. 410 and a perspective view showing the hinge coupling of the side plate 420.

10 to 14, the battery module 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cell assembly 300 in which one or more battery cells are stacked and a frame assembly for fixing the cell assembly 300. (10) may be included.

The frame assembly 10 includes a top plate 410, side plates 420 connected to both ends of the top plate 410, and a frame 400 and side plates arranged to surround the cell assembly 300. The bus bar 500 may be disposed and fixed to the 420, and the flexible circuit board 100 may be disposed along the upper plate 410 and the side plate 420 to sense the voltage of the battery cell. The upper plate 410 may be formed with a path groove 411 is formed in a predetermined depth on the upper side.

The cell assembly 300 is formed by stacking one or more battery cells, and the battery cell is generally formed of a secondary battery, but is not limited thereto. The cell assembly 300 may be formed of any battery that can be charged or discharged.

The battery cell may protrude to both sides to form a terminal portion 310. If a negative terminal is formed on one side, a positive terminal is formed on the other side. It is also preferred that it is formed of a conductive material and has a flexible characteristic to be deformable. Therefore, the terminal part 310 is folded to one side and electrically connected to the adjacent terminal part 310 through a bonding process.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the cell assembly 300 may be formed by stacking battery cells upright, and the battery cells are connected to other adjacent battery cells and the terminal unit 310. For example, when terminals having the same polarity are connected to each other, the battery cells are electrically connected in parallel, and when the terminals having different polarities are connected to each other, the battery cells are electrically connected in series.

The connection of the battery cells can be configured differently as necessary. For example, eight battery cells may be connected in parallel by two, and four cells connected in parallel may be connected in series to form 4P 3S.

According to the embodiment described above, the battery assembly according to the vehicle package can be easily changed by changing the connection configuration of the battery cells in the cell assembly 300, and the productivity time can be improved by reducing the time required for the bonding process.

13 and 14, the frame 400 may include an upper plate 410 and side plates 420 connected to both ends of the upper plate 410. The upper plate 410 and the side plate 420 of the frame 400 are hingedly coupled to the hook portion 414 formed on the upper plate 410 and the rod portion 424 formed on the side plate 420.

Each end of the upper plate 410 may be formed with a plurality of hook-shaped hook portions 414 spaced apart from each other, and a rod portion may be formed on an upper surface of the side plate 420 corresponding to a position at which the hook portion 414 is formed. 424 may be formed. The hook portion 414 and the rod portion 424 protrude from the upper plate 410 and the side plate 420, respectively, and face each other, so that the rod portion 424 is fitted to the hook portion 414. It can be hinged.

In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the hook portion 414 may be equal to or smaller than the radius of the rod portion 424. Accordingly, a predetermined or more fixing force may be secured in the coupling of the upper plate 410 and the side plate 420, and thus, workability may be improved by preventing the frame 400 from being separated during the assembly process.

In the frame 400, the upper plate 410 is disposed above the cell assembly 300, and the side plate 420 is disposed on both sides of the cell assembly 300 in which the terminal portion 310 is formed. ) May be arranged to surround.

The frame 400 may have a top plate 410 and a side plate 420 formed by plastic injection molding. Accordingly, the frame 400 is inexpensive to produce, and can be easily assembled by hinge coupling.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating an arrangement of the frame 400 and the flexible circuit board 100 of the battery module 1 illustrated in FIG. 10, and FIG. 16 is a top plate of the frame assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 13. 410 and a perspective view showing a combined configuration of the flexible circuit board 100, Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view showing an exploded configuration of the upper plate 410 and the flexible circuit board 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the flexible circuit board 100 is seated in the path groove 411 of the upper plate 410 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the side plate 420 of the battery module 1 shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the reinforcing plate 600 shown in FIG. 19, and FIG. 21 is shown in FIG. 20. AA is a cross-sectional perspective view and a cross-sectional view, Figure 22 is a view showing a fixing method of the reinforcing plate 600 shown in Figure 20, Figure 23 is a seating portion 520 of the bus bar 500 shown in Figure 19 It is an enlarged perspective view.

The flexible printed circuit board 100 is disposed along the outer side of the frame 400, as shown in FIG. 15. The central portion 110 may be disposed on an upper surface of the upper plate 410. The central portion 110 is seated and fixed in a path groove 411 formed with a constant depth, the length of the central portion 110 is formed longer than the longitudinal direction of the upper plate 410 so that both ends of the central portion 110 are side plates Can be bent along 420.

The first connection circuit part 120 and the second connection circuit part 130 are disposed outside the side plate 420, and are bent and adhered along the exterior of the side plate 420. Therefore, the third connection circuit unit 150 formed in the first connection circuit unit 210 and the second connection circuit unit 130 may be structurally disposed outside the bus bar 500.

Referring to FIG. 2, protruding holes 112 may be formed in the central portion 110 and the second connection circuit portion 130. A plurality of protruding holes 112 may be formed, and fastening members (not shown) may penetrate to fix the flexible circuit board 100 to the frame 400. The protruding hole 112 extends to protrude outward and does not affect the internal circuit.

One end of the flexible circuit board 100 is electrically connected to the bus bar 500, and a plurality of lines are arranged in parallel to each other so that information about the voltage and voltage of the battery cell may be measured by a battery management system (BMS). Deliver to the side (not shown). BMS manages charging and discharging of each battery cell. For example, BMS may charge a plurality of battery cells discharged to different voltage levels in a charging mode to have a uniform voltage level.

The upper plate 410 is formed in a quadrangular shape corresponding to the size of the cell assembly 300, and is disposed above the cell assembly 300. The upper side surface includes a path groove 411 in which the center portion 110 is seated, and includes a top cover 413 covering an upper side of the path groove 411.

The path groove 411 may be formed to pit to a certain depth so that the center portion 110 can be seated. The top cover 413 may cover the upper side of the central portion 110 in a state in which the central portion 110 is seated in the path groove 411. Therefore, the path groove 411 and the top cover 413 may be formed in the same shape as the shape of the central portion (110). Therefore, the central portion 110 is not separated to the outside of the frame 400 and is not exposed to the outside, thereby preventing damage to the central portion 110 during the assembly process.

The upper plate 410 may be formed with a rib 412 protruding toward the inside of the path groove 411. Ribs 412 are formed in a plurality of alternately on both sides of the path groove 411, may be formed to be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.

The rib 412 may be formed to protrude inwardly from both sides of the path groove 411, and the bottom surface of the rib 412 may be spaced apart from the path groove 411 by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the central portion 110 is disposed between the rib 412 and the path groove 411, and thus prevents the central part 110 from being separated from the path groove 411, so that the flexible circuit board 100 can be used without an adhesive such as a double-sided tape. ) May be tightly fixed to the frame 400.

Referring to FIG. 19, the reinforcing plate 600 and the bus bar 500 may be tightly fixed to an outer surface of the side plate 420. The side plate 420 is composed of two and connected to both ends of the upper plate 410, respectively. Thus, two side plates 420 may be disposed on both sides of the cell assembly 300. Both sides of the cell assembly 300 may be both sides on which the terminal unit 310 of the battery cell is formed.

The reinforcement plate 600 may cover the end of the central portion 110 and be fixed in close contact with the side plate 420. In the side plate 420, a fusion protrusion 425 protruding from the side plate 420 may be formed to fix the reinforcing plate 600. Fixing

holes

115 and 615 may be formed in each of the central portion 110 and the reinforcing plate 600 to correspond to the position of the fusion protrusion 425.

The reinforcing plate 600, the fusion protrusion 425 sequentially penetrates through the first fixing hole 115 of the central portion 110 and the second fixing hole 615 of the reinforcing plate 600, and then fixed in a fusion method. Can be. The fusion protrusion 425 is melted from the outside by a pressing member (not shown) equipped with a heater in the thermal fusion process, and then compressed, and then the reinforcement plate 600 is cooled to the side plate 420 while the compressed portion is cooled and cured. It may be in close contact.

According to the embodiment described above, an end portion of the central portion 110 may be disposed and fixed between the reinforcing plate 600 and the side plate 420. Since the reinforcement plate 600 presses the lower end portion past the bent portion of the central portion 110, the bending of the flexible circuit board 100 may be further minimized by the pressurization to prevent damage such as cracks. In addition, the flexible circuit board 100 may be directly prevented from being pressurized in the heat fusion process, and damage may be minimized by absorbing external force such as continuous vibration or shock caused by driving of the vehicle.

The fusion process here includes not only thermal fusion fixing but also ultrasonic fusion fixing and the like.

The reinforcement plate 600 may be formed of any insulating material without a circuit except for metal so as not to interfere with the electrical connection between the flexible circuit board 100 and the bus bar 500.

The bus bar 500 may be tightly fixed to the side plate 420 so that one part may be connected to the third connection circuit 150 and the other part may be connected to the terminal 310. Therefore, the bus bar 500 may be configured to electrically connect the flexible circuit board 100 and the battery cell.

The bus bars 500 may be provided in plural numbers so as to be spaced apart from each other, and the number of bus bars 500 may be changed as necessary. In addition, an insertion hole 510 and a seating part 520 may be formed in each bus bar 500.

The seating part 520 may be a part that is joined to the third connection circuit part 150 of each bus bar 500, and may be formed to pie at a predetermined depth. Therefore, the worker can visually identify the working position based on the seating part 520, and can grasp | ascertain the bonding position clearly. Accordingly, problems such as poor bonding can be solved.

The insertion hole 510 may be formed along the same direction as the direction in which the battery cells are stacked. The terminal portion 310 of the cell assembly 300 is inserted into the insertion hole 510, and a portion of the terminal portion 310 protruding through the insertion hole 510 may be folded to one side and bonded to the bus bar 500. . Accordingly, the battery cell may be electrically connected to another battery cell through the bus bar 500.

In this case, a hole (not shown) may be formed in the side plate 420 corresponding to the position where the insertion hole 510 is formed to insert the terminal portion 310.

The bus bar 500 may include a sensing bus bar and an HV bus bar that are separately formed. The bus bar 500 may be electrically connected to the terminal 310 of the cell assembly 300 to transmit information about voltage and current of each battery cell, or may be connected to a bus bar installed outside the battery module 1 to provide electrical information. Can be passed. In addition, the bus bar 500 may be formed of a conductor, and may be formed of a metal having high electrical conductivity.

24 is a front view illustrating a state in which the substrate layer 101 is directly bonded to the seating portion 520 illustrated in FIG. 23, and FIG. 25 illustrates the substrate layer 101 illustrated in FIG. 24 attached to the bus bar 500. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a bonding method for bonding, FIG. 26 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a coating unit 800 is further formed on the third connection circuit unit 150 of FIG. 24, and FIG. 27 is a view of the coating layer illustrated in FIG. 26. It is a cross section.

The substrate layer 101 includes a first surface 151 contacting the bus bar 500 and a second surface 152 formed on an opposite side of the first surface 151 and an outer side of the second surface 152. As a coating portion 800 may be further formed. The first surface 151 and the second surface 152 may be formed by cutting the insulating layer 102 of the flexible circuit board 100 to expose the internal substrate layer 101.

The first surface 151 may be in contact with one side of the bus bar 500, and may be in contact with a seating part 520 formed in the bus bar 500 at a predetermined depth. The seating part 520 may improve the workability by clearly indicating a position where the third connection circuit part 150 is bonded.

In an embodiment, the size of the first surface 151 may be larger than that of the second surface 152. According to the present embodiment, the welding area with the bus bar 500 may be secured, and the damage of the third connection circuit part 150 may be prevented by reducing the area of the substrate layer exposed to the outside.

The substrate layer 101 is formed of an electrically conductive material and serves as a circuit of the flexible printed circuit board 100. The substrate layer 101 directly bonds the first surface 151 and the seating portion 520 to the bus bar 500. The flexible circuit board 100 may be electrically connected. In this process, the first surface 151 may be joined by laser welding on the outside of the second surface 152.

The first surface 151 may be a surface exposed by cutting the insulating layer 102. If an air gap corresponding to the outside of the seating portion 520 and the thickness of the insulating layer 102 exists, a shape in which the substrate layer 101 is burned in the bonding process due to the air gap occurs or the insulating layer 102 is formed. ) May burn and fail to achieve the required quality.

According to one embodiment, the air gap existing between the first surface 151 and the seating portion 520 may be removed by pressing the second surface 152 with the jig (Z, jig) in the bonding process. In addition, the contact area between the seating portion 520 and the first surface 151 may be increased by pressurization to improve the fixing force of the welded portion.

Since the third connection circuit unit 150 is configured to be exposed to both surfaces of the substrate layer 101, the third connection circuit unit 150 may have a structure that can be directly coupled to the bus bar 500. Thus, it is possible to provide more improved productivity by reducing the number of applied parts and the man-hour.

The coating part 800 may be formed to cover a portion of the bus bar 500 around the second surface 152 and the third connection circuit part 150. The coating part 800 may be made of a non-conductive material so as not to interfere with the electrical connection between the substrate layer 101 and the bus bar 500, and may be applied only to a part using a nozzle.

As shown in FIG. 27, the coating part 800 may be formed with the first surface 151 bonded to the bus bar 500. In addition, it is formed to cover not only the second surface 152 but also a portion of the peripheral insulating layer 102 and the peripheral bus bar 500 of the second surface 152 to prevent corrosion of the substrate layer 101 and at the same time Bonding strength with 500 can be improved.

FIG. 28 is a front view illustrating a state in which the connection portion 720 of the integrated connection terminal 700 is bonded to the seating portion 520 illustrated in FIG. 23, and FIG. 29 is an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 28. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an integrated connection terminal 700 according to an example, and FIG. 30 is a connection portion 1720 of a ring-shaped connection terminal 1700 which is a different embodiment from the integrated connection terminal 700 in the seating portion 520 illustrated in FIG. 23. Is a front view showing a bonded state, and FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the ring-shaped connection terminal 1700 and the fastening member 1730 illustrated in FIG. 30, and FIG. 32 is a fixing portion (shown in FIGS. 28 and 30). 710 is a perspective view illustrating how the third connection circuit unit 150 is fixed.

The flexible circuit board 100 and the bus bar 500 may be electrically connected to each other by the substrate layer 101 formed on the third connection circuit unit 150 as described in the above-described embodiment. However, it may be electrically connected to the third connection circuit unit 150 and the

connection terminals

700 and 1700 respectively connected to the bus bar 500.

The

connection terminals

700 and 1700 include fixing parts 710 and connecting

parts

720 and 1720, and the connecting

parts

720 and 1720 extend from one side of the fixing part 710 and are integrally formed. The

connection terminals

700 and 1700 are positioned between the bus bar 500 and the third connection circuit unit 150, and are connected to both sides to electrically connect the third connection circuit unit 150 and the bus bar 500. Can be.

Specifically, the fixing part 710 may be formed to be relatively narrow as a part fixed to the third connection circuit part 150, and a fixing protrusion 711 protruding upward and downward may be formed. The fixing protrusions 711 may be provided in plural to be spaced apart from each other, and may pass through the third connection circuit unit 150 arranged at a predetermined position. The protruding portion of the fixing protrusion 711 is bent and deformed and fixed to the third connection circuit unit 150.

The

connection terminals

700 and 1700 may have various embodiments, and the same parts will be described below with the same reference numerals even when they correspond to different embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 25, the connection part 720 of the connection terminal 700 according to the exemplary embodiment is formed to be relatively wide and joined to the seating part 520 of the bus bar 500, and is formed by laser welding. Can be bonded. As shown in FIG. 27, the connection portion 1720 of the connection terminal 1700 according to another embodiment may have a ring shape having a hole 1721 formed at the center thereof, and the ring shape may include a fastening member 1730 such as a screw. It can be fixed by.

In the

connection terminals

700 and 1700 according to the above-described embodiment, unlike the conventional fixed terminal and the connection plate for connecting the flexible circuit board and the bus bar, the fixing unit 710 and the

connection unit

720 and 1720 are integrated. Can reduce labor and reduce production costs, thus improving productivity.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the coupling member 2700 is coupled to the seating portion 520 illustrated in FIG. 23, and FIG. 34 illustrates a coupling member 2700 coupled to the seating portion 520 illustrated in FIG. 33. 35 is a perspective view showing a coupling method for performing the same.

The flexible circuit board 100 and the bus bar 500 may be electrically connected to each other by the substrate layer 101 or the

connection terminals

700 and 1700 formed in the third connection circuit unit 150 as described above. However, the coupling member 2700 may be overlapped between the third connection circuit unit 150 and the bus bar 500 to electrically connect the third connection circuit unit 150 and the bus bar 500.

The coupling member 2700 may include a head 2710 disposed outside the third connection circuit 150 and a joint 2720 extending from the head 2710. The joint 2720 may electrically connect the flexible circuit board and the bus bar. Therefore, the coupling member 2700 is formed of a metal material having electrical conductivity. The head 2710 may be disposed to protrude outward from the joint part 2720 to press the third connection circuit 150 to the seating part 520 to fix the third connection circuit 150 to the seating part 520. have.

A first coupling hole 521 is formed in the seating portion 520 to couple with the coupling member 2700, and a second coupling hole corresponding to the position of the first coupling hole 521 in the third connection circuit portion 150. 153 may be formed. The first coupling hole 521 and the second coupling hole 153 may be formed in pairs spaced apart from each other, and may have the same inner diameter. In a state in which the coupling member 2700 is coupled, the joint part 2720 may be fixed to the bus bar 500 by sequentially passing through the second coupling hole 153 and the first coupling hole 521. In addition, the head 2710 extends to the outside of the joint part 2720 and protrudes outside the third connection circuit unit 150.

The joint portion 2720 may have the same size as the first coupling hole 521 and the second coupling hole 153, and the head 2710 may have a radius larger than that of the joint portion 2720. Therefore, the head 2710 may not be penetrated through the first coupling hole 521 and the second coupling hole 153 and may be disposed outside the third connection circuit unit 150.

According to the above-described embodiment, the joint portion 2720 of the coupling member 2700 penetrates through the second coupling hole 153 and is electrically connected to the substrate layer 102 of the third connection circuit unit 150. 1 Since the coupling bar 521 is electrically connected to the bus bar 500, the coupling member 2700 may electrically connect the flexible circuit board and the bus bar.

In one embodiment, the engagement member 2700 may be composed of a rivet that provides a permanent binding force and is usefully used between thin members. In the case of using the rivet, it is possible to fundamentally prevent distortion due to the welding process or crack shape generated at the welded portion, thereby improving the reliability of the bonding.

Second Embodiment

Since the battery module 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure has the same configuration as the battery module 1 according to the first embodiment described above, a redundant description of the same configuration as that described above will be omitted. .

36 is a perspective view of a battery module 2 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 37 is a side view illustrating an exploded configuration of the frame 400 and the flexible circuit board 100 shown in FIG. 36. FIG. 38 is a perspective view from below of the frame 400 shown in FIG. 36, FIG. 39 is an exploded view of the upper plate 410 and the flexible circuit board 100 shown in FIG. 38, and FIG. 40 is shown in FIG. 39. It is an enlarged perspective view of the protection hole 417 shown.

36 to 40, the battery module 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is a frame assembly for fixing the cell assembly 300 and the cell assembly 300 formed by stacking one or more battery cells. 20 may be included.

The frame assembly 20 includes a top plate 410 and a frame 400 disposed to surround the cell assembly 300 including side plates 420 connected to both ends of the top plate 410. A bus bar 500 disposed on and fixed to the side plate 420, a flexible circuit board 100 disposed along the upper plate 410 and the side plate 420 to sense a voltage of the battery cell, and the side surface. The reinforcing plate 600 may be tightly fixed to one side of the plate 420 to cover an end portion of the flexible circuit board 100. The upper plate 410 may be formed with a protective groove 416 that is dug to a certain depth on the bottom.

In the battery module 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 37, the central portion 110 of the flexible circuit board 100 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the upper plate 410. The first connection unit 120 and the second connection circuit unit 130 may be disposed on the outer surface of the side plate 420.

The central portion 110 may be located between the upper plate 410 and the cell assembly 300, thereby minimizing a portion of the flexible circuit board exposed to the outside of the battery module 1. Therefore, damage to the flexible circuit board 100, such as tearing due to cracks, which may occur in the assembly process, may be minimized.

As shown in FIG. 39, the upper plate 410 of the frame 400 may have a protective groove 416 formed at a bottom thereof to accommodate the central portion 110, and the protective groove 416 may have a central portion 110. It may be formed in the same shape.

The central portion 110 may be tightly fixed to the protective groove 416 by the adhesive 200. The adhesive 200 may use a double-sided tape 200 having a shape corresponding to that of the central portion 110 and the protective groove 416. In the case of fixing the central portion 110 by the double-sided tape 200, the heat fusion process can be minimized during the assembly of the battery module 1, thereby shortening the production time, and the ductility caused by the pressure in the fusion fixing. Damage to the circuit board 100 can be prevented.

In one embodiment, a protective hole 417 may be formed in at least one of the upper plate 410 and the side plate 420 corresponding to the position where the protective groove 416 is formed. The protection hole 417 passes through an end portion of the central portion 110 such that the first connection circuit portion 120 and the second connection circuit portion 130 may be disposed on the outer surface of the side plate 420.

Referring to FIG. 40, the central portion 110 may be bent while penetrating through the protection hole 417, so that the protection hole 417 may be formed in the upper plate 410 in order to minimize this.

In addition, since the first connection circuit part 120 and the second connection circuit part 130 are formed wider than the central part 110, the central part 110 is protected before the upper plate 410 and the side plate 420 are hinged. Receiving and fixed in the groove 416 may facilitate assembly of the frame assembly 20.

Hereinafter, the order of assembling the cell assembly 300 and the frame assembly 20 of the battery module 1 of the present disclosure will be described.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view illustrating a direction in which the frame assembly 20 is assembled to the cell assembly 300, and FIG. 42 is a terminal part in the insertion hole 510 after the cell assembly 300 and the frame assembly 20 are assembled. FIG. 43 is a perspective view illustrating the inserted state, and FIG. 43 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the terminal unit 310 is inserted into the insertion hole 510 and then folded and connected to the bus bar 500. An enlarged perspective view of the terminal unit 310 shown. 45 is a perspective view illustrating a method of assembling the battery module 2 and the monoframe 900.

In one embodiment, the terminal unit 310 of one battery cell may be connected to the terminal unit 310 of an adjacent battery cell to form a stacked cell assembly 300. In this case, the terminal unit 310 may be connected to the adjacent terminal unit 310 in a state protruding to both sides of the battery cell.

The frame 400 may be in a state where the upper plate 410 and the side plate 420 are hinged and assembled. The flexible circuit board 100 may be disposed along the frame 400, and the third connection circuit unit 150 may be disposed in a state of being bonded to the bus bar 500.

As shown in FIG. 41, the assembled frame assembly 20 is coupled to the cell assembly 300 from the upper side to the lower side of the cell assembly 300. At this time, since the terminal portion 310 protrudes, the side plate 420 may be rotated outward with respect to the hinge coupling with the upper plate 410 to be opened outward with respect to the upper plate 410. Accordingly, the frame assembly 20 may be disposed to surround the outside of the cell assembly 300 without disturbing the terminal portion 310.

Next, as shown in FIG. 42, the side plate 420 rotated outward is rotated back to the inner position and positioned. At this time, the protruding terminal portion 310 passes through a hole (not shown) formed in the side plate 420 and an insertion hole 510 formed in the bus bar 500, and an end of the terminal portion 310 of the bus bar 500. It may protrude outward.

An end portion of the terminal portion 310 is formed by attaching a plurality of terminal portions 310 to which the terminal portions 310 of the battery cells adjacent to the battery cells are bonded.

Next, as shown in FIG. 43, an end portion of the terminal portion 310 protruding outward is folded to one side and bonded to an outer surface of the bus bar 500. In the bonded state, as shown in FIG. 44, the terminal part 310 end does not contact the end of another adjacent terminal part 310, and thus is connected to one terminal part 310 by another terminal part 310. The battery cell may be electrically connected to another battery cell only by the bus bar 500.

In one embodiment, the terminal portion 310 and the busbar 500 are joined by laser welding on the outside of the terminal portion 310 ends without providing a separate configuration for coupling, so that the time and cost required for the production of the battery module. Can reduce the cost.

Referring to FIG. 45, in the same manner as described above, the assembled battery module 1 may be assembled and fixed with the mono frame 900 once again. The mono frame 900 prevents slippage or damage of the cell assembly 300 when a vehicle accident occurs, thereby preventing secondary accidents such as fire. In addition, to protect the coupled state of the frame 400 and the cell assembly 300 from external impact. In addition, the mono frame 900 may be formed of a metal material or the like having high strength.

While the technical spirit of the present disclosure has been described with reference to some embodiments and the examples shown in the accompanying drawings, the technical spirit and scope of the present disclosure may be understood by those skilled in the art. It will be appreciated that various substitutions, modifications, and alterations can be made in the scope. Also, such substitutions, modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

In the flexible circuit board is installed on the frame coupled to the bus bar,

Center of band shape;

First connection circuits formed at both ends of the center portion and disposed to face each other;

A second connection circuit portion extending from the first connection circuit portion to be parallel to the central portion; And

A third connection circuit portion extending from each of the first connection circuit portion and the second connection circuit portion and connected to the bus bar;

When the second connection circuit part is folded to one side of the first connection circuit part, an overlapping part including another part of the second connection circuit part disposed to overlap each other with one part of the second connection circuit part in a cross-sectional direction is formed.

And the second connection circuit part is disposed on the same line as the first connection circuit part when the overlap part is formed.
The method of claim 1,

The second connection circuit portion is formed at each end of the first connection circuit portion,

The overlapping portion,

A first overlapping part formed by folding the second connection circuit part toward the first connection circuit part along a first bending line; And

And a second overlapping part formed by folding the second connection circuit part to be bent along a second bending line in a length direction of the first connection circuit part.
The method of claim 2,

The first bending line is formed in parallel with the first connection circuit portion,

The second bending line is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first bending line.
The method of claim 2,

And a portion of the second connecting portion constituting the first overlapping portion and the second overlapping portion to be tightly fixed by an adhesive that provides a fixing force to the upper side and the lower side.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The adhesive is a flexible circuit board, characterized in that the double-sided tape or double-sided pad.
The method of claim 1,

A plurality of third connection circuit portion formed in the first connection circuit portion is formed to be spaced apart from each other,

When the first connection circuit portion and the second connection circuit portion are positioned parallel to each other, a flexible circuit in which the third connection circuit portion formed in the second connection circuit portion parallel to each other and the third connection circuit portion formed in the first connection circuit portion Board.
The method of claim 1,

The flexible circuit board further comprises a temperature sensing unit formed extending from the center to the outside.
The method of claim 1,

The third connection circuit part includes a substrate layer and an insulating layer configured to expose one surface of the substrate layer,

One side of the substrate layer is configured to contact the bus bar.
The method of claim 1,

The third connection circuit part includes an insulating layer configured to expose a substrate layer and both surfaces of the substrate layer,

The substrate layer,

A first surface in contact with the busbar; And

A flexible circuit board comprising a second surface formed on the opposite side of the first surface.
The method of claim 9,

The third connection circuit portion, the flexible circuit board, characterized in that the size of the first surface is larger than the size of the second surface.
A frame assembly for fixing a cell assembly formed by stacking at least one battery cell,

A frame disposed to surround the cell assembly, including a top plate and side plates connected to both ends of the top plate;

A bus bar disposed on and fixed to the side plate; And

A flexible circuit board disposed along the upper plate and the side plate to sense a voltage of the battery cell;

The upper plate is formed in the upper groove path grooves to a predetermined depth,

The flexible circuit board,

A temperature sensing part extending outwardly and formed in a band-shaped center seated in the path groove;

First connection circuits formed at both ends of the center portion and disposed to face each other;

Second connection circuit portions extending at both ends of the first connection circuit portion and formed to be parallel to the central portion; And

A third connection circuit portion extending from each of the first connection circuit portion and the second connection circuit portion and connected to the bus bar;

The flexible printed circuit board may include a first overlapping part formed by folding the second connection circuit part toward the first connection circuit part along a first bending line and the first connection circuit part along the second bending line. An overlap portion is formed including a second overlap portion formed by being folded to be bent in the longitudinal direction of the cross section.

When the overlap is formed,

And the second connection circuit portion is disposed on the same line as the first connection circuit portion, and the third connection circuit portion formed on the second connection circuit portion is arranged in line with the third connection circuit portion formed on the first connection circuit portion.
The method of claim 11,

The cell assembly may be formed by stacking terminal parts formed at both ends of the plurality of battery cells in series or in parallel, and directly connecting and electrically connecting the terminal parts to the bus bars.
The method of claim 12,

Insertion holes are formed in the bus bar in the same direction in which the battery cells are stacked.

The cell assembly may include a plurality of battery cells stacked in parallel, and the battery cells stacked in parallel are again stacked in series, and the terminal unit is inserted into the insertion hole and electrically connected to the bus bar.
The method of claim 13,

The terminal portion penetrates the insertion hole, and a portion protruding therethrough is folded outside the bus bar to be laser welded and electrically connected.
The method of claim 11,

The first bending line is formed in parallel with the first connection circuit portion,

The second bending line is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the first bending line,

And the second connection circuit part is sequentially folded along the first bending line and the second bending line, and arranged in the same line as the first connection circuit part.
The method of claim 11,

The reinforcement plate is fixed to one side of the side plate, and covers the end of the central portion,

The upper plate has a frame assembly further formed with a rib to prevent the separation between the center and the path groove along the path groove.
The method of claim 16,

The rib assembly is provided with a plurality of spaced apart from each other alternately on both sides of the path groove.
The method of claim 16,

The side plate is formed with a fusion projection corresponding to the position where the center is disposed,

Frame centers are formed in the center and the reinforcing plate, respectively, fixing holes corresponding to the position of the fusion projections.
The method of claim 11,

And a top cover covering the upper side of the center in a state where the center is seated in the path groove.
The method of claim 11,

The bus bar is provided with a seating portion dug to a certain depth,

One side is fixedly coupled to the flexible circuit board, the other side further comprises a connection terminal bonded to the bus bar,

The connection terminal is

A fixing part formed with a fixing protrusion to be fixed to the third connection circuit part; And

A frame assembly extending from the fixing portion, comprising a connecting portion disposed in the seating portion.
The method of claim 20,

The fixing protrusions are spaced apart from both sides of the fixing portion, and the plurality of fixing protrusions are electrically connected to the flexible circuit board through the third connection circuit unit at a predetermined position, and the portions protruding from the fixing protrusions are compressed to prevent bending deformation. Is fixed by

And the connecting portion is joined to the seating portion by laser welding.
The method of claim 20,

The connection portion is formed in a ring shape to form a fastening hole,

And a fastening member penetrating the fastening hole and inserted into the seating part to fix the connection terminal.
The method of claim 11,

And a coating part configured to cover the third connection circuit part and a portion of the bus bar around the third connection circuit part while the third connection circuit part is connected to the bus bar.
The method of claim 11,

The bus bar is provided with a seating portion dug to a certain depth,

One surface of the third connection circuit portion is in contact with the seating frame assembly.
A frame assembly for fixing a cell assembly formed by stacking at least one battery cell,

A frame disposed to surround the cell assembly including an upper plate and side plates connected to both ends of the upper plate;

A bus bar disposed on and fixed to the side plate;

A flexible circuit board disposed along the upper plate and the side plate to sense a voltage of the battery cell; And

A reinforcing plate which is tightly fixed to one side of the side plate and covers an end of the flexible circuit board,

The upper plate is formed with a protective groove is dug to a certain depth on the bottom,

The flexible circuit board,

A temperature sensing unit extending outwardly and having a band-shaped central portion accommodated in the protective groove;

First connection circuits formed at both ends of the center portion and disposed to face each other;

Second connection circuit portions extending at both ends of the first connection circuit portion and formed to be parallel to the central portion; And

A third connection circuit part extending from each of the first connection circuit part and the second connection circuit part and connected to a bus bar;

The flexible printed circuit board may include a first overlapping part formed by folding the second connection circuit part toward the first connection circuit part along a first bending line and the first connection circuit part along the second bending line. An overlap portion is formed including a second overlap portion formed by being folded to be bent in the longitudinal direction of the cross section.

When the overlap is formed,

And the second connection circuit portion is disposed in parallel with the first connection circuit portion, and the third connection circuit portion formed in the second connection circuit portion is disposed in parallel with the third connection circuit portion formed in the first connection circuit portion.
The method of claim 25,

And the overlapping portion formed between the protective groove and the center portion and between the first connection circuit portion and the second connection circuit portion is tightly fixed by an adhesive.
The method of claim 28,

At least one of the upper plate and the side plate is formed with a protective hole corresponding to the position of the protective groove,

An end portion of the central portion penetrates through the protection hole, and is bent to join the third connection circuit portion to an outer surface of the bus bar.
The method of claim 34, wherein

The side plate is formed with a fusion projection corresponding to the position of the protective hole,

Frame centers are formed in the center and the reinforcing plate, respectively, fixing holes corresponding to the position of the fusion projections.
The method of claim 25,

A first coupling hole is formed in the bus bar,

A second coupling hole is formed in the third connection circuit part corresponding to the position of the first coupling hole.

The frame assembly further comprises a coupling member penetrating the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole.
The method of claim 29,

The bus bar has a recess recessed to a certain depth; Formed,

The first coupling hole is formed in the seating groove,

The first coupling hole and the second coupling hole are frame assembly, characterized in that formed in a pair spaced apart from each other.
The method of claim 29,

And the coupling member is a rivet.